Aviraj Gokool

There’s nothing like a hot spring after a day of exploring, shopping, and eating your way around Tokyo. But what if you have tattoos? Aren’t tattoos banned in Japanese bathhouses? Despite what you may have heard, there are actually a lot of tattoo-friendly onsen and sento (public bathhouses) in and around Tokyo -- if you know where to look. While the overall number of onsen and sento in Tokyo is relatively small compared to more rural areas, bathing culture is still a thing in the city, and it plays an important role in local communities. With attitudes relaxing towards body art at many of the city’s bathhouses, you don’t need to miss out just because of your ink. Pro tip: Want to visit an onsen, but not sure about the etiquette? Then book a hot-spring package, and have a guide take you to a tattoo-friendly onsen in Tokyo. They’ll make sure you know everything you need to, before you head in for a soak. Why are tattoos banned at some Japanese bathhouses? This is typically due to cultural associations between tattoos and organized crime in Japan. As a result, some onsen and sento, as well as some fitness centers and public pools, prohibit tattoos. While it’s probably obvious that tattooed foreigners aren’t yakuza members, these policies often exist to avoid discomfort among patrons, particularly elderly locals who may associate tattoos with crime or intimidation. Attitudes are changing, though, and many bathhouses in Tokyo and regional areas are allowing tattoos in order to welcome foreign tourists. What's the difference between onsen and sento? Basically, the water source. "Onsen" literally means hot spring, so the water in onsen baths is geothermal spring water pumped up from the ground. Sento use artificially heated water that may come from the municipal water supply, filtered groundwater, or other sources. Some sento may add minerals or bath salts to their water to replicate the onsen experience. Visiting onsen if you have tattoos When it comes to hot springs and tattoos, there are three different categories: onsen that are explicitly tattoo-friendly, onsen that have no clear policy, and onsen that have clear “no tattoo” policies. Onsen that call themselves tattoo-friendly are, of course, your safest bet. You can usually find something on their website saying that tattoos are okay. A big plus is that these onsen are often foreigner-friendly too, and may even have English signage or English-speaking staff. However, there are sometimes caveats with these places. For example, they might say that only small tattoos are okay, or that tattoos are okay if they’re covered with a plaster of sorts (so forget about e.g. sleeves). Facilities that have no clear policy are, in our experience, the most widespread. The good news is that there is nothing stopping you from walking in and asking. But the bad news is that there is nothing to stop them from turning you away, either. In general, small local onsen and sento tend to fall into this category, and in our experience, we’ve been let in more often than turned away. But this can be a tricky situation if you don’t speak Japanese. That’s why we ultimately recommend sticking to places that are explicitly tattoo-friendly. As for “no tattoo” bathhouses, well, if they’ve gone to the effort to put something on their website or entrance, they’re just not worth your time. Luckily, these are usually the more commercial places, and there aren’t too many of them. Now that you’ve scrubbed up on the basics, dip your toes into some of our favorite onsen and sento in Tokyo. Tattoo-friendly onsen in Tokyo Here are some of the best tattoo-friendly hot springs in and around Tokyo. Hot Spring Takeno-yu in Minato for adults Minami Azabu, Minato Ward, Tokyo Sourcing hot-spring water from the ground, different onsen have different-colored water, benefits, and temperatures depending on their source. In the case of Takeno-yu, volcanic ash and peat give its water a dark coffee hue, and it's said to be an effective remedy for exhaustion, coldness, stiff shoulders, and lower back pain. Plus, many locals claim that the water fights against aging, as it makes your skin feel silky smooth after a quick dip. Newly renovated and reopened in December 2024, Takeno-yu is a favorite amongst the Azabu Juban community, and has served the locals since 1913. To this day, it remains a popular destination to gather, relax, and converse with friends, family, and neighbors. Local haunt though it may be, it’s by no means exclusive, and the regulars are happy to welcome visitors. Takeno-yu does not provide complimentary shampoo or soap, so (along with a towel) you’ll have to either bring your own or purchase them at the front counter. You’ll also notice that this onsen doesn’t have the classic mural of Mt. Fuji. Instead, you’re treated to a pirate ship and a stained glass window just above the entrance to the bathing area. It's something to admire while