Tattoo-Friendly Onsen in the Kanto Region: A Complete Guide for Foreign Travelers

Introduction: Tattoos and Onsen Culture in Japan

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, chances are that soaking in a steaming onsen (hot spring bath) is high on your bucket list. The Japanese onsen tradition goes back centuries, deeply connected to relaxation, health, and spiritual cleansing. Whether nestled in the mountains or tucked away in modern urban centers, hot springs offer an unforgettable experience of Japanese culture.

However, there’s one cultural nuance that often surprises foreign travelers: tattoos are traditionally restricted in many onsen facilities.

Why Tattoos Have Been Restricted in Onsen

Throughout much of Japan’s modern history, tattoos carried a strong association with the yakuza (Japanese organized crime groups). Large, elaborate tattoos were seen as symbols of underworld identity, leading many public bathhouses and onsen to deny entry to anyone with visible tattoos in order to make other customers feel safe.

This practice was not necessarily meant to discriminate against foreigners, but rather grew out of cultural stigma. Fast forward to today, and while tattoo culture has become fashionable worldwide and accepted among younger Japanese people, many onsen still maintain their “no tattoo” policies.

The Situation Today in Japan

Fortunately for travelers, the situation is changing. More and more facilities—especially in urban areas and locations popular with tourists—are recognizing that tattoos are often simply art or self-expression. These venues are updating policies to become tattoo-friendly or offering flexible solutions like:

1. Allowing tattoos if they can be covered with a patch or bandage.
2. Providing private or family baths for exclusive use.
3. Permitting tattoos openly with no restrictions.

Still, it’s important to do some research before visiting an onsen. That’s why we’ve prepared this detailed guide to tattoo-friendly onsen in the Kanto region of Japan—home to Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba, Saitama, and nearby prefectures.

Soaking in these hot springs can be the highlight of your Japan travel experience, and you’ll find plenty of places where tattoos are welcomed nowadays.

Why Finding Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Matters

For travelers with tattoos, finding the right onsen ensures you can relax without stress. Imagine traveling hours to a famous hot spring, only to be turned away at the entrance because of your tattoos. That can be disappointing, but easily avoidable if you choose wisely in advance.

Here are a few reasons why tattoo-friendly onsen are important to foreign visitors:

1. Barrier-Free Travel: Japan is becoming a more global destination, and onsen that embrace inclusivity are more aligned with international cultural diversity.
2. Comfort and Confidence: Knowing you won’t face rejection helps you fully enjoy the experience.
3. Time Efficiency: Especially in busy regions like Kanto, you don’t want to waste valuable travel days searching for a facility that will admit you.
4. Unique Experiences: Many tattoo-friendly onsen also offer private spas, family baths, or modern amenities that add to the enjoyment.

This guide focuses only on facilities in Kanto where tattoos are allowed, making it easier for you to plan ahead.

Recommended Tattoo-Friendly Onsen in the Kanto Region

Below is a list of recommended tattoo-friendly onsen and sento (public baths) across Kanto. This includes Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Gunma, Tochigi, and Ibaraki prefectures. Each listing includes unique highlights to help you choose the right one for your travel style.

1. Thermae-Yu (Shinjuku, Tokyo)

1. Location: Shinjuku, central Tokyo
2. Features: Modern, urban onsen experience with multiple baths, carbonated hot springs, saunas, relaxation lounges, and dining facilities.
3. Tattoo Policy: Tattoos are allowed, which is quite rare in central Tokyo facilities.
4. Highlights: Open 24 hours; perfect for night owls or those with packed itineraries. Conveniently located near Shinjuku Station.

This is one of the best urban onsen in Tokyo for travelers who want luxury and relaxation without leaving the city.

2. Oedo Onsen Monogatari Urayasu Mangekyo (Chiba)

1. Location: Urayasu, near Tokyo Disney Resort, Chiba Prefecture
2. Features: A massive onsen theme park with various indoor and outdoor baths, footbaths, saunas, massage services, and entertainment areas.
3. Tattoo Policy: Tattoos are permitted at this facility.
4. Highlights: Perfect for families and groups traveling to Tokyo Disney Resort. Offers day-trip packages and relaxation areas.

The facility blends traditional hot spring culture with a fun, theme-park atmosphere, making it excellent for first-time visitors to Japan.

3. Spa LaQua (Tokyo Dome City, Tokyo)

1. Location: Bunkyo-ku, near Tokyo Dome, Tokyo
2. Features: A resort-style hot spring with natural spring water pumped from 1,700 meters underground, along with open-air baths, saunas, spa treatments, and dining.
3. Tattoo Policy: Tattoo-friendly with certain guidelines—small tattoos should be covered, but foreign travelers are generally welcome.
4. Highlights: Centrally located near shopping and entertainment areas, making it easy to combine with sightseeing.
   
