The short answer
46 of the 226 stays we checked near Tokyo publish a rule that lets a tattooed guest bathe. 85 more list a hot-spring private bath but state no rule — it may provide an alternative, but the inn has not stated a tattoo rule (our inference); confirm before booking. 27 publish a no-tattoo rule and 52 publish nothing.
- Shared OK 15
- Covered OK 25
- Private only 19
- Private likely 85
- Not allowed 27
- Needs check 3
- Says nothing 52
Town by town
These are the onsen towns in our register in the prefectures around the capital — Gunma, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Tochigi and Yamanashi — plus Karuizawa in Nagano.
The most written ways in are in Kusatsu (9), Hakone (7) and Kinugawa (7). For private baths without a stated rule, Kusatsu has the most (21).
| Town | Stays checked | Written way in | Private bath likely | No-tattoo rule | Say nothing | Being re-checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KusatsuGunma | 45 | 9 | 21 | 5 | 9 | 0 |
| HakoneKanagawa | 23 | 7 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| KinugawaTochigi | 21 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 0 |
| AtamiShizuoka | 26 | 6 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| IzuShizuoka | 28 | 5 | 13 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| NikkoTochigi | 17 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 0 |
| KawaguchikoYamanashi | 21 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 0 |
| IkahoGunma | 13 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| Shima OnsenGunma | 11 | 1 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| KaruizawaNagano | 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| NasuTochigi | 13 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
Stays with a written way in
These 46 stays publish a rule that lets a tattooed guest bathe — in the shared bath, with a cover sticker, or in a confirmed hot-spring private bath. Quotes are our translations; open a stay for the source and the date we checked.
| Stay | Status | What the source says |
|---|---|---|
| Risonare Atami (Hoshino Resorts)Atami · Shizuoka | Shared OK | Respecting our guests' cultural backgrounds and values, we do not restrict use by guests with irezumi (traditional tattoos) or tattoos.Operator's group-wide rule |
| FukuzumiroHakone · Kanagawa | Shared OK | We have no particular restrictions on tattoos. |
| Gora KadanHakone · Kanagawa | Shared OK | Can I use the large shared bath or pool if I have fashion tattoos or irezumi (traditional tattoos)? Small single fashion tattoos (up to about A4 size) may be used as they are. … |
| KAI SengokuharaHakone · Kanagawa | Shared OK | Respecting our guests' cultural backgrounds and values, we do not restrict use by guests with irezumi (traditional tattoos) or tattoos.Operator's group-wide rule |
| RyugudenHakone · Kanagawa | Shared OK | * Use by guests with irezumi (traditional tattoos) or tattoos may be partially restricted.The inn's wording changed after our 29 Sep 2026 survey; this page shows the newer wording. |
| K's House Ito OnsenIzu · Shizuoka | Shared OK | Yes, K's House Ito Onsen has no particular restrictions. |
| HOSHINOYA KaruizawaKaruizawa · Nagano | Shared OK | Respecting our guests' cultural backgrounds and values, we do not restrict use by guests with irezumi (traditional tattoos) or tattoos.Operator's group-wide rule |
| Hotel KoryuKawaguchiko · Yamanashi | Shared OK | Can I use the large bathroom even if I have tattoos? Yes, you can.Stated only on the inn's English page; its Japanese pages say nothing. |
| Hoshino Resorts KAI KinugawaKinugawa · Tochigi | Shared OK | Respecting our guests' cultural backgrounds and values, we do not restrict use by guests with irezumi (traditional tattoos) or tattoos.Operator's group-wide rule |
| Kinugawa Grand Hotel Yume no TokiKinugawa · Tochigi | Shared OK | We would appreciate your consideration for other guests. We recommend using the private bath.The wording is soft — not a clear yes or no. |
| Nikko TokansoNikko · Tochigi | Shared OK | Guests with a tattoo or a single small tattoo on their body may use the large shared bath and open-air bath after 21:00. |
| Shima Onsen Kashiwaya RyokanShima Onsen · Gunma | Shared OK | Since our Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan is a tattoo-friendly onsen ryokan , people with tattoos can bathe in all of the available onsens without hindrance.Stated only on the inn's English page; its Japanese pages say nothing. |
| Atami FugaAtami · Shizuoka | Covered OK | Guests with irezumi (traditional tattoos) or tattoos may use the baths and pool facilities only if the tattoos are of a size that can be covered with two of the facility's designated cover stickers.Operator's group-wide rule |
| Atami Onsen Sakuraya RyokanAtami · Shizuoka | Covered OK | Atami Onsen Sakuraya Ryokan 8 min walk ○ ○ Covered OKThis comes from the local tourism bureau's list, not from the inn's own site.Prefecture / tourism-bureau database |
