Zaborin Ryokan - A Tattoo-Friendly Hot Spring in Kutchan, Hokkaido

Does Zaborin Ryokan Allow Tattoos?

Partially, tattoos are accepted at Zaborin Ryokan, but only in private baths—not public bath areas.

Overview of Zaborin Ryokan

Zaborin Ryokan (坐忘林) offers tattooed travelers an extraordinary escape into Japanese hot spring luxury without compromise. Nestled in a pristine forest near Mount Yotei in Hokkaido, this contemporary sanctuary lives up to its name—"to sit and forget among the trees"—through 15 exclusive villas where Zen philosophy meets modern comfort. Unlike traditional onsen where tattoo policies might create anxiety, Zaborin's private bath concept eliminates this concern entirely, allowing you to immerse yourself in mineral-rich volcanic waters while gazing at snow-capped mountains or verdant forests through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Tattoo Rules & Guidelines

Private Bathing Allowed for Tattooed Guests: Zaborin Ryokan provides complete privacy with in-villa indoor and outdoor onsen baths, making it 100% welcoming for guests with tattoos of any size or style—no covering required, no explanations needed.

Why Bathe Here? Benefits and History

  • Complete Privacy: Each villa features both indoor hinoki wood baths and outdoor stone rotenburo filled with mineral-rich spring water
  • Exceptional Water Quality: Direct-from-source (gensen kakenagashi) hot spring water ranked in Japan's top 10% for mineral content
  • Award-Winning Cuisine: Kita kaiseki dining experiences that showcase Hokkaido's seasonal bounty 
  • Architectural Harmony: Contemporary Zen design by Nakayama San that frames nature through every window
  • Tattoo-Friendly Guarantee: No need to research policies or worry about uncomfortable interactions—your private onsen experience is secured
  • Four-Season Appeal: Magical snow views in winter, lush greenery in summer, with each season offering a distinct bathing atmosphere

Onsen Facilities & Amenities

Type of Onsen ♨️

Traditional Indoor Bath
Rotenburo Outdoor Bath
In-Room Onsen
Private Bath Available
Kaiseki Dinner
Breakfast
Alcohol
Rest Lounge
Massage
Couples
Solo Travelers
English Speaking Staff
Shuttle Service
Online Reservations
Credit Cards Accepted
Ryokan Onsen
Private Bathing Allowed

Tattoo Policy ✅

Traditional Indoor Bath
Rotenburo Outdoor Bath
In-Room Onsen
Private Bath Available
Kaiseki Dinner
Breakfast
Alcohol
Rest Lounge
Massage
Couples
Solo Travelers
English Speaking Staff
Shuttle Service
Online Reservations
Credit Cards Accepted
Ryokan Onsen
Private Bathing Allowed

Bath Types 🛁  

Traditional Indoor Bath
Rotenburo Outdoor Bath
In-Room Onsen
Private Bath Available
Kaiseki Dinner
Breakfast
Alcohol
Rest Lounge
Massage
Couples
Solo Travelers
English Speaking Staff
Shuttle Service
Online Reservations
Credit Cards Accepted
Ryokan Onsen
Private Bathing Allowed

Private Onsen Baths 🔒

Traditional Indoor Bath
Rotenburo Outdoor Bath
In-Room Onsen
Private Bath Available
Kaiseki Dinner
Breakfast
Alcohol
Rest Lounge
Massage
Couples
Solo Travelers
English Speaking Staff
Shuttle Service
Online Reservations
Credit Cards Accepted
Ryokan Onsen
Private Bathing Allowed

Food & Drinks 🍽️

Traditional Indoor Bath
Rotenburo Outdoor Bath
In-Room Onsen
Private Bath Available
Kaiseki Dinner
Breakfast
Alcohol
Rest Lounge
Massage
Couples
Solo Travelers
English Speaking Staff
Shuttle Service
Online Reservations
Credit Cards Accepted
Ryokan Onsen
Private Bathing Allowed

Relaxation & Wellness 🌸

Traditional Indoor Bath
Rotenburo Outdoor Bath
In-Room Onsen
Private Bath Available
Kaiseki Dinner
Breakfast
Alcohol
Rest Lounge
Massage
Couples
Solo Travelers
English Speaking Staff
Shuttle Service
Online Reservations
Credit Cards Accepted
Ryokan Onsen
Private Bathing Allowed

Most Suitable For 👫

Traditional Indoor Bath
Rotenburo Outdoor Bath
In-Room Onsen
Private Bath Available
Kaiseki Dinner
Breakfast
Alcohol
Rest Lounge
Massage
Couples
Solo Travelers
English Speaking Staff
Shuttle Service
Online Reservations
Credit Cards Accepted
Ryokan Onsen
Private Bathing Allowed

Hospitality Services 🛎️

Traditional Indoor Bath
Rotenburo Outdoor Bath
In-Room Onsen
Private Bath Available
Kaiseki Dinner
Breakfast
Alcohol
Rest Lounge
Massage
Couples
Solo Travelers
English Speaking Staff
Shuttle Service
Online Reservations
Credit Cards Accepted
Ryokan Onsen
Private Bathing Allowed

Bathing Experience & Onsen Etiquette

Imagine alternating between your private indoor hinoki cypress bath and outdoor stone rotenburo as steam rises to meet the forest air. The volcanic spring water, drawn from nearly one kilometer underground, emerges naturally heated and extraordinarily rich in minerals like sodium sulfate and calcium. These elements work in harmony to improve skin texture, relieve muscle tension, and promote deep relaxation in ways that ordinary baths simply cannot replicate.

What makes Zaborin's bathing experience truly transformative is the combination of privacy and purity—the water flows continuously from source to bath without recycling, while floor-to-ceiling windows dissolve the boundary between your sanctuary and the surrounding wilderness. Whether bathing beneath winter stars with snow silently falling or listening to summer birdsong at dawn, the experience connects you to Hokkaido's natural rhythms without ever compromising your comfort.

Prices & Ticket Options

  • Standard Villa: ¥150,000+ per night for two guests (includes kaiseki dinner and breakfast)
  • Winter Season (Dec-Mar): Premium rates apply during peak snow season
  • Minimum Stay: Two nights preferred during peak seasons
  • Inclusive Services: All meals, private onsen access, welcome tea ceremony
  • Optional Add-ons: Private dining experiences, massage services, guided forest meditation

Booking & Contact Information

Advance booking is essential, with reservations typically opening 6-12 months ahead. The friendly English-speaking staff can accommodate special requests and dietary requirements with sufficient notice.

🌐 Website: https://zaborin.com/en/

📞 Phone: +81 136-55-8888

📍 Address: 76-4 Hanazono, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0084, Japan

Opening Hours

Guest Reviews from Tattooed Travellers

Directions to Zaborin Ryokan in Kutchan

✈️ New Chitose Airport → 🚖 90-minute drive via pre-booked shuttle or taxi

🚆 Kutchan Station → 🚙 15-minute complimentary shuttle (advance reservation required)

🏂 Niseko United Ski Resort → 🚖 10-minute taxi ride

FAQ

Question text goes here

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Overview

✔️ Tattoo Policy: Private Bathing Allowed

Rating: 4.6/5 (231 reviews)

♨️ Category: Ryokan Onsen

🌸 Private Baths: Yes

🗺️ Location: Kutchan, Hokkaido