   
   

4. Ikaho Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)

1. Location: Shibukawa City, Gunma
2. Features: A famous historic hot spring town known for its iconic stone stairway lined with inns and shops. The springs are famous for their rust-colored waters rich in iron.
3. Tattoo Policy: Many ryokan (traditional inns) and bathhouses offer private onsen baths that welcome tattooed guests.
4. Highlights: A traditional hot spring town experience, great for travelers looking to immerse themselves in old Japan.

5. Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)

1. Location: Kusatsu town, Gunma Prefecture (a bit further from Tokyo but worth it)
2. Features: Widely considered one of Japan’s top three onsen resorts. Known for high-quality acidic spring water believed to cure many ailments.
3. Tattoo Policy: Public baths may have restrictions, but most ryokan with private baths accept tattoos. Increasingly, some shared facilities are becoming tattoo-friendly.
4. Highlights: Visit Yubatake (the hot water field) in the town center. Kusatsu is a true bucket-list onsen destination.

6. Enoshima Island Spa (Kanagawa Prefecture)

1. Location: Enoshima Island, near Kamakura and Yokohama
2. Features: Overlooking the ocean, this spa combines hot spring bathing with spectacular sunset views over Mount Fuji. Includes cave pools and a rooftop infinity bath.
3. Tattoo Policy: Tattoos are allowed, making it accessible to all travelers.
4. Highlights: Perfect for couples or solo travelers looking for a romantic, scenic soak. Easy day trip from Tokyo.

7. Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura (Toshima, Tokyo)

1. Location: Komagome, northern Tokyo area
2. Features: Stylish urban onsen with clear natural spring water and modern facilities. Offers multiple bath types, relaxation lounges, and seasonal menus.
3. Tattoo Policy: Permits tattoos with no issue.
4. Highlights: Convenient location, relaxing atmosphere, and great for travelers wanting a peaceful day away from Tokyo crowds.

8. Manyo-no-Yu (Yokohama Minato Mirai, Kanagawa)

1. Location: Minato Mirai district, Yokohama
2. Features: A popular day-use hot spring facility with bayside views, outdoor rooftop baths, relaxation lounges, and overnight stay options.
3. Tattoo Policy: Tattoos are allowed.
4. Highlights: Easy to combine with sightseeing in Yokohama’s Chinatown and bay area. Offers both day-use and overnight spa stays.

9. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun (Kanagawa Prefecture)

1. Location: Hakone, Kanagawa
2. Features: Famous “onsen theme park” with both traditional baths and playful pools such as coffee baths, wine baths, and green tea baths. Great for families and groups.
3. Tattoo Policy: Tattoo-friendly, especially in the swimsuit-zone baths.
4. Highlights: Fun for kids, couples, and groups who want a lighthearted hot spring experience.

10. RAKU SPA 1010 Kanda (Tokyo)

1. Location: Kanda, central Tokyo
2. Features: A stylish, modern sento-style hot spring bath offering multiple pools, a manga library, coworking lounges, and café spaces.
3. Tattoo Policy: Tattoos of all sizes are welcome.
4. Highlights: Excellent for budget-friendly and solo travelers. A unique blend of relaxation and casual co-working atmosphere.

Onsen Etiquette and Tips for Foreign Travelers

Before you jump into the waters, it’s essential to understand onsen etiquette. Following these customs will help you avoid any awkwardness and show respect to Japanese culture.

1. Wash Thoroughly First

Before entering the bath, you must cleanse your body at the shower area. Soap, shampoo, and rinse are provided. Make sure no soap residue remains.

2. Enter Quietly and Respectfully

Onsen are places of relaxation. Keep voices low and avoid splashing water.

3. Towel Etiquette

Bring the small towel provided into the bathing area, but never dip it in the water. Place it on your head or leave it by the side.

4. Covering Tattoos If Necessary

At some facilities, even if tattoos are “permitted,” they may still suggest covering larger designs with a patch. Waterproof tattoo covers can be purchased in Japan or online before your trip.

5. No Photography in Onsen

Cameras and phones are not allowed inside bathing areas for privacy reasons.

6. Health Tips

Avoid hot baths if you have high blood pressure or circulatory problems. Always hydrate before and after onsen bathing.

Conclusion: Enjoying Japanese Onsen with Respect

Experiencing a hot spring in Japan is more than just relaxation—it’s a cultural ritual that connects you with centuries of tradition. While tattoos have historically been taboo in these spaces, the landscape is changing, and now many facilities in the Kanto region welcome travelers with tattoos.

By doing your research and respecting basic onsen etiquette, you can fully enjoy the rejuvenating waters without stress or worry. Whether you choose an urban spa in Tokyo, a seaside escape in Kanagawa, or a historic onsen town in Gunma, the Kanto area offers something for every tattooed traveler.

So pack your towel, leave your worries behind, and step into the soothing embrace of Japan’s tattoo-friendly onsen. It may just become the most memorable part of your Japan travel adventure.