| Atami TensuiAtami · Shizuoka | Covered OK | Guests with irezumi (traditional tattoos) or tattoos may use the baths and pool facilities only if the tattoos are of a size that can be covered with two of the facility's designated cover stickers.Operator's group-wide rule |
| ISHINOYA AtamiAtami · Shizuoka | Covered OK | You may use the large shared bath if you hide your tattoos with tattoo cover stickers. / * Please bring your own tattoo stickers. |
| Pearl Star Hotel AtamiAtami · Shizuoka | Covered OK | In public spaces such as the lobby and restaurants, please wear a jacket or similar, and when using the Infinity Bath (large shared bath) or fitness facilities, please be considerate about exposure. |
| Takumi no Yado YoshimatsuHakone · Kanagawa | Covered OK | * For small tattoos that can be hidden with a cover sticker, you may be able to use the large shared bath. |
| Yoshiike RyokanHakone · Kanagawa | Covered OK | From December 1, 2023, use is permitted for guests whose irezumi or tattoos can be covered with two cover stickers (10cm × 14cm). |
| Oyado TamakiIkaho · Gunma | Covered OK | Also, if a single small tattoo can be completely covered with a sticker, you may use the large shared bath. |
| YokotekanIkaho · Gunma | Covered OK | Out of consideration for other guests, we ask that guests with exposed tattoos refrain from bathing. We ask that you use a tattoo cover or similar. |
| Sanshi SuimeiIzu · Shizuoka | Covered OK | Guests with tattoos are refused bathing. However, bathing is possible only if you can hide the tattoos with two cover stickers (8cm × 10cm). |
| YokikanIzu · Shizuoka | Covered OK | However, if you have small tattoos that can be covered, you can enjoy Yokikan's hot springs. / tattoos on your whole body or covering your entire backStated only on the inn's English page; its Japanese pages say nothing. |
| Kozantei UbuyaKawaguchiko · Yamanashi | Covered OK | However, you may bathe only if they can be hidden by applying two 10cm × 10cm cover stickers. |
| Asaya HotelKinugawa · Tochigi | Covered OK | For single small tattoos, you may use the large shared bath only if they can be covered with a cover sticker or similar. |
| Kinugawa Onsen HotelKinugawa · Tochigi | Covered OK | Use by guests with irezumi (traditional tattoos) or tattoos is refused. You may use it if you hide them with tattoo cover stickers or similar. If they cannot be hidden, please use the bathtub in your room or the private bath. |
| Kinugawa Park HotelsKinugawa · Tochigi | Covered OK | As an exception, use is possible if your irezumi, tattoos or similar are fully covered with film. |
| Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Kinugawa Kanko HotelKinugawa · Tochigi | Covered OK | * Guests with tattoos cannot use the large shared bath. However, by applying the inn's designated cover stickers (for a fee), / you may use the large shared bath only if your tattoos are completely covered.The wording comes from a day-bathing page; the group's own terms say the same rule covers overnight stays. |
| TAOYA KawajiKinugawa · Tochigi | Covered OK | So that you can use the large shared baths (the "baths") at our facilities (each accommodation of the Oedo Onsen Monogatari Group) safely and comfortably, we have established the following terms of use, and ask for your cooperation. …The inn is listed under this area, but it is some distance away (see below).Operator's group-wide rule |
| Aeru Yado TakamatsuKusatsu · Gunma | Covered OK | Guests with fashion or non-offensive tattoos are welcome to enjoy our hot spring baths. There is no need to cover your tattoos during your stay.Stated only on the inn's English page; its Japanese pages say nothing. |
| Kusatsu Now Resort HotelKusatsu · Gunma | Covered OK | Guests with a small point tattoo may use the large shared bath and the pool only if it can be covered with a sticker or similar. |
| Kusatsu Onsen Gensen IchinoyuKusatsu · Gunma | Covered OK | Guests with a small point tattoo may use the large shared bath only if it can be covered with a sticker or similar. |
| Kusatsu Onsen Hotel VillageKusatsu · Gunma | Covered OK | Foundation stickers to cover irezumi (traditional tattoos) or tattoos are sold at the hotel front desk and the Terme Terme front desk. |
| NarayaKusatsu · Gunma | Covered OK | Guests with a small point tattoo may use the large shared bath only if it can be covered with a sticker or similar. |
| Kamenoi Hotel Okunikko-YumotoNikko · Tochigi | Covered OK | Guests with point tattoos, please cover them with the inn's designated skin-cover sheets (10cm × 14cm per sheet / 220 yen, sold at the shop). |
| Okunikko Hotel ShikisaiNikko · Tochigi | Covered OK | Guests with tattoos or irezumi (traditional tattoos) may bathe only if they are of a size that can be covered with two of the facility's designated cover stickers. |
| TAOYA Nikko KirifuriNikko · Tochigi | Covered OK | So that you can use the large shared baths (the "baths") at our facilities (each accommodation of the Oedo Onsen Monogatari Group) safely and comfortably, we have established the following terms of use, and ask for your cooperation. …Operator's group-wide rule |
| Hakone Kowakien MikawayaHakone · Kanagawa | Private only | Can I stay if I have tattoos? Please use the open-air bath in your room or the family bath (private). |
