The Best Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Hotels in Japan I’d Stay at Again (+ 3 I Wouldn’t)
Demand for tattoo-friendly onsen hotels in Japan is at an all-time high, yet when it comes to actually hunting them down, it hasn’t gotten much easier…
There is no specific search function on booking sites, and you usually have to sift through the comments on most onsen-related reels to find an answer.
BUT lucky for you, I’ve spent 6+ trips across all seasons on a mission to find the best onsen hotel in Japan, dragging my tatted-up partner with me for the wild ride. Which led me to various levels of tattoo-friendly stays from onsen theme parks to soaking with snow monkeys and now I get to share my brutally honest thoughts on whether they are really worth it for you and your body art.
The Best Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Hotels in Japan
| Onsen Hotel | Price | Private Bathing | Tattoo-friendliness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryuudo Onsen Theme Park (Minakami) | $$ | ✅ 18 private onsens | ✅ in all baths |
| Nanadaru Onsen Hotel (Izu Peninsula) | $ | ✅ Yes private onsen timing rotates each day | 🏡 Only in private baths |
| Ashinomaki Onsen Ookawaso (Aizu) | $$ | 💴 at extra cost (1 hr JPY 3,300) | 🏡 Only in private baths |
| Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan (Snow Monkey Park) | $$$ | ✅ Crowds and timing vary | ✅ in all public baths |
| Shosuke no Yado Takinoyu (Aizu) | $$ | 💴 6+ reservable private onsens (1 hr JPY 3,300) | 🏡 Only in private baths |
| Kanmuheishi Yukarino Yado Ageha (Yunishigawa Onsen) | $$$ | 💴 at extra cost | 🏡 Only in private baths |
| Onsen Yuen Shinjuku (Tokyo) | $–$$ | ❌ No | ✅ In all public baths |
| Toyosu Manyo Club (Tokyo) | $ | 💴 Private experiences and spa at extra cost | 🩹 Small tattoos allowed if covered |
Kawazu Falls
Tokyo
Kawazu Falls
Higashiyama Onsen, Aizu
Snow Monkey Park, Nagano
Tokyo, Japan
Aizu
Minikami, Gunma
Yunishigawa Onsen
What is an Onsen?
An onsen is a natural hot spring (usually) heated by Japan’s volcanic landscape and deeply woven into the country’s culture and identity. Now one of the most Unique Things to Do in Japan.
Seriously, this is way more than just a place to bathe, onsen culture is about embracing centuries-old traditions and healing. Whether you’re soaking in a steamy mountain rotenburo (outdoor onsen) or squeezing into a traditional indoor bath, onsens come in all shapes and sizes,
And onsen hotels are often my favourite way to experience them, with a unique (usually traditional) stay built around these natural hot springs.
What does ‘tattoo friendly’ actually mean?
Most traditional onsen follow a no tattoo policy (we will get into that shortly), however, there is an increase of tattoo-friendly alternatives, especially with onsen hotels that mean you can enter the facilities with body art.
The brief history of onsen and tattoos
Tattoos were often associated with the Yakuza, so as a way to keep the gangs out of the facilities, it became a general rule for no tattoos.
It’s a really interesting and important history I recommend looking up if you plan to visit.
NOw, with younger generations coming in and a tourism increase, tattoos are more widely accepted again, especially in major cities, but you do need to be mindful that it remains tradition in a lot of onsen.
The levels of ‘tattoo-friendly onsen in Japan
Not all tattoo-friendly onsens follow the same rules. Some welcome tattoos in all public baths, while others only allow them in private onsens, and don’t get me started on the finicky sticker covers.
I like to break it down like this:
- ✅ = Tattoos allowed in all public baths
- 🏡 = Tattoos only permitted in private baths
- 🩹 = Small tattoos allowed if covered
- ⚠️ = Allowed only in guest room onsen
- ❌ = No tattoos permitted
Public vs Private Onsen
A public onsen is a shared hot spring where you’ll bathe alongside other guests (usually separated by gender). It might feel a little intimidating at first for us who haven’t grown up with onsen culture, yet it’s one of those quintessential Japanese experiences you’ll probably end up loving.
A private onsen is often attached to your room or a bath to yourself booked for a dedicated time slot. The easiest tattoo-friendly option to find. And yes… it’s also perfect if you’re trying to snap a few pics to brag to your friends about.
