Daily Life Lessons · Hot Springs
If you have a tattoo, be able to check a facility's rules in advance, choose a method that suits you, such as cover stickers or a private bath, and use hot springs and public baths.
Some hot springs (温泉) and public baths (銭湯) in Japan refuse entry to people with tattoos (入れ墨) or allow it only under certain conditions. On the other hand, some facilities allow people with tattoos to bathe. The rules differ from facility to facility.
In 2016, regarding foreign travelers with tattoos, the Japan Tourism Agency noted that there are cultural differences in how people view tattoos. As examples of how facilities can respond, it introduced asking guests to cover their tattoos with stickers or similar, adjusting the time of day for bathing, and guiding guests to private baths (貸切風呂).
Before you go, check the official website or call to ask, "Can I bathe if I have a tattoo?" and "Is it OK if I cover it with a cover sticker?" You can also choose a private bath or the bath in your guest room. On the day, follow the reception staff and the posted signs.
タトゥー（入（い）れ墨（ずみ））が ある人の 温泉（おんせん）・銭湯（せんとう）です。
・タトゥーが あると 入れない 施設（しせつ）が あります。 ・入れる 施設も あります。ルールは 施設ごとに ちがいます。 ・シールで かくせば 入れる 施設も あります。 ・行く前に、ホームページや 電話で 聞きましょう。 ・貸切（かしきり）風呂（ぶろ）や、部屋の お風呂を 使う 方法も あります。 ・受付（うけつけ）の 人の 案内（あんない）に したがいましょう。
What are the tattoo rules at hot springs and public baths in Japan?
Some facilities let people with tattoos in and some refuse. The rules differ from facility to facility.
What is good to do before you go?
If you check the facility's rules in advance, you will not have trouble on the day.
Which is NOT one of the examples of facility responses introduced by the Japan Tourism Agency?
The agency's examples include covering with stickers or similar, adjusting the time of day, and guiding guests to private baths.
What is an appropriate option if you cannot use the large public bath?
With a private bath or the bath in your room, you may be able to bathe without worrying about other guests. Check with the facility.
Can you bathe if you cover your tattoo with a cover sticker?
Some facilities allow it if you cover the tattoo with a sticker, but it differs by facility.
Q. Will I be refused even with a small tattoo?
A. The size standard differs by facility. Some facilities allow small tattoos, but check in advance.
Q. How can I find tattoo-friendly facilities?
A. You can check on each facility's official website and so on. Lists on the internet may be out of date, so in the end, check directly with the facility.
Q. Where can I get cover stickers?
A. Some facilities sell them at the reception. Check with the facility in advance about where to get them and the size and number of stickers it requires.
This practice tool asks questions in random order (it works when JavaScript is enabled). You can still read all the questions and explanations above without it.
Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-09-28
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original