A Tattooed Visitor’s Guide to Japanese Bath Culture

Japan’s rich bathing culture—from natural hot springs (onsens) to communal public baths (sentos) and saunas—has been a cherished tradition for centuries. However, for visitors with visible tattoos, navigating this experience can sometimes feel complicated. Historically, tattoos in Japan have been associated with the yakuza, organized crime groups that use extensive body art as a sign of affiliation and status. To maintain a sense of safety and comfort for all guests, many onsens and sentos adopted strict no-tattoo policies, aiming to deter any perceived criminal presence and to help bathers feel more at ease.

But times are changing. As Japan welcomes more international visitors—many of whom proudly wear tattoos as expressions of art, identity, and culture—attitudes are beginning to shift. While some traditional bathhouses still uphold tattoo restrictions, an increasing number now offer more flexible, inclusive policies. Some facilities allow tattoos without issue, while others may ask guests to cover them with skin-tone patches or reserve private bathing spaces.

For people with too many tattoos to cover up, we want to provide you with helpful tips to experience Japan’s rich bathing culture without issue.

Onsens—natural hot springs heated by Japan’s volcanic activity—are a cornerstone of relaxation and wellness in Japanese culture. For centuries, people have traveled to onsen towns nestled in the mountains, along coastlines, and even in bustling cities, to soak in the therapeutic waters and reconnect with nature and community.

What makes onsens so special isn't just the warmth—it’s the rich mineral content of the waters. Depending on the location, an onsen might be filled with sulfur, carbon dioxide, sodium chloride, or iron, each offering different health benefits. Some onsens are believed to help with muscle recovery, skin health, joint pain, and circulation. Bathing in these natural springs is considered a way to cleanse not just the body, but also the mind and spirit.

Beyond the physical benefits, onsens carry deep cultural meaning. They are places where social barriers fall away (sometimes quite literally, as everyone bathes nude) and where people find quiet moments of reflection. The atmosphere often blends respect for nature, tradition, and simple living—values that are woven into all aspects of Japanese life.

Onsens are also a cherished way for families to spend time together. It's common for multiple generations to visit onsens for weekend getaways or holidays. These shared experiences help strengthen family bonds and create memories. Because onsens are seen as spaces of relaxation, trust, and innocence, the presence of heavily tattooed individuals—still historically associated with organized crime in Japan—can sometimes cause discomfort among families with young children or older bathers who may not be familiar with changing attitudes toward tattoos.

Though the meaning of tattoos has evolved for much of the world, in traditional onsen settings, heavily tattooed visitors might unintentionally disrupt the sense of peace and safety that locals expect during their bathing experience. This is one of the main reasons some onsens continue to uphold tattoo restrictions today.

For tattooed travelers, understanding this context is key to approaching these spaces with respect and finding the right places where everyone can relax comfortably.

If you're looking for an iconic Japanese onsen experience that also welcomes tattooed visitors, Kusatsu Onsen should be high on your list. Located about a three-hour bus ride north of Tokyo, near the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Kusatsu is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns. Its naturally acidic waters are celebrated for their healing properties, and the charming town atmosphere feels like stepping back in time.

One of the best parts about Kusatsu for heavily tattooed travelers is the availability of three public onsen baths that are affordable, authentic, and—most importantly—have no tattoo restrictions. These public baths include [1]

• Gozanoyu: A beautiful indoor bathhouse near the famous Yubatake hot spring field. Traditional, elegant, and easy to visit.
• Ohtakinoyu: Known for its Awase-yu multiple-temperature baths, beautiful outdoor soaking areas, and the option to rent private baths. A great choice for travelers who want a full range of experiences.
• Sainokawara Rotenburo: This massive outdoor bath is set in a natural park, perfect for relaxing under the open sky surrounded by mountains.

Admission fees for these public baths are usually very low, often between 500 to 700 yen (roughly $3–$5 USD), making it an affordable and welcoming experience for all travelers.