| Moriaki RyokanIkaho · Gunma | Private only | We ask guests with irezumi (traditional tattoos) or tattoos (including fashion tattoos and stickers) to refrain from using the shared baths (large shared bath and open-air bath). |
| BousuiIzu · Shizuoka | Private only | In consideration of our other guests, people with tattoos may not use the public baths. / You can enjoy hot springs at the private gazebos and the premium gazebos with your friends and family.Stated only on the inn's English page; its Japanese pages say nothing. |
| Yu-Kairo KikuyaIzu · Shizuoka | Private only | Regardless of size, we ask guests with irezumi or tattoos to refrain from using the large shared bath. / Please use the bath in your room or the private bath.Operator's group-wide rule |
| La Vista Fuji KawaguchikoKawaguchiko · Yamanashi | Private only | I have a tattoo; can I bathe? Regardless of size, we ask guests with irezumi or tattoos to refrain from using the large shared bath. Please use the bath in your room or the private bath.Operator's group-wide rule |
| Ekinariya RyokanKusatsu · Gunma | Private only | Guests with tattoos (including those made with tattoo stickers or similar, regardless of their size or the part of the body) are refused use of the large shared bath. Please use the private bath. |
| Kusatsu Onsen Yubatake SensuiKusatsu · Gunma | Private only | I have tattoos. Can I use the bath? Every room at our inn has its own hot-spring bath, so please enjoy the hot spring without worrying about other people.This inn has no shared bath at all — every guest bathes privately. |
| La Vista Kusatsu HillsKusatsu · Gunma | Private only | Regardless of size, we ask guests with irezumi or tattoos to refrain from using the large shared bath. Please use the bath in your room or the private bath.Operator's group-wide rule |
| Yuyado TokinoniwaKusatsu · Gunma | Private only | Regardless of size, we ask guests with irezumi or tattoos to refrain from using the large shared bath. Please use the bath in your room or the private bath.Operator's group-wide rule |
Private bath likely
85 stays near Tokyo list a private hot-spring bath but say nothing about tattoos: 21 in Kusatsu, 13 in Izu, 10 in Atami, 9 in Shima Onsen, 8 in Hakone and more. The town pages list each one with the bath type. Before you book one, ask — our Japanese message covers it — or read the private bath guide.
Stays with a no-tattoo rule
27 stays near Tokyo publish a rule that does not permit tattoos. Each stay page shows what the inn publishes about private or in-room baths, if anything.
- Not allowedAtami Korakuen Hotel Atami
- Not allowedAtami Taikanso Atami
- Not allowedFufu Atami Atami
- Not allowedRyotei Ryokan Atami Koarashitei Atami
- Not allowedHakone Gora KARAKU Hakone
- Not allowedHakone Kowakien Tenyu Hakone
- Not allowedHotel Green Plaza Hakone Hakone
- Not allowedKanouya Ikaho
- Not allowedKindayu Ikaho
- Not allowedArai Ryokan Izu
- Not allowedAtagawa Prince Hotel Izu
- Not allowedDogashima New Ginsui Izu
- Not allowedInatori Ginsuiso Izu
- Not allowedLe Grand Kyu Karuizawa Karuizawa
- Not allowedSunnide Resort Kawaguchiko
- Not allowedWakakusa no Yado Maruei Kawaguchiko
- Not allowedKawaji Ichiryukaku Honkan Kinugawa
- Not allowedNanaeyae Kinugawa
- Not allowedHotel Ichii Kusatsu
- Not allowedHotel Sakurai Kusatsu
- Not allowedKamenoi Hotel Kusatsu Yubatake Kusatsu
- Not allowedKusatsu Hotel Annex Wata-no-Yu Kusatsu
- Not allowedLiVEMAX RESORT Kusatsu Onsen Kusatsu
- Not allowedSachinoyu Onsen Nasu
- Not allowedHotel Hana-An Nikko
- Not allowedNikko Senhime Monogatari Nikko
- Not allowedTokiwasure no Yado Yoshimoto Shima Onsen
Stays that publish nothing
52 stays near Tokyo publish no tattoo rule we could find — the most in Kusatsu, Kinugawa and Kawaguchiko. That does not mean OK. Write before you book, or pick a stay from the lists above. 3 more stays are being re-checked (conflicting or unconfirmed statements) and are not counted as saying nothing.
Related guides
- Tokyo hotels and tattoosWe checked 25 Tokyo stays. 2 publish a rule that lets tattooed guests bathe; 19 publish nothing. Which ones, and what the silent ones list instead.
- Private onsen for tattoos18 inns confirm a private hot-spring bath for tattooed guests; 17 more confirm a private bath that is not hot-spring water or not open yet. At 243 others we found a private hot-spring bath but no tattoo rule.
- Hotel group tattoo policiesFor 29 stays in our register, the tattoo rule we cite is a group-wide page published by their operator. 7 operators: what each rule says, the policy page, and which stays it covers.
Onsen towns
Every status above comes from what the inn (or, where labelled, its operator or a prefecture database) publishes. We checked these sources by 12 Oct 2026. Rules change: staff on the day have the last word.
“Private bath likely” is our inference from a published listing of a private bath, not the inn's statement. “Says nothing” means we found no rule — it does not mean OK. English translations are ours. How we verify · About