1. Introduction
Tattoos have a long and storied history in Japan, dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). During this time, tattoos were associated with criminals and were used as punishment or to mark people who had committed certain crimes. However, over the years tattoos have become more accepted in Japanese society and are now seen as an art form. But what about when it comes to visiting traditional Japanese bath houses? Can you go to a Japanese bath house with tattoos?
2. History of Tattoos in Japan
Tattoos have a long and complex history in Japan. In the Edo period, they were associated with criminals and outcasts, and were used as punishment or to mark people who had committed certain crimes. This stigma has remained throughout the years, though it has lessened somewhat in recent times. Nowadays, tattoos are seen by many as an art form, with some even getting them for aesthetic reasons.
3. Traditional Japanese Bath Houses
Traditional Japanese bath houses (onsen) are places where people go to relax and enjoy hot springs or baths filled with natural hot water from underground sources. These baths have been popular for centuries in Japan due to their therapeutic benefits, such as relieving stress and muscle aches. They also offer a chance for socializing among friends or family members while enjoying the soothing warmth of the water.
4. Can You Go to Japanese Bath Houses with Tattoos?
The answer is yes, but it depends on the particular onsen you plan on visiting. Some onsen do not allow people with tattoos due to their historical association with criminals and outcasts in Japan’s past; however, other onsens may be more lenient about this rule depending on the size of your tattoo(s) or if they can be covered up easily by clothing or a bandage/towel wrap.
5. Reasons Why Some Japanese Bath Houses Do Not Allow Tattoos
The main reason why some Japanese bath houses do not allow people with tattoos is because of their historical association with criminals and outcasts in Japan’s past; however, there are other reasons why some establishments may choose not to admit those with body art such as hygiene concerns (due to potential bacteria that could be present in open wounds) or simply because they wish to maintain a certain atmosphere within their facility that does not include visible body art of any kind (including piercings).
6. What to Do If You Have a Tattoo and Want to Visit a Japanese Bath House
If you have a tattoo but still want to visit a traditional Japanese bath house then there are several things you can do: firstly, try asking around at different establishments before committing – some may be willing to make an exception depending on your tattoo’s size/location; secondly, cover up your tattoo using clothing/bandages/towels so that it is not visible; thirdly, look for alternative bathing options such as private baths which may be more lenient about admitting those with body art; finally if all else fails then there are always public pools which usually don’t have any restrictions against those with body art!
7 Alternatives for People With Tattoos Who Want To Enjoy A Traditional Japanese Bath
If you cannot find an onsen that will admit those with tattoos then there are still plenty of alternatives available! For example: private baths which may be more lenient about admitting those with body art; public pools which usually don’t have any restrictions against those with body art; hot springs located outside of major cities which tend not to enforce strict rules regarding admission; finally if all else fails then there are always home-based spas where one can enjoy relaxing warm baths without having worry about any rules or regulations!
8 Conclusion
In conclusion it is possible for those who have tattoos to enjoy traditional Japanese bath houses but it depends largely on the particular establishment’s policy regarding admission – some may be willing to make exceptions depending on one’s tattoo size/location while others may not even consider admitting someone who has visible body art at all! Therefore if one wishes to visit an onsen then it is best advised that they look into what each establishment’s policy is beforehand so that they can plan accordingly!
9 References
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2017/02/04/lifestyle/japan-embraces-tattooing/#:~:text=Tattoos%20have%20a%20long%20and%20storied%20history%20in%20Japan%E3%80%81dating&text=During%20this%20time%E3%80%81tattoos%20were
Do ryokans allow tattoos?
People with tattoos are often banned from onsen (hot springs) sento (public baths) raikan (traditional inns) gyms swimming pools and capsule hotels.
Is it okay to go to Japan with tattoo?
But before going into the details the simple answer to the question posed in the title of this article is: Yes you can visit Japan if you have a tattoo.
Can I cover my tattoo for onsen?
So definitely please dont use makeup to cover up the tattoo. If you still want to go to an onsen facility I recommend a simple body tape or bandage (available at drugstores) suitable for waterproofing without any medication.
Can I enter an onsen with a tattoo?
Traditionally tattooed tourists are banned from Japanese onsen (natural hot springs) due to long-standing links to organized crime. However times are changing and more and more spas are softening their policies to accommodate foreign tourists with tattoos in some cases.
Why is Japan not tattoo friendly?
Tattoos have long been stigmatized in Japan due to their association with yakuza organized crime syndicates devoted to body tattoos. As a result anyone with ink – regardless of occupation – generally cannot use the hot springs beaches public swimming pools or even some gyms.
Why is Japan strict on tattoos?
Body ink has long been stigmatized in Japan due to its association with the underworld. In recent years tattoos have been linked to the countrys largest organized crime syndicate the Yakuza but their mysterious history goes back much further than that.
