From my experience, some onsens/public bath would show some leniency to foreigners with tattoos then you have some places where no tattoo is allowed. I have a tattoo across my shoulders and if you do get in, you get some stares but that's about it. Just wash yourself and mind your own business lol.
Depends where you go mate ay.. If you are coming over and I am here (not on tour) I can give you a hand/show you around. I got guys who come to see me quite often from O.S. To answer your Q abit better, It's best to cover them in Temples etc if you are a tourist, just as a respect thing.
Tattoos will never be accepted if you get them removed or cover them because of social pressure. Why would you want to go to a place that doesn't accept you for who you are? If your tattoos dont mean that much to you then maybe you shouldn't get them.
I'm currently in the process of having the tattoos on my wrists removed so when I come out to Japan and teach I wont have to worry about rolling my sleeves up!
oh ok, yeah it is a pain in the arse in Summer cos of the humidity in this concrete jungle.. But, many companies in Saitama allow you to wear wrist bands.. like sports type ones etc.. But yeah, check out where you goin first to get it removed and different blogs, feedback etc outside of what they are promoting cos everyone's skin has different re-actions it can burn you pretty bad, for serious. Good luck, be safe!
Yeah I've had 2 sessions of laser removal so far, only one or two left now. My other tattoos can be easily hidden but the wrist ones were just too obvious.
Thanks man, I appreciate it! Sounds like it's beginning to become more accepted, but I was curious to hear about the onsen because I really want to visit one when I return. I can easily cover mine, but not if I want to get into the water. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I'd love to hear any more material you have on the tattoo culture. Much respect to your grandfather and thanks for sharing that story.
Hi wishbone, many onsens have private areas for families etc. And you will be allowed in them if you have tattoos, although if your tattoos are all over your neck and hands etc. they will probably deny you from beggining. Ofcourse you will have to pay extra for these private onsens and it is mainly ideal for family or couples. Good Luck!
cool story!
jcha 1 year ago
From my experience, some onsens/public bath would show some leniency to foreigners with tattoos then you have some places where no tattoo is allowed. I have a tattoo across my shoulders and if you do get in, you get some stares but that's about it. Just wash yourself and mind your own business lol.
kaneda4 1 year ago
you seem like such a great person. really enjoying your videos and insight into japan!
wenden7 1 year ago
this is interesting. i'd love to visit japan, and i'm covered in tattoos. how does this affect tourists?
bigmetal 2 years ago
Depends where you go mate ay.. If you are coming over and I am here (not on tour) I can give you a hand/show you around. I got guys who come to see me quite often from O.S. To answer your Q abit better, It's best to cover them in Temples etc if you are a tourist, just as a respect thing.
RawCombatJapan 2 years ago
I'll hold you to that sometime man.
bigmetal 2 years ago
Tattoos will never be accepted if you get them removed or cover them because of social pressure. Why would you want to go to a place that doesn't accept you for who you are? If your tattoos dont mean that much to you then maybe you shouldn't get them.
anakin1949 2 years ago
I'm currently in the process of having the tattoos on my wrists removed so when I come out to Japan and teach I wont have to worry about rolling my sleeves up!
pinkally1986 2 years ago
oh ok, yeah it is a pain in the arse in Summer cos of the humidity in this concrete jungle.. But, many companies in Saitama allow you to wear wrist bands.. like sports type ones etc.. But yeah, check out where you goin first to get it removed and different blogs, feedback etc outside of what they are promoting cos everyone's skin has different re-actions it can burn you pretty bad, for serious. Good luck, be safe!
RawCombatJapan 2 years ago
Yeah I've had 2 sessions of laser removal so far, only one or two left now. My other tattoos can be easily hidden but the wrist ones were just too obvious.
pinkally1986 2 years ago
Thanks man, I appreciate it! Sounds like it's beginning to become more accepted, but I was curious to hear about the onsen because I really want to visit one when I return. I can easily cover mine, but not if I want to get into the water. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I'd love to hear any more material you have on the tattoo culture. Much respect to your grandfather and thanks for sharing that story.
wishbone1138 2 years ago 3
Hi wishbone, many onsens have private areas for families etc. And you will be allowed in them if you have tattoos, although if your tattoos are all over your neck and hands etc. they will probably deny you from beggining. Ofcourse you will have to pay extra for these private onsens and it is mainly ideal for family or couples. Good Luck!
BillySensei 2 years ago