lazing in either the warm 40.5-degree or hotter 44-degree Celsius baths. If you pay a small fee, you can also use the sauna before hopping into the cold 16-degree bath to cool yourself off (just be sure to rinse after using the sauna). There aren’t many amenities in the changing room other than a hair dryer at a small fee, but you can enjoy post-bath refreshments like juice, beer, or the go-to small bottle of milk. Just come early enough to avoid any queues! Daikoku-yu in Sumida for adults Yokokawa, Sumida Ward, Tokyo For a tattoo-friendly onsen in central Tokyo, Daikoku-yu is a great option. Not only do you get to soak in lovely natural spring water, but you'll also get fantastic views of Tokyo Skytree while you're at it. This public bath has two sections, one indoors and one outdoors. They are rotated between men and women on alternating days, so you'll need to come two days in a row if you want to try both -- just tragic, we know. Indoors, there are several baths to choose from, including ones with massage jets, and a medicinal herb bath. There's even a standing bath, which is recommended for people with knee and back pain. The outdoor section has views of Skytree, and a shallow bathing area where you can lie down. Daikoku-yu also has a sauna, a steam room, and a relaxation deck with hammocks on the second floor. Shampoo and body soap are provided, but towels cost an extra . Yamatono-yu in Narita From for adults on weekdays Odake, Narita, Chiba Prefecture What Yamatono-yu lacks in bath variety, it makes up for in its location -- it is only 40 minutes away from Narita Airport, which makes it a perfect stop whether you are just beginning your time in Japan, or are flying out of the country and want one last onsen fix. An important thing to mention is that this onsen does not allow children younger than elementary school age (6 years old), which makes it great if you want to enjoy the quiet but not so great if you have your family in tow, so plan accordingly. Our favorite thing about the outdoor bath here is that after dark, you can see the illuminated train cars go by in the distance, which creates a charming ambience, especially if you are a train nerd. If you’re shy, three private baths are available to book. A private bath for up to two people will set you back for 1 hour, and one for up to four people will cost . These baths need to be booked in advance, so be sure to check the website. Entry to the regular bathing area is a reasonable on weekdays, and on weekends. The restaurant on site is most famous for sushi, but has a variety of other food available. If you're not a fish fan, we recommend the hamburg steak and shrimp tempura set. If you don’t drive, the nearest train station is Shimosa-Manzaki, from which you can either get a taxi or enjoy the 25-minute walk if the weather is nice (and you don’t have a suitcase). Tenzan Tōji-kyō Onsen in Hakone for adults Yumotochaya, Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture Tenzan Onsen gets top marks for its variety of baths and selection of other facilities available on the premises. As well as the usual indoor bath and shower area, there are several rotenburo -- outdoor baths -- to choose from. The biggest bath in the women’s bathing area has a little cave where you can pray for fertility, if that’s your thing, or sit inside and pretend to be a cave witch. Of course, you can kill two birds with one cave and do both. A smaller bath has a higher water temperature, with a cold-water bath right next to it. If you want to prolong your time in the hot springs, we recommend alternating between the hot and cold baths. If you feel the temperature getting to you, seats are available to cool off. The milky bath right in the center has the most pleasant temperature, so you can spend a long time pretending to be Cleopatra, enjoying your silky smooth skin. You can also use a dry sauna and a steam sauna, as well as a multi-directional massage jet shower. These facilities are rarely available at other onsen, which is what makes Tenzan a favorite of ours. There is a shabu-shabu restaurant if you get hungry, which offers other Japanese food at reasonable prices, and it even had a vegan option last time we were there. A massage service is also available if you want to splurge. The facilities have a large courtyard in the middle, where you can relax and enjoy nature. One thing to note about Tenzan Onsen is that, while they are tattoo-friendly, they only allow one painted body per group. If more than one person in your group has tats, we recommend bathing separately. Pro tip: Bring your own body wash, as there is only bar-soap available here, and towels will cost you money, so those are good to bring along, too. To get to Tenzan, you can either drive for an hour and a half from Tokyo, or take the Romancecar limited express from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto, and then take the K bus from the