Tattoo Friendly Onsens Near Tokyo
One of Japan's biggest delights are their many hot springs (onsen), found up and down the country, each with its own attributes like being good for the skin, healing or simply relaxing. There are public pools, private pools and even mixed-gender pools! Many visitors to Japan want to try their famous onsen pools, but for people with tattoos, this can be difficult.
Traditionally, tattoos in Japan are associated with being a member of the "yakuza" (mafia), and so many onsen facilities would refuse entry to those with tattoos. Although these days tattoos are becoming more common, a lot of onsens still don't allow people with tattoos to enter.
This article will list some tattoo-friendly hot spring pools near Tokyo. If you are travelling in Japan and need help finding other onsens that allow tattoos, contact us for help.
Minakami
Minakami in Gunma is a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxing hot springs. Surrounded by mountains and forests, it's a great spot for hiking, white-water rafting, and canyoning (English friendly!). After a day of exploring, the area's onsen offer the perfect way to unwind, with natural hot springs that have amazing views of the surrounding scenery.
Here are some options in Minakami for tattoo-friendly onsen:
Bettei Senjuan
Bettei Senjuan is an option if you have a tattoo, as they have private onsen in all guest rooms. The hotel overlooks the Tanigawa River and Mt. Tanigawa and has several large public baths near to the river. There is also a cozy reading room which looks out onto green trees and moss.
https://www.senjyuan.jp/onsen_spa/
Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku
Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku offers immense open-air baths right by the riverside. They have both indoor and outdoor baths, and mixed-gender baths where you can cover up with cloths provided by the hotel.
https://www.takaragawa.com/english.html
Hakone
Hakone is a popular getaway just outside Tokyo, known for its hot springs, scenic views, and art spots. With Mt. Fuji in the backdrop, many people ride the pirate ship across Lake Ashi then hop on the ropeway for stunning views of the mountains and the famous volcanic Owakudani valley. Hakone's onsen are perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing, offering a quiet escape from the city.
Here are some of the onsen that allow tattoos in Hakone:
Yamanochaya
Yamanochaya is in the middle of a thick bamboo forest near the Hayakawa suspension bridge. 11 out of the 15 guest rooms have a private open-air bath with views onto the bamboo grove.
https://yamanochaya.com/note/welcome/
Centurion Hakone Bettei
For people with tattoos, you can use the private onsen in your room, or book one of the communal private baths. It's especially nice in autumn when the baths overlook the colourful foliage.
https://www.centurion-hotel.com/hakone/
Fufu Hakone
Fufu Hakone combines sleek, modern design with traditional elements, featuring private onsen options and open-air baths where guests can unwind surrounded by Hakone's peaceful mountain landscapes.
Gora Kadan
A former imperial summer retreat, Gora Kadan blends historic charm with refined elegance, offering open-air and private onsen experiences in the heart of Hakone's scenic surroundings. Unfortunately tattoos are not allowed in the shared onsen, but they also offer private baths that you can book to bathe in.
Takumino Yado Yoshimatsu
They have private outdoor onsen for the rooms so you can experience the open air style bath. This is a good location from which to walk the Old Hakone Road from Motohakone to Amazake Tea House.
Tenzen Onsen
An 80-year-old onsen that is open to both guests and day time visitors. It has lots of baths, including one with a waterfall, and they allow tattoos (although if it's particularly large they prefer you to take a private bath). You can also rent a room with a private bath as well.
Ichinoyu Honkan
Ichinoyu Honkan has two communal baths, one for women and one for men. They are open to tattoos in the public baths. The building has an interesting old-style design which is a actually registered tangible cultural property. The highlight is the outdoor bath overlooking the river.
https://www.ichinoyu.co.jp/facilities/honkan/
Motoyu Kansuiro
This hotel has open air baths both public and private. Even with tattoos, you can use any of the baths!
https://www.kansuiro.co.jp/eng/
Ikaho Onsen
Ikaho Onsen is in Gunma Prefecture, easily accessible from Tokyo. Famous for its iron-rich, amber-colored water, known as "Kogane no Yu" (Golden Hot Spring), Ikaho's baths are celebrated for their healing properties. The town's iconic stone staircase, lined with traditional inns, shops, and small shrines, guides visitors through the heart of Ikaho, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Japan's past.