Where to Book Tattoo-friendly Onsen Hotels in Japan
I wish I had a simple one stop shop for you here, but to discover the best tattoo-friendly onsen hotels in Japan you do need to be flexible with your booking platform preferences.
Timing, availability, packages and price can vary greatly across the board that it is always best to compare. I tend to jump between:
Booking.com
Agoda
Trip.com
Klook
Rakuten Travel
Direct with Hotels, Ryokans and Guesthouses
You may also stumble across some that foreigners must book via a Japanese Travel Agent like Travel Agent Japan. We did this for our recent Snow Monkey Stay and found it was really simple and effective.
Tattoo Friendly Japan is a great website with more information too.
My favourite Tattoo-friendly Onsen Hotels in Japan
1. Ryuudo Onsen Theme Park
Why stay here:
READ MY COMPLETE ONSEN THEME PARK REVIEW HERE
- ONSEN THEME PARK – need I say more
- 18 private onsen all included within stay
- Traditional kaiseki ryokan meals
- Scattered along a stunning river, magical in all seasons
- Interactive scavenger stamp hunt to win prizes
My brutally honest review:
That famous tattoo-friendly, co-ed riverside Takaragawa Onsen Hotel had been in my saved folder for years until I discovered its major overtourism problems.
SO here comes a ⭐ bonus tattoo-friendly onsen hotel hack ⭐ for you… Once I find a unique onsen, I browse the booking map to see what other stays are nearby that may have fallen under the radar, which led me to discover this ONSEN THEME PARK!!!
It turned out to be the BEST tattoo-friendly onsen hotel we have ever stayed in Japan, with 18 private onsen you grab any key available and lock yourself in to enjoy. They even have a scavenger hunt challenge to soak and get a stamp in all for a prize (we got a new ceramic bowl oooooo!)
Do I genuinely recommend it:
I won’t shut up about Ryuudo. The only thing I would change is that one night wasn’t enough, so I would recommend at least 2 to make sure you do get to experience all unique baths without a rush.
Where to Book the onsen theme park:
2. Nanadaru Onsen Hotel, Izu Peninsula
Why stay here:
- Gender and private bathing sessions rotate between all onsen giving you the chance to experience all facilties
- 5 onsen to choose from
- Private onsen are FREE
- Right along the Kawazu 7 Waterfall Trail
- Neighbours to the viral waterfall onsen
My brutally honest review:
At first I was a little bummed to find out my dream waterfall onsen stay was still closed for renovations but luckily they were still open for day pass access and right next door we stumbled across this gem!
The hotel itself felt a little worn, yet it was obviously something they were working on, with fresh interior painting and new showers set to be installed in. Honestly, between the waterfall trail and 5 private onsen in the facility itself, we barely spent any time in the room to even care that the shower was out of order.
Do I genuinely recommend it:
As an affordable option in a destination well worth more than a day trip, this is the perfect base for waterfall adventures with the added bonus of its own private onsen experiences.
Where to Book the Waterfall Onsen Hotel in Izu Peninsula:
3. Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku
Why Stay Here?
Read my complete YUEN SHINJUKU REVIEW HERE or watch the vlog recap HERE
- Stay in the heart of Tokyo
- Seasonal specials – we had one hour of free snacks and sakes each night!
- Rooftop onsen
- Luxury Design
- Ice cream and refreshments in the relaxation lounge
- Convenience store directly across the street
My brutally honest review:
Tokyo hotels in general can be on the pricier side so I was pleasantly surprised to find this boujee on a budget onsen stay in the heart of Shinjuku. Keeping in mind that season and room types can blow through that budget very quickly too of course.
It was the perfect base for hopping around the main parts of Tokyo while having those traditional Japanese ryokan elements to retreat back to. Oh, and FREE late-night snacks and sake! (although I believe this offering changes seasonally)
With the tattoo-friendly policy only opening up in recent years, you may see some mixed messaging online regarding the policy but rest assured, recent reviews and photos on booking platforms have confirmed there is updated signage and confirmation from the hotel themselves of the policy now welcoming tattoos without need for cover.