station. Entry is for adults and for kids into the main Higana area, and and into the Kayoi annex area. The Kayoi area is small and not really worth it, so we recommend sticking to the main area if it is your first visit. For more on transport, see our guide on getting from Tokyo to Hakone. Hottarakashi Onsen in Yamanashi for adults Yatsubo, Yamanashi Prefecture Hottarakashi Onsen scores points for its stunning mountaintop views, which include Mt. Fuji in all his glory on clear days. It does lose points, however, for being impossible to get to if you don’t drive, and will take over 2 hours by car from Tokyo. It is absolutely worth making the trip out there, though, as the huge, tiered, open-air baths offer a view like no other, even at night, and allow you to find a place to relax away from other visitors. There is also a food stall famous for deep-fried onsen eggs. They’re absolutely delicious, so be sure to try one when you’re there. If you’re interested in making a trip here but don't have wheels, check out our guide to renting a car in Japan. Tattoo-friendly sento bathhouses in Tokyo Sento, or public bathhouses, are generally more tattoo-friendly than private onsen. Here are some of our faves. Kosugi-yu in Suginami and Shibuya for adults Kōenji Kita, Suginami Ward, Tokyo Jingumae, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo Koenji With easy access from Shinjuku and surrounded by hole-in-the-wall watering holes, izakaya, and trendy vintage clothing stores, Koenji’s Kosugi-yu lives up to the hype travelers and locals have given it for generations. This near-century-old wooden sento provides everything needed for proper rejuvenation, for only . The Koenji branch boasts four baths: a medicated bath, a massage jet bath (with three jets), a milky water bath, and a small cold bath. All you need to worry about is bringing a small towel (or renting one there), as the facility is equipped with shampoo, conditioner, body, and even face soap. After a refreshing bath, you can enjoy a modest selection of hair and face products at no extra cost. Despite getting crowded in the evenings, it’s easy to pass the time in the waiting room with its free Wi-Fi and generous selection of Japanese manga. You can also indulge in treats like ice cream, Japanese candy, milk, or alcohol. Notably, they also accept credit cards or other electronic payments. Harajuku Harajuku’s Kosugi-yu is beginner-friendly, especially for those seeking a conveniently accessible bath. Though a bit smaller in size, you’ll get a feel for what the Koenji branch has to offer. Established in the spring of 2024, this basement floor sento offers three simple baths: a milk bath (41 degrees Celsius), a hot bath (44 degrees), and a cold bath (18.5 degrees). These baths use the same additives and temperatures as Koenji. The milk bath utilizes moisturizing ingredients like Vaseline, beeswax, and mineral oil. The hot bath has a vibration effect, and bath salts make your skin feel silky and smooth. The cold bath is a bit warmer than in other sento, perfect for first-timers. There are also a few chairs to rest on if you want to relax without being in the water, or if the heat starts getting to you. Just remember to bring a towel or rent one at the front desk (face towels are , and bath towels are ). After your bath, you can enjoy refreshments like Sapporo beer or milk. There are also spaces to stretch and relax your body. Kairyō-yu in Shibuya for adults Higashi, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo A 20-minute walk from Shibuya Crossing is the modern and popular Kairyō-yu. This bathhouse attracts a lot of the younger locals from Shibuya and Ebisu, no matter the time of day. Whether you’re just starting your day or capping it off after a shopping spree, you’ll immediately feel the energizing effects of Kairyō-yu’s carbonated bath. The sento includes shampoo, conditioner, and body soap with their admission fee, so all you need to worry about is bringing or renting a towel upfront. The modern bathhouse is equipped with a total of three baths: a carbonated bath, a low-pressure jet massage bath, and a cold bath that hovers around 15 degrees Celsius. They also offer a sauna at an extra charge. Once you’re freshened up, get some air on their outside patio. A plus about this sento is that you can use alternate forms of payment for your admission and towel rentals, like IC transport cards. Keep in mind that due to its convenient location, Kairyō-yu does get crowded. Time your trip right, though, and it makes for a great pick-me-up on the way into Shibuya or Ebisu. Mannen-yu in Shinjuku for adults Ōkubo, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo Blending modern and historic architecture, Mannen-yu is a traditional sento only 5 minutes away from Shin-Ōkubo Station. Be sure to look out for its wooden gate, as the building is tucked down an alleyway. Don’t worry if you’re unprepared, as shampoo, soap, and