Here are some onsen in Ikaho that allow tattoos:
Okaho Onsen Oyado Tamaki
They have rooms with private open-air baths, or private communal baths (for an extra fee). If the tattoo can be easily covered up with tape, then that is allowed in any bath.
https://www.oyado-tamaki.com/language/en/spa/
Ikaho Ishidan no Yu
Their iron-rich reddish water is said to help with fatigue and poor circulation. They only have one bath for each sex, but they will allow tattoos.
https://www.city.shibukawa.lg.jp/kankou/shisetsu/shoukoukankou/p003077.html
Ibaraki
Tourists often choose to skip Ibaraki Prefecture, but it is very near to Tokyo and offers many things to do like Mt. Tsukuba or the impressive Kashima Jingu Shrine.
This onsen in Ibaraki allows tattoos:
Tsukiori Onsen Takimi no Yu
This ryokan is near Hitachi Seaside Park, famous for flaming red hills of kochia and flowers galore. The water here is alkaline and excellent for the skin, and tattoos are allowed. You can use the baths even if you don't stay there, up until 7pm.
https://www.daigo-kanko.jp/?page_id=923
Kawaguchiko
Kawaguchiko is one of the most popular side trips from Tokyo, being a prime place to see the majestic Mt. Fuji up close.
Tattoo friendly onsen in Kawaguchiko
Kaneyamaen Bessho Yada
While you cannot use the shared baths here, you can still book a room with a private open-air bath, complete with a view of Mt. Fuji!
https://www.kaneyamaen.com/eng/?id=hotspring01
Hottarakashi Onsen
Hottarakashi offers outdoor onsen baths with a view of Mt. Fuji. They have two sections - a small one with mountain views or a bigger one with city views. It's quite old and rustic but very tattoo friendly.
https://www.hottarakashi-onsen.com
Kusatsu Onsen
Kusatsu Onsen, in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, celebrated for its powerful sulfuric springs with healing properties. Kusatsu's waters flow abundantly through the Yubatake--a large wooden cooling basin in the town centre--creating a dramatic, steamy display.
There are many tattoo friendly onsen facilities in Kusatsu, and you can find a list here: https://www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/guide/en/facilitie/ All 3 main facilities (Sainokawara, Ohtaki-no-yu and Goza-no-yu) accept tattoos.
Narita
Narita, located just outside Tokyo, is best known for Narita International Airport, but it offers much more than a travel hub. The town is home to the historic Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, a centuries-old Buddhist temple surrounded by beautiful gardens and peaceful walking paths. They also have a long Omotesando Street which is lined with traditional shops, local eateries, and souvenirs, giving visitors a taste of Edo-period Japan.
This facility accepts tattoos in Narita:
Yamatonoyu
Combining the traditional Japanese onsen experience with chic, modern design, Yamato no Yu impresses with its sleek wood finishes and serene atmosphere. They allow tattoos in all baths. Note that entry is restricted to those of elementary school age or older.
Yugawara
Yugawara, a historic hot spring town in Kanagawa Prefecture, is set against both lush mountains and coastline. Yugawara offers visitors a chance to unwind in its mineral-rich waters, thought to relieve fatigue and promote relaxation.
The Ryokan Tokyo Yugawara
Apparently the water here can alleviate muscle back pain, gastrointestinal issues, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders. But best of all - it's totally tattoo friendly!
https://www.theryokantokyo.com
Within Tokyo
Hasunuma Onsen
Hasunuma Onsen is central, near Shinagawa, and is a beautiful Taisho-era inspired bathhouse which is open to tattoos. Although a bathhouse more than an onsen, it does use only natural spring water for the baths.
https://www.hasunuma-onsen.com
Hisamatsuyu
Located in Nerima, they have 3 baths and water that is said to promote blood circulation and is great for taking all your travel fatigues away.
The onsen water is sourced from natural springs underground.
You shouldn't have to miss out on trying a hot spring just because you have a tattoo. Fortunately, there are several welcoming options near Tokyo that embrace a more inclusive approach, allowing tattooed visitors to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of these natural hot springs. If you need assistance finding the right onsen for your journey, feel free to reach out to us for personalised recommendations.
