About Tattoo Friendly Onsen

Some of my best childhood memories are tied to Japanese onsen.

Every summer, I’d visit my grandparents in Hokkaido and soak in the local hot springs with my family. There was nothing better than stepping into the steaming, mineral-rich waters, letting the stress melt away, and then finishing it off with a cold bottle of coffee milk—my absolute favorite childhood drink.

Onsen culture has always been more than just relaxation to me. It’s a deeply personal experience of wellness, tradition, and bonding—a moment where everything else disappears, and you’re left feeling completely refreshed, inside and out.

So, when I planned my first trip to Japan with my tattooed partner, I was excited to share this part of my culture with her. But the moment we started talking about onsen, I realized how difficult it would be.

Many onsens in Japan strictly ban tattoos, a policy rooted in historical ties to organized crime. Even as tourism grows and more travelers with tattoos visit Japan, many hot springs still turn guests away—even those with small, harmless tattoos.

We spent countless hours researching before our trip, searching for onsens that would accept us both. I contacted ryokan, browsed forums, and even walked into onsens, only to be met with huge bold signs banning tattoos or staff politely turning us away at reception.

For the first time, I felt something I never expected—I felt frustrated and excluded from my own culture.

I wanted my partner to fall in love with Japan the way I had, to experience the magic of a perfect onsen soak. But instead, she was barred from experiencing one of the things I love most about my heritage.

And that’s when I knew something had to change.