a face towel are all included in the price point. This cozy sento consists of three main baths: a hotter milky bath, a large mild-temperate bath with small massage jet and electric baths, and a smaller cold bath. The dressing rooms are equipped with a vending machine and paid hair dryers, and there’s a coin laundry on the second floor. After your bath, you can take advantage of the waiting room’s retro-style massage chair while sipping milk or juice. Matsumoto-yu in Nakano for adults Higashi Nakano, Nakano Ward, Tokyo Walking through the entrance of this newly renovated sento, you can immediately see the care Matsumoto-yu has received for nearly 90 years. Touched up with a sleek, modern, wooden design, earth-tone interiors, and English-friendly signs, this bathhouse exudes luxury at just . In the main bathing area, Matsumoto-yu’s walls are lined with around 20 bathing stations to wash yourself off with complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and body soap, before dipping into one of five roomy baths. The Jet and Sonicwave bath is perfect for those who are tuckered out after a long day of exploring Tokyo. It offers two seated and two reclining jet sections, accompanied by a strong and weak electric bath (if you dare), all of which are said to soothe tense muscles. Next, you can transfer over to the biggest bath, the classic hot stillwater bath at around 40 degrees Celsius. Or if you’re feeling brave and want to challenge the older regulars, you can step into the hotter, smaller one that’s around 42 degrees. But don’t let the heat get to you. Cool off at either the "beauty bubble bath", teetering at a lukewarm 28 degrees, or the coldest bath in the building, an invigorating 16 degrees. Alternating between the coldest and hottest baths every 5 minutes is a good way to keep things interesting, and they say you might even reach spiritual enlightenment by doing so. Or something like that. Before you head out of the bath, spend an extra and take advantage of their dry stone sauna with a Finnish stove. Alternatively, you can dry off under some fans, rest on the tatami mats near the bath entrance, and quietly chat with friends or locals. Once you’re dried off, head back to the main waiting room, where you can relax, have a small nap, or indulge in ice cream and milk while admiring the stained glass art. Just remember to bring a towel! Kotobuki-yu in Taitō for adults Higashi Ueno, Taitō Ward, Tokyo Conveniently located between Ueno and Asakusa stations, visitors are greeted with stunning views of Tokyo Skytree upon approaching Kotobuki-yu. The exterior of the building retains the same rustic charm that has attracted locals and busy travelers for decades. Inside, the sento boasts what they call the best Mt. Fuji painting in Japan. This extremely foreigner-friendly sento provides signs and ticket machines in English, and the friendly staff always do their best to help out where they can. They go above and beyond on the amenities front, too, with items like face lotion, face “milk”, hair tonic, gel, shaving cream, and aftershave available in the changing rooms. Kotoboki-yu utilizes its vast space, boasting five baths, three of which are rotenburo open-air baths. Once you’ve washed yourself off with the provided shampoo and soap, you can hop in the indoor 42-degree medicated bath or the massage jet bath to relieve sore muscles. You can also check out their sauna at an extra cost. The main attraction at Kotobuki-yu, though, is the popular 40-degree outdoor bath. Nothing beats a warm outdoor soak on a cool night, so this one usually fills up quickly. We recommend getting in a little early to beat the crowd and see what the fuss is about. Bones thoroughly warmed, cool off at either the 18-degree Cave Bath or the 16-degree outdoor rock bath. Despite some reviews expressing concern about the position of Kotobuki in between two high-rise buildings, we weren’t worried about our privacy. Teikoku-yu in Arakawa for adults Higashi Nippori, Arakawa Ward, Tokyo Whether you’re a discerning sento enthusiast or a newcomer seeking an authentic sento experience, Teikoku-yu is calling you. From its extravagant, traditional exterior to its nostalgic, worn interior and even its long-time elderly customers, Teikoku-yu upholds the feeling of stepping into a bath favored by Edo-period locals. Teikoku-yu has been a go-to spot in Higashi-Nippori since the postwar era, but not without its hardships. A family-run sento founded in 1916, the death of its owner saw the facility close its doors in 2022. Staying closed for several months, it eventually reopened in 2023 thanks to the support of dedicated regulars. It's this local vibe that makes Teikoku-yu symbolic of sento culture -- a community hub for people to mingle, play shōgi, and wash away the day’s stresses in startlingly hot water. Inside the bathing area, you’ll immediately notice the pristine pearlescent tile floors and the