Do I genuinely recommend it:
While I want to encourage you to venture beyond the Golden Route in Japan, I understand Tokyo is going to be on almost every tourist’s itinerary, and Yuen Shinjuku offers a really unique opportunity to experience onsen culture and quiet relaxation while being in the heart of it all.
Where to book Yuen Shinjuku:
4. Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan – Snow Monkey Park
Why Stay Here?
READ MY ULTIMATE SNOW MONKEY GUIDE HERE
- SNOW MONKEYS without the crowds
- The chance to bathe with the snow monkeys
- Directly across from the snow monkey park, in fact, its the only place you can stay here in the valley.
- Only 4 rooms are sold per night, so you have an intimate (and often private) experience.
- All meals are made with local ingredients picked from the Jigokudani Valley (breakfast was my favourite)
My brutally honest review:
The famous Snow Monkey Park in Nagano is one of the top things to do in Japan, yet most people don’t know you can actually STAY at the traditional ryokan here in the valley, where the monkeys first learnt the behaviour of bathing in onsens like humans!
I’d only found out about the $15 day pass option after splurging almost $500 on our overnight stay and after getting to see both first hand during our 24hrs, I can say it was absolutely worth it for the most unique stay of my life.
You actually see the human onsen across from the park gates, and it can get PACKED during the day + we didn’t actually see any monkeys soaking here until the park had closed. It was as the sun was setting when around 200 monkeys were coming back down the mountain via just us alone in this outdoor bath – terrifying, exhilarating, and I still can not believe it. YouTube video coming soon!
Do I genuinely recommend it:
In winter, yes, it is well worth the splurge IMO for truly the msot unique stay of my life. In other seasons, you aren’t as likely to see the monkeys, let alone be in the onsen with them, which kind of defeats the purpose of this stay.
For most people, the day pass is the best budget-friendly option and great for those only doing a day trip. Oh and as long as you don’t mind a bit of monkey poop around haha
Where to book the Snow Monkey Ryokan:
It can currently only be booked via the Japanese Travel Agent – Travel Arrange Japan + Day Passes are booked upon arrival.
5. Shosuke No Yado Takinoyu, Higashiyama Onsen
Why Stay Here?
READ MY JUICY AIZU GUIDE and WATCH OUR AIZU WINTER VLOG
- 12 onsen (private slots available)
- Waterfall views
- Riverside Footbaths (my fave)
- FREE beer and ice cream
- A theatre built across the river where they host performances and movie nights viewed from the lobby.
- Underrated wildlife spotting
My brutally honest review:
Yes, there is ANOTHER UNIQUE WATERFALL ONSEN HOTEL this time north of Tokyo in the underrated region of Aizu!
BUT this one is totally different with 12+ onsen, daily FREE beer and ice cream, specialty yukata, a unique theatre built across the river and a bunch of wildlife to spot across the valley!
The main waterfall is seen from inside the women’s and men’s public bathing areas (so no photos) but funnily enough, it was actually the riverside footbaths that stole the show for me.
Do I genuinely recommend it:
As a tattoo-friendly onsen hotel, it is not really the best option as you can’t access all baths, which is why I knocked a few points off its rating. HOWEVER, with multiple footbaths and private hot spring slots to book, it is well worth the stop if you happen to be in Aizu (which I also highly recommend).
Where to book the Aizu Waterfall Onsen hotel:
Tattoo-friendly Onsen Hotels I wouldn’t stay at again
6. Toyosu Manyo Club Onsen, Tokyo
Why Stay Here?
- 24hr onsen experience in Tokyo
- 9 storeys of relaxation rooms and onsen
- A 360 rooftop footspa (again, I am a sucker for a footspa)
- The freshest buffet we have ever had
- Day Passes and overnight rooms available
My brutally honest review:
It is hard not to be impressed by a 24HR, 9-STOREY ONSEN in Tokyo, unless you have tattoos, then your experience may differ.
With 13 tattoos scattered on Jedd’s body, our cover job was dodgy at best, so he mainly stayed to the areas you kept the yukata like the footspa and relaxation rooms (not the main onsen floor). We found the stickers super irritating and again, more trouble than they are worth.
The hotel room itself was nothing special and there is no major difference between day pass access and hotel stay that make it worth the extra lump. Either way, I am not rushing back.