If you’re seeking a more luxurious stay during your visit to Kusatsu Onsen, Hotel Sakurai offers an unforgettable experience—though it comes at a higher price. Located just a short walk from the famous Yubatake hot spring field, Hotel Sakurai blends traditional ryokan hospitality with the scale and service of a full resort.

For a truly special experience, you can book a full tatami-mat suite with a private open-air onsen bath on the patio, perfect for relaxing away from the crowds. Expect to pay around $775 USD per night for four people in one of these suites, which includes:

• A large traditional Japanese-style room with tatami flooring
• A private open-air hot spring bath attached to your room
• Buffet-style breakfast and dinner with both Japanese and Western options
• All-you-can-drink packages offered during certain meal services
• Access to the hotel’s sprawling public baths, including one of the largest communal onsen pools in Kusatsu

For a weekend stay (two nights), the full cost would be around $1,550 USD for four people, making it a great choice for groups or families traveling together and wanting a premium experience.

It’s important to note that Hotel Sakurai technically has a no-tattoo policy for its public baths. However, religious and medical-related tattoos are officially permitted, offering a degree of flexibility. Practically speaking, if you are discreet—for example, bathing along the outer edges of the onsen, using a small towel to cover tattoos where possible, and being mindful of other bathers’ comfort—you can often enjoy the facilities without issue. Being respectful of the space and the other guests is key.

For those who would prefer complete privacy, Hotel Sakurai (and several other nearby hotels) also offer rooms with private mini-onsens, allowing you to soak comfortably without worrying about tattoo policies at all.

Reaching Kusatsu Onsen from Tokyo is surprisingly simple and a beautiful journey in itself. You can catch a direct highway bus from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal. The trip takes around three to three and a half hours, winding through lush valleys, forested hills, and mountain scenery, especially beautiful during autumn or winter when the leaves change colors or snow dusts the landscape.

Tickets typically cost around 3,500–4,000 yen ($25–$30 USD) one-way, and buses are comfortable with reserved seating, onboard bathrooms, and luggage storage.

It’s a relaxing and easy way to transition from the busy streets of Tokyo into the peaceful rhythm of the mountains, and a perfect setup for a restorative bathing getaway.

While onsens and sentos have been part of Japanese life for centuries, saunas are a relatively recent addition. First introduced in the 1970s, saunas initially gained popularity among athletes and wellness enthusiasts looking to recover from physical stress. Early sauna facilities were often tucked into gyms, hotels, and a few traditional bathhouses—a far cry from the vibrant sauna culture Japan is experiencing today.

In recent years, however, Japan has seen an absolute explosion in sauna culture. This new sauna boom was largely sparked by an unexpected source: the manga series and TV adaptation "Sado" ("The Way of the Sauna") [2]. "Sado" romanticized the sauna experience, turning it into something almost spiritual—a full-body reset combining intense heat, cold plunges, and deep relaxation. The series resonated with millions of readers and viewers, capturing the perfect moment when a person, emerging from a cold plunge after a hot sauna, feels a euphoric state known as "totonou"— meaning "to be perfectly aligned" or "to feel in tune."

As a result, a whole new generation of Japanese people—from busy urban professionals to outdoor adventurers—have fallen in love with the hot-cold-relax circuit. Saunas are now seen not just as a recovery tool, but as a lifestyle and a mental reset. For heavily tattooed visitors, this modern sauna movement offers a much more open and welcoming environment compared to traditional onsens. Many new saunas either allow tattoos openly or offer private rooms where you can book a personal sauna-cold-relax session.

If you really want to dive into the new sauna culture, I highly recommend spending time exploring the different sauna experiences in Osaka. Known for its vibrant nightlife, Osaka is packed with incredible bars, izakayas, and late-night food — and there’s no better way to detox after a night out than with a serious sauna and cold plunge session the next morning.

One of the most exciting new additions to Japan’s sauna scene is Kudochi Sauna, located right in the bustling entertainment district of Osaka. Kudochi brings a completely fresh, high-tech twist to the traditional sauna experience — offering private, fully automated sauna rooms that are perfect for tattooed travelers who want privacy, luxury, and top-tier heat.

At Kudochi, everything is handled through your phone. You book online, receive a QR code for entry, and enter your private sauna suite without ever needing to interact with staff or other guests. It’s a totally seamless, contactless system — ideal for people who want a discreet and relaxed experience.

Each private room is thoughtfully designed and themed differently, giving each visit a slightly unique vibe. Inside, you’ll find a self-contained luxury suite featuring:

• A dedicated relaxation area with seating and lounge space
• An in-ground cold plunge pool for real contrast therapy
• A private sauna room equipped with brand-new Saunum heaters

The Saunum heaters are particularly special. Known for their ability to create intense, even heat and deliver deep, satisfying löyly (steam bursts), these heaters reach higher temperatures than most standard saunas — meaning you can experience a true, powerful sweat session similar to elite saunas in Finland or Estonia.

Why is Kudochi sauna great for people with tattoos? Because the rooms are fully private and self-contained, there’s no risk of offending other guests or encountering outdated tattoo policies. You can enjoy the full sauna-cold-relax cycle freely, at your own pace, with total peace of mind. Kudochi Sauna is an ideal choice whether you're looking to detox after a big night out in Osaka or just want a futuristic, personal version of the traditional Japanese sauna experience.

Another standout in Osaka’s exploding sauna scene is OOO Sauna — a sleek, fully private sauna experience that feels like a modern Japanese reimagining of the traditional bathhouse. Located conveniently in the city, OOO Sauna offers a polished, minimalist vibe that focuses on personal space, deep relaxation, and the full hot-cold-rest cycle.

At OOO Sauna, every guest books their own completely private room, making it an especially great option for tattooed travelers who want to enjoy Japan’s sauna culture without any worries about tattoo restrictions.

Each private suite at OOO Sauna includes:

• A personal sauna (wood-paneled and designed for intense heat and real löyly steam sessions)
• A dedicated cold plunge pool right inside your room — perfectly chilled for full-body recovery
• A tatami mat relaxation area where you can rest, hydrate, and enjoy the calm after your plunge
• A stylish, thoughtful design that balances modern architecture with classic Japanese hospitality principles
  

The private rooms allow you to move freely between sauna, cold plunge, and lounge at your own pace without the pressure of sharing space with strangers.
There’s no rushing, no self-consciousness — just a carefully curated environment built for total restoration.

OOO Sauna feels like a perfect fusion of Japan’s deep love for ritual and its knack for precise, thoughtful design — blending tradition with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Because every session is private, there are no restrictions regarding tattoos. You can fully relax and enjoy the authentic sauna experience without needing to cover up or worry about making others uncomfortable.

If you’re looking for something a little more social and lively, Desse Sauna in Osaka is a must-visit. Located inside the Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Arcade — one of Osaka’s most famous shopping streets, and just steps away from the neon lights and riverfront action of Dotonbori — Desse offers a fresh, youthful take on the sauna experience. It's an ideal spot to recharge after a day (or night) of eating, drinking, and shopping.

Unlike Kudochi and OOO Sauna’s private-room setups, Desse Sauna is a communal facility, meaning you’ll be sharing sauna spaces and cold plunges with others. The atmosphere is upbeat but relaxed, with a stylish, modern design that feels more like a trendy lounge than a traditional bathhouse.

Key Features of Desse Sauna:

• Aufguss Sauna Masters: Desse regularly hosts Aufguss performances, where trained sauna masters use towels to circulate aromatic hot air, creating intense, rhythmic waves of heat. It's a lively, energizing experience and a must-try for sauna fans.
• Communal Cold Plunges: After heating up, you can cool down in large, shared cold plunge pools — perfect for the hot-cold-relax cycle.
• Young, hip crowd: The vibe is casual and welcoming, making it great for solo travelers, groups of friends, or anyone wanting a more social experience.
• Men’s and Women’s Days: Desse operates on a rotating schedule with specific days for men and women, so it’s important to check their calendar before planning your visit.
• Tattoo-Friendly Days: Uniquely, Desse offers tattoo-welcome days (typically during the week), when heavily tattooed visitors are openly welcomed without the need to cover their ink.

You can find the latest calendar for gender-specific days, tattoo-permitted days, and special events on their official website or Instagram.

Why it’s ideal for tattooed visitors? While tattoos are still restricted on certain days, Desse is one of the few saunas in Osaka that openly welcomes tattoos on designated days. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a communal sauna experience in a stylish, fun environment, right in the middle of one of Osaka’s most exciting neighborhoods.

While onsens are famous for their natural volcanic hot spring waters, sentos are a different — but equally important — part of Japan’s bathing culture. A sento is a public bathhouse that uses regular heated water (not natural hot springs) and was historically created to provide bathing facilities for city residents who didn’t have baths at home. Over time, sentos evolved into beloved community spaces — places not just to get clean, but to relax, unwind, and connect with neighbors.

Key differences between sentos and onsens:

• Water Source: Sentos use municipal or filtered water; onsens must be naturally heated mineral spring water by legal definition.
• Atmosphere: Sentos are often more casual and local, while onsens can feel more ritualistic or tied to nature.
• Accessibility: Sentos are usually cheaper (around 400–600 yen) and more common in cities, making them easy to add into your travel plans.
• Tattoos: Many traditional sentos — especially in major cities — are more accepting of tattoos compared to rural onsens.

If you’re doing the classic Japan Golden Triangle — visiting Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo — you’ll definitely want to make sure your trip includes Kyoto. Kyoto is renowned for its stunning shrines, ancient temples, and traditional machiya (wooden townhouses). However, it’s important to know that Kyoto is not an onsen town. Unlike hot spring-rich areas like Kusatsu, Kyoto doesn’t have abundant natural onsen water flowing beneath it.

If you're visiting Kyoto and looking for a relaxing end to a long day of temple-hopping and sightseeing, Funaoka Onsen is a must-visit.

Despite the name, Funaoka Onsen is technically a sento, not a true onsen. While it doesn't draw water from a natural hot spring, it more than makes up for it with historic charm, beautiful architecture, and a very local, authentic vibe.

Opened in 1923, Funaoka Onsen is one of Kyoto’s oldest and most beloved bathhouses. From the moment you step inside, you'll be surrounded by intricate wood carvings, hand-painted murals, and a nostalgic atmosphere that feels like stepping back into early 20th-century Japan.

What makes Funaoka Onsen special:

• Multiple bath options, including herbal baths, electric baths, and cold water baths
• A very hot sauna, although it’s a bit different from modern sauna expectations
• Beautiful traditional woodwork and architecture, rare to see in modern sentos
• Affordable entry, usually around 450–500 yen ($3–$4 USD)

That said, it’s important to set expectations: Funaoka Onsen is minimal and rustic. It’s not recommended for your very first bathing experience in Japan. Seasoned bathhouse visitors will likely appreciate its quirks, but beginners might find it a little rough around the edges.

Here’s what to know before you go:

• Bring your own bathing supplies (towels, soap, shampoo), or be prepared to purchase them from a vending machine at the front desk.
• The cold plunge pool is cooler than the main baths, but at around 60°F (15–16°C), it’s not icy by serious cold plunge standards.
• The "sauna" is heated by a large gas furnace — there are no sauna stones, and it creates an extremely dry, intense heat rather than the steamy, humid environment many sauna-goers might expect.
• Facilities are old-school: expect worn tiles, simple lockers, and an overall rustic feel.

Tattoos at Funaoka Onsen:

While there’s no formal tattoo policy, tattoos are generally accepted here, and the bathhouse has a reputation for being welcoming to both foreigners and heavily tattooed visitors—especially if you are polite and follow basic etiquette.

Why it’s worth visiting:

Despite its rustic nature, Funaoka Onsen offers a unique glimpse into Kyoto’s old-school communal life. It’s a casual way to relax your muscles after a long day of sightseeing—and a chance to experience one of Kyoto’s hidden gems with a friendly, local crowd.