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Got tattoos? We'll check the onsen before you go.

Tattoo rules at Japanese hot springs vary from bath to bath: some refuse all tattoos, some allow small ones covered with a sticker, and many offer private baths. Send us the onsen's name on WhatsApp. We call in Japanese and get you a clear answer before you travel. Ask plan $9.

Ask · $9No result? Full refund.
Chat on WhatsApp

No WhatsApp? Email hello@calljapan.jp

How it works for onsen tattoo checks

  1. 1

    Send us the onsen's name or a link, when you'd like to go, and roughly how big your tattoos are and where.

  2. 2

    We call in Japanese and ask exactly what you need to know: are tattoos allowed, do cover stickers work, is there a private bath?

  3. 3

    You get a clear yes, no or "yes, if…" in English, so you know before you make the trip.

What to send us

  • The onsen's name and a link or address
  • The date you'd like to go
  • Roughly how big your tattoos are and where (e.g. "full sleeve", "small on the wrist")
  • Whether you'd like a private bath as an option
Message template
Hi Call Japan! Can you check an onsen's tattoo rules? (ASK $9)

Onsen name + link:
Date I'd like to go:
Tattoo size and where (e.g. full sleeve, small on ankle):
Interested in a private bath? Yes / No
Open in WhatsApp

What you get back

Customer:
We want to visit a big day onsen in Beppu on Saturday. I have a half sleeve. Will they let me in?
Call Japan:
We'll call and ask, including whether a cover would work.
Call Japan:
Answer The main baths don't allow tattoos, even covered. But they have private family baths you can rent by the hour, no tattoo rules. Want us to book one for Saturday?
Example. Details are illustrative.

Which plan do I need?

  • AskMost requests

    $9per request

    Just need to know something

    Ask one onsen about its tattoo rules, cover stickers and private baths.

  • Book

    $17per request

    Needs a booking, a name or a Japanese phone number

    Reserve a private (kashikiri) bath slot.

  • Handle

    $29per case

    Needs several calls, callbacks or businesses

    Check several onsen and tell you which ones welcome you.

Not sure? Ask us, it's free. We confirm the plan before you pay. Compare all plans

Good to know

Written from Beppu

Our team is based in Beppu, one of Japan's best-known hot spring towns, where steam rises from the streets and locals bathe every day. We love sending people to a good bath, and we know how disappointing it is to be turned away at the door.

Rules really do vary

Some baths refuse any visible tattoo. Others allow small ones if covered with a skin-coloured sticker, sometimes sold at the front desk. Some welcome everyone. The rule often depends on the size of the tattoo, so tell us yours.

Private baths (kashikiri)

Many onsen and ryokan offer private baths you can rent for a set time, for you alone or with your group. Tattoo rules usually don't apply. Popular slots fill up, so booking ahead is worth it, that's a Book request.

Basic etiquette

Wash and rinse thoroughly at the shower stations before you get in. Your small towel stays out of the water, many people fold it on their head. No swimsuits in most public baths, and keep your voice low. That's most of it.

What we can't do

  • We ask about the onsen's current rules, rules can change, and staff on the day have the final say.
  • We can't argue with an onsen that refuses tattoos or ask them to make an exception.
  • We don't make new ryokan or hotel bookings; we can call about bookings you already have.

Questions

Related calls

No result? Full refund.

Ready? Send us your onsen tattoo checks request.

Message us in English on WhatsApp. We confirm the plan before you pay, and if there's no result, you get a full refund.

Chat on WhatsApp

No WhatsApp? Email hello@calljapan.jp

Chat on WhatsApp, from $9