So tattoos in Japan are still a bit of a cultural no-no. It’s definitely changing from when we came here in 2013/14…then 2020….and now 2026. I don’t have big gaps around me on the train any more! And we have seen a few younger Japanese people with small tattoos.
However, onsens are a whole other thing.
An onsen is a hot spring, although the term is often extended to also describe the bathing facilities, outdoor baths, spas and inns around the hot springs. In towns with hot baths not from local springs (like Tokyo) they are called sentos. It’s communal bathing and you are gender segregated and only wearing your birthday suit. Yep. You’re nakey. No covering up
Which means tattoos are a real issue for my love of onsens. And covering up 9ish tattoos including 4 large ones isn’t viable anymore.
The first time I went into an onsen in Niseko in Jan 2014 the lady at the front desk told me “tattoo okay”. I took my top off and a Japanese grandma smacked me with her towel and yelled at me…back out I went lol. No relaxing Onsen for me that day!
We have found in snow regions most places tend to be more flexible. They have adapted to Aussies, Kiwis and even Americans who tend to have quite large and visible tattoo work. Tomorrow we are off to a snow town called Nozawa Onsen which has 13 small, locally run onsens. They are very, very small. I’m so excited! I’ll be using them during the day though….on my own….and with just the locals in the bath, no front desk staff. So I’m practicing my phrasing tonight to try and win them over in the hope I can boil myself alongside them.
Mel's Travel Blog 