Where To Get a Tattoo in Tokyo

Yes, getting tattooed is painful, but worse than the pain of a tattoo you like is the regret of one you don’t. Communication is key in getting a tattoo you’ll love for life, and getting one in Japan if you don’t speak Japanese is a big roll of the dice.

Confusing your kowai and kawaii is one thing, but when it comes to body art, it’s good to know you’re being understood, before, during, and after the ink goes in. If you’re wondering where to get a tattoo in Tokyo, Japan Tattoo in Shinjuku is our top pick — you’ll know you’re in good hands. And yes, they speak English.

Japan Tattoo

Japan Tattoo is an English-friendly studio in Shinjuku that’s been operating for over eight years. Starting out in a small apartment with only one or two beds, they were so successful that they upgraded to their current studio, home to five stations and a roster of tight-knit and talented tattoo artists, in 2024.

The keys to their success, they say, are high-quality work, clear and thorough English consultation and aftercare instructions, and a squeaky-clean and upbeat studio.

The staff

What sets Japan Tattoo apart is the English-speaking management team and consultation process. Outside of the actual artwork and tattooing, the two store managers handle everything from bookings and consultations to pricing, aftercare, and artist workload.

As for the artists, the studio has a roster of eight on the books, specializing in styles like Japanese traditional, American traditional, fine lines, black-and-grey, anime, and lettering.

Booking and consultation

English consultation is a big part of the management team’s role at Japan Tattoo. By discussing your lifestyle, including how much time you spend in the sun and the types of clothing you typically wear, they can help refine elements such as design, colour, and placement.

They also recognize that changing your mind is often part of the creative process. As ideas evolve during the consultation, new directions may emerge, and your final tattoo choice may resonate with you more than the one you initially had in mind. Ultimately, their job is to help guide you to a tattoo that you’ll be happy with for life.

The crew is also not afraid to give honest, open feedback on your design ideas. While some places are happy to tattoo just about anything, Japan Tattoo will let you know if what you’re after is unrealistic, likely to blow out, or just won’t look good. If you’ve never had a tattoo before and you’re considering starting with your hands or fingers, they’ll tell you about the potential risks involved.

The studio has experience with a range of skin types, so they can make color recommendations and advise you on what will and won’t work for your skin tone.

Management is happy to consult online or in person from three months before your appointment. They take bookings via DM on Instagram as well as via email, phone, or the booking form on their website.

Depending on your design and their artist availability, walk-in sessions are also possible, and they welcome anyone who just wants to come in and check out the studio or discuss a potential appointment.

They’ll also let you know to avoid the hot springs for a few days after your session, or book your appointment after your onsen trip to make the most of your holiday!

On the day

If you’ve ever been tattooed before, you’ll know that vibes are important. While some might appreciate a one-man operation reeking of stale beer and cigarettes with obscure psychobilly music on heavy rotation, in a room that hasn’t been cleaned since 1983 — it’s not exactly for everybody. Japan Tattoo strikes the perfect balance of warm, upbeat vibes, super clean stations, and a solid soundtrack of ‘90s punk and ska tunes.

As you walk in, you’ll be welcomed by one of the managers at the front desk, who will confirm your appointment and design. Once you’re ready to go, your artist will go over any last-minute design or placement questions, then print your stencil and get to work.

Aftercare

Another thing that Japan Tattoo emphasizes is aftercare. Simply giving you the tattoo is one thing, but making sure it’s a long-lasting souvenir of your trip to Japan is a big focus.

After your session, they’ll cover the tattoo with second skin and recommend creams and other products you can purchase locally or back at home. If you forget anything, they have aftercare instructions on their website. And, if you’re planning on hanging out in Shinjuku, they’ve got a ton of local recommendations and hot tips.

Some aftercare tips the studio recommends are to keep the second-skin film on for 5–7 days and to avoid alcohol or intense exercise for at least 24 hours. It’s ok to fly with a recent tattoo, but it can get dry on a plane, so keep the second skin on or make sure it’s adequately moisturized.

Japan Tattoo will typically recommend booking your tattoo session near the end of your trip to avoid getting in an onsen and sauna with an unhealed tattoo, exercise like skiing or snowboarding, or things like luggage straps or friction during travel.

They also say that spring and autumn are peak times for tattoos because of the mild weather — less humidity and dryness. If you’re coming in the spring or fall, they recommend booking three months in advance.

Ultimately, the staff at Japan Tattoo wants you to leave Japan with a happy reminder of your trip. Getting a tattoo is a big decision, and while getting one overseas can be daunting, the team at Japan Tattoo in Tokyo has created a space that makes the process smooth and — well, maybe not entirely painless — stress-free.