Oops! Japan #23 — Tattoos in Japan （タトゥーどうする？）What You Really Need to Know About Ink in Public Spaces

 

Oops! Japan #23 — Tattoos in Japan

（タトゥーどうする？）What You Really Need to Know About Ink in Public Spaces

English:

So you’ve got tattoos — maybe a full sleeve or something small on your wrist. Your coworker warned you: “Cover it up in Japan. All the time.” But is that really necessary?

Here’s what actual travelers (and residents) on Reddit are saying:

You probably don’t need to worry in big cities. Tokyo, Osaka, even places like Fukushima have become more relaxed.

No, people won’t assume you're in a gang. Japanese locals are aware that foreign tourists have tattoos.

Onsens, pools, and gyms? Yes, be careful. Those places still often ban tattoos, so it’s smart to check in advance or use a cover patch.

Nice restaurants or traditional places? Consider long sleeves just in case — not because it’s illegal, but out of cultural sensitivity.

Otherwise? You're fine. You might get a glance or two, but nobody’s going to stop you on the street.

As one user put it:

“I live in Japan with a half sleeve and wrist piece. It’s never been a problem. Not once.”

Bottom line: Pack something to cover up when needed — but don't sweat it 24/7. Japan is changing, slowly but surely.

日本語の補足：

「タトゥーは全部隠せ」と言われたら緊張しますよね。でも、実際には…

都市部（東京・大阪など）では、露出していても特に問題になることは少ない。

日本人も、外国人観光客にタトゥーがあることは理解しています。

銭湯、温泉、ジムでは今でも注意が必要。事前確認か、シールなどでカバーを。

伝統的なお店や高級レストランでは、長袖を用意しておくと安心。

通りすがりでトラブルになることは、まずありません。

「カバーする準備はしておく。でも四六時中隠さなくてOK」これが現代の日本での基本的なスタンスです。

Next up:

Oops! Japan #24 — Lost Something on the Bullet Train? Japan’s lost-and-found system might be the most efficient in the world — and it just might save your vacation.

次回予告： Oops! Japan #24 — 新幹線でスマホを忘れた!? 日本の“落とし物システム”が旅の危機を救う！