Do I genuinely recommend it:
Since they enforce tattoo cover to fit within their provided 2 sheets of body stickers, it really isn’t worth the hassle for most and with so many better tattoo-friendly onsen around, it finds itself on my ‘wouldn’t stay again list’.
Where to Book Toyosu Manyo Club Tokyo:
BOOK THE DAY PASS:
the Senkyaku Banrai Toyosu Manyo Club Onsen Experience in Tokyo
SPLURGE ON AN OVERNIGHT HOTEL STAY:
Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club
(save big $$$ on Klook with code DONUT KLOOK)
7. Ashinomaki Onsen Ookawaso, Aizu
Why Stay Here?
- Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Hotel (the place that inspired the famous scene)
- Cliffside Onsen (private slots available but limited)
- Mega breakfast buffet
- Interactive performances and traditional shows
- Karaoke room
My brutally honest review:
Best known as ‘The Demon Slayer Hotel’ given its lobby is rumoured to be the inspiration for the show’s Infinity Castle, which means nothing to me since I am more of a One Piece girl myself.
And while I was excited by the local self-serve sake bar, cliffside outdoor onsen, daily performances, unbelievable dining experiences, retro gaming space, karaoke bar and the Samurai School all inside the hotel, it really isn’t as worth it if you aren’t a Demon Slayer fan (as you will be surrounded by them)
Do I genuinely recommend it:
If you are a Demon Slayer fan – yes.
If you are looking for a great value tattoo-friendly onsen hotel – no.
Where to book Ookawaso:
8. Kanmuheishi Yukarino Yado Ageha – Yunishigawa Onsen
Why Stay Here?
- Private riverside onsen available
- Deep history and traditions
- Stay in a real museum
- Acclaimed Hearth Dining
- Access to the winter Kamakura Festival
My brutally honest review:
Despite AGEHA being voted one of Japan’s top 10 traditional inns, it doesn’t make the cut for me as a unique travel expert.
Don’t get me wrong, this place feels like you are spending a night in the museum. It is owned by the 38th generation of the Taira Samurai clan (opened since 1718), full of antiques, 6 private riverside onsen and hearth dining that gives it a special magic.
We picked it for its access to the Yunishigawa Kamakura Winter Festival (a story for another day), but oh boy was it a mess to get out here that I would avoid doing again.
Do I genuinely recommend it:
If you don’t mind having to book the private onsen times as your only bathing option with tattoos, it is a wild traditional stay you will likely be amazed by.
Yet unless you too were coming for the winter festivals, I wouldn’t recommend taking the detour out here.
Where to book AGEHA:
Japan with Tattoos Travel FAQs
If you make it this far in the post, you know that it is not always the case. Sure, many traditional onsens still restrict tattoos but lucky for you, there are more tattoo-friendly options and private bathing alternatives than ever.
This will just mean you have to be a little more selective in your tattoo-friendly search as you will probably want to avoid any that specify you need to cover your tats with stickers. Private bathing is by far the best option for you and honestly, way more relaxing IMO.
Most traditional onsen are separated by gender so it depends on the type of couple you are, but any private hot springs or various outdoor public baths that require swimsuits are usually open for all. Great if you are like us, with one with tattoos and the other without.
This depends on what hotel you book, as policies vary.
In my experience, yes, but not always. It is always worth checking the hotel’s specific tattoo policy before booking and usually being a little more modest when walking around the hotels (like wearing the provided Yukatas)
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for travellers, meaning it is less about tattoos specifically and ultimately comes down to common sense and research.
Regardless, travel remains unpredictable from getting sick to natural disasters, so I ALWAYS recommend getting travel insurance.
My experience with Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Hotels in Japan
Funnily enough, I have no tattoos unless you count the strange colour-changing birthmark on my leg but since I drag Jedd everywhere with me now, it has become a key search point in my Japan Travel research.
And somewhere along the way, several viral videos later, I accidentally became the tattoo-friendly onsen hotel expert. I’d like to think that gives me an extra unique perspective as I get to investigate all types of onsen experiences around Japan.
Ultimately, regardless of tattoos or not, the private hot spring experiences have become my favourite and by far the easiest to navigate with a tattooed traveller.
Honestly, I could ramble on for days about this, but if you ever have any specific questions or are feeling extra nosy and want more in-depth insight, do not hesitate to comment below, email me or DM @wanderingdonut ♡
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