You might have heard that you are not allowed in an onsen with tattoos. This is partly true. However, times are beginning to change.
Tattoos are associated with various organized crime in Japan. Even so, in this modern age, more and more people are getting inked.
For this reason, a lot of onsens have begun to relax their own policies on tattoos. This is in part due to foreign tourists. More locals are getting tattooed too.
If you are hoping to visit an onsen yet have tattoos, you are in luck. In this article we take a look at 10 of the most awesome tattoo-friendly onsens in Japan perfect for tourists.
1. Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo
This wonderful town is known for its onsens. It has retained a lot of its traditional Japanese charm. When you walk through it, it hasn’t changed much for over a thousand years.
Experience walking along the tree-lined streets in a light robe (yukata). Also some wooden sandals (geta). You then get the chance to visit any of the seven onsens which have been made public.
All of these are said to be tattoo-friendly. Do keep in mind you will need to ask first, as some may reject this modern policy.
How to visit? Get a train to Kinosakionsen Station. It drops you right in the center of town.
2. Yuya Ebisue, Oita
The public bath here is absolutely beautiful. It is placed up on a hill overlooking the wonderful views that are of Beppu Bay.
There is more than one bath here with different benefits. The sulfur bath is for the skin. While the rock spring is good for fatigue and impurities.
The latter includes lying on a pebbly surface. You can close your eyes and let the stress melt away. What could be better after a long hectic day?
How to visit? Once arrived at Beppu Station, take a 30 minute bus ride. You can also take a 20 minute taxi ride as an alternative.
3. Hoheikyo Onsen, Hokkaido
This onsen is located in the Sapporo suburbs within Jozankei. It is a small town which is beautiful in winter. It means you can relax in the onsen as the snow falls around you.
Its open air bath (otherwise known as rotenburo) can hold up to 200 people. This means it is among the top 5 of the largest onsens within Japan.
Many tourists who visit this onsen also enjoy the Indian restaurant across the road.
How to visit? At Sapporo Station, take an 80 minute bus ride. There is a free shuttle bus service from downtown Sapporo also.
4. Funaoka Onsen, Kyoto
If you are looking for a retro style onsen, then this one in Kyoto is it. It features vintage carvings and tiles upon its walls. It also has a very relaxing atmosphere.
Some say it has the first ever denki buro. This is otherwise known as an electric bath. What this includes is a low level current running through the hot water.
It is supposed to soothe any aches and pains in the muscles. You might want to try this very unique and different experience.
How to visit? Take a train to Kuramaguchi Station and then it is a 5 minute walk.
5. Hottarakashi No Onsen, Yamanashi
If you are spending your time around the Tokyo region, you may want to take a diversion here. This onsen has spectacular views of both Mount Fuji and Yamanashi City.
The opening times vary due to the different seasons and when the sun rises. You can actually spend time in this onsen when it is dark too.
Who wouldn’t want to see the sunrise and sunset behind Mount Fuji? All while enveloped in hot spring water. Dreamy!
How to visit? Once you arrive at Yamanashi Station, take a 9 minute taxi ride to the destination.
6. Kaimonji Onsen, Oita
If you are exploring Beppu City, then you will want to head to this budget-friendly onsen. At a cost of only ¥100, you can relax your tired body after a day on your feet.
It is one of the cheapest out there. It also includes both lukewarm and hot water. The former allows you to spend a lot longer within the bath too.
As an alternative, you could head to Beppu Beach Sand Onsen. It requires lying down and being wrapped in hot sand. You then wash yourself off in the local onsen.
How to visit? Get a train to Beppu Station and then take the 5 minute walk to the venue. To get to Beppu Beach Sand Onsen, take a train to Beppu Daigaku Station and walk 4 minutes.
7. Tenzan Tohji-Kyo, Kanagawa
This onsen has been open since 1966. More than 50 years later and they have begun accepting tattooed visitors. However, they will reject those who have large tattoos. So do keep this in mind.
If you do have large tattoos, you can rent a private bath.
Based in the town of Hakone, it is one of the most well-known onsens in Japan. It has waterfalls that flow into baths. The temperature of the water rises as you reach higher baths too.
How to visit? Get on a bus at Hakone-Yumoto Station which is heading towards Uehata-shuku. Elite at Okuyumoto Irguchi. It is then a walk for two minutes.
Or, you can take a taxi from either Hakaone-Yomoto Station or Tonosawa Station which will take 25 minutes.
8. Tsubame Onsen, Niigata
This onsen is perfect for those who like a challenge – or perhaps just enjoy hiking! The Tsubame Onsen is based within a secluded forest. It is also situated at the base of Mount Myoko.
It is famous for having milky colored spring water. It is said to be full of wonderful minerals which are great for the skin.
There are two spring baths here. They are divided into two by a rock covered wall. The best thing about this place is that it is absolutely free.
It also has another bath, Kawara no Yu, which is mix-gendered. However, this is often only open from the summer to winter. It all depends on the snowfall, so check first.
There are also shops local to the onsen which have snacks, drinks, and even the option to purchase a towel.
How to visit? Once you reach Myokogen Station, take a 25 minute taxi ride.
9. Sansui Global Inn, Saga
The Sansui Global Inn is very photogenic. It has murals upon murals adorning the walls. Often with bright colors and wonderful patterns.
Aside from the aesthetics, it has both public and private baths available. They have lots of skin loving properties too. For this reason it is known as being one of the best to purify skin.
Some areas look quite modern too. There are mirrors as well.
How to visit? Once arrived at Takeo-onsen Station, take a 25 minute taxi ride.
10. Fukiage Onsen Health Center, Hokkaido
And we’re back in Hokkaido. The Fukiage Onsen Health Center is based in an area popular with people interested in snow sports and hiking.
It offers budget-friendly lodgings too. Also, the onsen here is mixed-gender. This means you can relax with the whole group of friends or your partner. However, you will need to wear swimwear.
If you want to stay the night, it will cost around ¥2,600.
How to visit? You will need to take a train to JR Kamifurano Station. It is too far to walk, so a taxi ride is a must. It should take 20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t matter if you have tattoos. Experiencing an onsen can still be ticked off your bucket list. There are many tattoo–friendly onsens to visit across Japan.
It is no surprise that you want to visit one either. They have many health benefits. For example, the minerals in the water and how relaxing they are.
So instead of feeling left out as the only tattooed one in the group, you can still enjoy an onsen.
Also, just a note: while these are said to be tattoo-friendly, always check beforehand to avoid disappointment. There may be times when an onsen will decide on the day whether you are allowed in or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are Tattoos Not Allowed At Onsens In Japan?
Tattoos have a long history in Japan as being connected with illegal activity and organized crime.
Due to this, it has been very difficult for the country to separate tattoos with such bad things. In the Western world, tattoos are worn for fashion purposes.
Japan is slowly coming around to the idea that tattoos are no longer just about organized crime.
Can You Visit An Onsen In Japan With Tattoos?
More onsens in Japan are accepting visitors with tattoos. However, policies are different for each place.
Some may do it on a case-by-case basis. For example, they may allow small tattoos. They then may reject somebody with large tattoos.
Are There Onsens Which Do Not Allow Tattooed People To Visit?
There are many onsens in Japan which do not allow tattoos (see also ‘Are You Allowed In Onsen With Tattos?‘). Always check first.
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
- 16 Best Websites To Watch Japanese Movies With English Subtitles - May 11, 2023
- Is ZIPAIR The Best Airline For Traveling To Japan? - May 11, 2023
- Ryu Murakami Vs Haruki Murakami – Which One Should You Read? - May 11, 2023
Related Posts:
