Guide to finding tattoo-friendly bath houses in Japan, featuring a bunny with tattoos, and a smiling hippo with a carrot on its head, surrounded by floating orange and green objects.
Illustration contrasting Sento and Onsen public baths with a cat in a communal bath, a turtle with a carrot on its head, and a duckling in water, highlighting features of each type.
A digital graphic with a cartoon black cat with closed eyes and a towel wrapped around its head, sitting in a green bathtub with water. Text on the graphic discusses finding tattoo-friendly sento or public baths in big cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, with a Google Maps search example for 'public bath' or 'sento'. The graphic is from Bons Pond.
An infographic with a light blue background about finding tattoo-friendly public baths, specifically Sento. It features a cartoon black cat with closed eyes and a bandage on its head in a green bathtub. The text encourages searching reviews for tattoos to see if tattoos are allowed, noting not all public baths have reviews in English or mention tattoo policies. There is a screenshot of a Google Maps review for a bath called Kotobukiyu, showing the reviews tab. The bottom has the phrase "BONS POND" in blue.
Illustration of a black cat with a bandage on its head resting in a green and blue sink, with text about finding a tattoo-friendly hotel called a 'sento', including a screenshot of Google Translate translating 'are tattoos okay' from English to Japanese.
An informational graphic about finding tattoo-friendly sento (public baths) with a cute illustration of a black cat's head with a bandage on its forehead, relaxing in a bath. The text provides tips for visitors, including checking size restrictions for tattoos, etiquette for communal baths, and online resources, highlighting that sento are more like community spots.
A light blue informational poster with cartoon illustrations of a yellow duck and a small yellow chick, both with a carrot on their heads, in a hot spring or bath setting. The text explains onsen towns in Japan that are tattoo-friendly.
Informational poster with blue background about tattoo-friendly onsens at Ryokan, featuring an illustration of a cute animal and a rubber duck in a bath.

Finding Tattoo Friendly Onsens

Since making this guide more online resources have been created to categorize resources for tattoo friendly onsens! I try to keep this list updated. See below for links to more guides:

(General) Japanese Onsen - a directory where you can filter a search for tattoo friendly locations, along with scenic, types of bath, etc

https://japanese-onsen.com/ryokans-tattoo-friendly-onsen/?_ryokan_types=tattoos-allowed

(General) 30 Tattoo Friendly Onsen in Japan

https://travel.gaijinpot.com/japan-sightseeing-essentials/30-tattoo-friendly-onsen-in-japan/

(Region Specific) The Ultimate 2025 Map Guide to Tattoo Friendly Onsen in Beppu

https://enjoyonsen.city.beppu-jp.com/onsen/100tattoo-friendly_beppuonsen_japan/

(Region Specific) Tattoo Friendly Onsen of Kinosaki

https://visitkinosaki.com/plan/visitor-info/guides/tattoos-in-kinosaki-onsen/