aged mural of Mt. Fuji, painted by the late and renowned sento muralist Toshimitsu Hayakawa. Despite its palatial decor, you won’t see showerheads at Teikoku-yu, just utilitarian buckets and water faucets. Still, they do provide complimentary shampoo, body soap, and rental towels. Teikoku-yu only has three firewood-boiled baths: a medicated bath at 40 degrees Celsius, an ultrasonic bath, and a scorching rock-spout-filled hot water bath. The latter two baths are not for the faint of heart, with temperatures ranging in the local-friendly 45-50 degree range. After braving the heat, cool off in the outdoor garden, rehydrate, and get into the community spirit by checking out Teikoku-yu’s original merch and chatting with locals. Senkyaku Banrai super sento near Toyosu Fish Market for adults Toyosu, Kōtō Ward, Tokyo This super sento, located right next to Toyosu Market, is packed with a wide selection of public baths and stone spas, as well as beauty and massage studios. While they do accept tattoos, you’ll need to cover them up with a maximum of two 11cm x 20cm stickers, which you can buy from the Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club reception for per sticker. The base price for adults is set at , while kids get in for , but prices vary depending on the time of day you go. In the morning, the price drops to for adults and for children. Still, for the price, the bathing experience is unforgettable. Senkyaku Banrai offers open-air baths, indoor baths, and both salt and regular saunas. They also have a natural hot-spring bath where they truck in water sourced from the Hakone-Yugawara hot springs. If you’re not a fan of public bathing, they also offer private baths, or you can opt for a family tub priced at around per hour on top of your entry fee. On the 8th floor, you can enjoy a free outdoor ashi-yu footbath while taking in Tokyo Bay’s cityscape. An indoor café serves coffee, tea, and light snacks, and the 10th-floor rooftop offers panoramic views. This massive bathhouse has three ways to stay. If you plan to go for the Overnight Stay option, you may need to reserve your hotel rooms in advance -- this super sento fills up quickly. Or, if you don’t have a reservation, you can opt for the Late Night option, which allows you to use their relaxation rooms until the next morning. Those who just want to dip in the bath can go with the Day Trip option and spend the whole afternoon eating, bathing, and relaxing. Frequently asked questions What’s up with milk after a bath in Japan? In 1955, refrigerators were scarce in Japanese households, but prominent in sento. Cold milk, especially coffee-flavored milk, was seen as a luxury, but at sento they were widely available and cost the same price as admission. Plus, it’s a rejuvenating and delicious way to end your bath. Why are sento more lenient with tattoos than onsen? Since sento are public facilities, they only restrict people who may pose health risks to other guests, while hotel and inn laws are applied to recreational facilities like onsen and super sento. Since tattoos are culturally associated with yakuza, owners deem they may make other guests uncomfortable. Why do onsen cost more than sento? Sento are deemed public necessities by the government, while onsen and “super sento” are recreational and privately owned. Thus, the government regulates maximum sento prices (currently ), while onsen prices differ at the owner’s discretion. Why are sento slowly disappearing? From the rising costs of maintenance, water, and energy prices, owners struggle to turn a profit nowadays, especially since it’s harder to find successors to take over. Plus, with modern homes equipped with private bathrooms, the demand for sento is gradually vanishing. Why go to a sento? Sento serve a purpose other than just bathing. Historically, sento have been places where neighborhood residents mingle and form a sense of community. It’s thought to be a place where people can be vulnerable and connect, regardless of their status. Are tattoos allowed in Japan? Yes, tattoos are allowed. Even though they were illegal at various times in the past, they're legal now. If you're a foreign tourist, it's unlikely you'll have any negative experiences because of your tattoo. However, you might be asked to cover it up in professional settings if you live here. Are there any tattoo-friendly onsen in Tokyo? Yes! Have a look at all the options above; you've got a few to choose from. How strict are onsen about tattoos? That all depends on the onsen. Some of them completely refuse any and all tattoos and will put up signs saying so. But most either don't have a policy at all or are openly tattoo-friendly. Also, in general, the smaller the tattoo, the less strict places tend to be. Also read: All-Gender Hot Spring Guide While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Original post written by Yana K in December, 2021. Last updated: January, 2025.