tattoo-friendly onsen in Tokyo

Top 10 Tattoo-Friendly Onsen in Tokyo You Need to Experience

In 2023, Japan's visitor count soared to approximately 25.07 million, as reported by Statista. This was a significant recovery from the year before. Despite various challenges, Tokyo continues to attract many tourists annually.

Among the many attractions in Japan, onsens, or hot springs, stand out. They are celebrated for their healing effects and calm surroundings. 

In the past, Japanese onsens often did not allow people with tattoos. This was due to tattoos' connections with criminal groups. However, as cultural attitudes change, these policies are changing. More onsens are now welcoming visitors with tattoos. It shows a greater acceptance of diverse guests.

To help you, we've compiled a list of 10 tattoo-friendly onsens in Tokyo. These offer an opportunity to experience a unique aspect of Japanese bathing culture worry-free.

Tattoo-Friendly Onsen in Tokyo Worth Visiting

 Below is a list of tattoo-friendly onsen that you can visit if you have a tattoo.

1. Takaban-no-Yu

Takaban-no-Yu is a retro-style onsen loved by locals and conveniently situated just a seven-minute walk away from Gakugei-Daigaku Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line. 

What makes this hot spring special? They accept guests with tattoos, so you don't have to worry about feeling uncomfortable! It's a great choice if you've spent the whole day exploring the city and need a couple of hours to relax. 

You can soothe your mind and soul in their regular baths, chilled bath, and jacuzzi baths. If you want a break from the water, they also have salt saunas. Don't forget to check out their outdoor bath on the roof, which is unique because it uses medicinal herbs from around the world. 

Imagine enjoying the stunning view of the Tokyo night sky while soaking in the healing bath—it's truly exceptional. 

  • Location: 2-2-1 Takaban, Meguro City, Tokyo, and the closest station is Gakugei-Daigaku Station on the Tokyu Toyoko line. 
  • Ticket prices are ¥520 for adults, ¥200 for children, and ¥100 for infants. If you want to use the sauna, it's an additional ¥600.
  • Open on weekdays and weekends from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m., with the last admission at 11:30 p.m. Please note that they are closed every Thursday and Friday.

2. Yudonburi Sakae-yu

Another favorite spot for travelers from all over the world that warmly welcomes visitors with tattoos is Yudonburi Sakae-yu. 

It is located in a bustling area of Tokyo and offers a haven with not just one, but up to seven different indoor and outdoor baths, including unique options like an open-air onsen (rotenburo), a lie-down bath (neburo), and an electric bath (denkiburo). 

You'll fit right in, so, there's no need to worry about standing out. For an extra treat, step into their dry sauna where you can relax while watching TV and detox your body.

  • Location: 1-4-5 Nihonzutsumi, Taito City, Tokyo and the closest station is Minowa Station (Hibiya line).
  • Ticket Price: Entry fee: adults (13+) ¥520, junior high school students ¥300, junior-aged 7-12 ¥200; Sauna fee: ¥500
  • Open on weekdays and Saturdays 2 p.m.-11 p.m. (last admission 10:30 p.m.); Sundays and Holidays 12 p.m.-11 p.m. (last admission 10:30 p.m.) Closed every Wednesday.

3. Uramigataki Onsen

This public bath is perfect for everyone, even if you have tattoos, and the best part is that it's completely free! You can find it on the lovely Izu Islands, which are a bit far away from the mainland but still part of Tokyo. 

To get there, you'll need to take a ferry or a plane, but it's totally worth it. The bath sits in a beautiful spot where you can enjoy the view of a waterfall in the middle of a lush jungle. 

Just remember to bring your own soap and bathing suit because you need to cover up while bathing.

  • By Flight: Take a 55-minute flight from Haneda Airport to Hachijojima Island where the onsen is located. From Hachijojima Airport, it's best to rent a car and drive there in about 17 minutes. Taxis are also available.
  • By Ferry: It takes approximately 10 hours to reach the island by ferry from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo.

4. Mannenyu

Mannenyu is the perfect recommendation for those seeking to escape worries and responsibilities and simply unwind. This delightful onsen welcomes guests with tattoos and has been a beloved destination since the 1960s. 

Recently renovated to give it a more modern and contemporary feel, Mannenyu still retains its authentic charm with beautiful wooden slats and walls. Here, you can indulge in a variety of baths, all using soft water. Treat yourself to the rejuvenating silk bath, set at a blissful 45-degree temperature, perfect for nourishing your skin. 

You can also experience the invigorating jet bath and the relaxing denkiburo. So why not leave your worries behind, at least for a day, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Mannenyu.

  • Location: 1-15-17 Okubo, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, conveniently located near Shin-Okubo Station on the Yamanote line. 
  • Ticket prices are ¥520 for adults, ¥200 for children, and ¥100 for preschoolers. 
  • Mannenyu's opening hours are from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. with the last admission at 11:30 p.m. Closed every Saturday.

5. Hisamatsuyu

In the heart of Tokyo's Nerima-ku district lies Hisamatsuyu, a contemporary hot spring with a modern design. It has been renovated a few times and now has a sleek, stylish feel, with black walls and bath tiles and wood-paneled changing rooms and sauna. 

Its roof has a cool projection-mapped feature, and it also has an outdoor bath for a refreshing soak on cool Tokyo nights. The moment you step onto the heated floorboards, you'll feel a sense of calm wash over you, and you'll know that you're in for a special experience.

 Also, the water in the baths is of the highest quality, drawn from a depth of 1,500 meters beneath the ground.

  • Location:  Nerima City, Tokyo at 4-32-15 Sakuradai. The nearest station is Sakuradai Station, which is on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line.
  • Entry Fee:
    • Adults (12+): ¥520
    • Junior high school/elementary school students: ¥200
    • Children/preschoolers: ¥100
    • Additional Fees:
    • Sauna: ¥500
    • Women-only carbonated shower (5 minutes): ¥300
  • Opening Hours: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. (last admission at 10:30 p.m.) Closed on Tuesdays

6. Togoshi Ginza Onsen

If you're into relaxation and art, Togoshi Ginza Onsen in Shinagawa is a great recommendation. You'll love exploring every inch of the place, thanks to its beautiful bathhouse adorned with amazing murals and hanging art pieces.

They are especially famous for their black hot water, which is made of high-quality sodium bicarbonate. The hot springs only use soft water, which is very good for the skin as it effectively removes dirt, preventing rough skin and pimples. 

After using the hot springs, your skin will feel softer and refreshed, perhaps even prompting a smile! That's why many people love to visit Togoshi Ginza Onsen.

  • Location: 2-1-6 Togoshi, Shinagawa City, Tokyo, near Togoshi Station (Toei Asakusa line) or Togoshi Ginza Station (Tokyu Ikegami line).
  • Ticket Price: Admission rates vary, with adults priced at ¥500, middle school students at ¥300, elementary school students at ¥200, and infants/preschoolers at ¥100. Additionally, sauna access is available for ¥800.
  • Opening Hours: On weekdays and Saturdays, the facility operates from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., while on Sundays and holidays, it opens at 8 a.m. The facility is closed every Friday.

7. Hottarakashi Onsen

This hot spring has a popular outdoor bath where you can see the famous Mount Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan.

Hottarakashi Onsen, also known as Neglecting Hot Spring, is a special place in Yamanashi City where you can take a bath in natural hot spring water.

The water in the hot spring is called Alkaline Springs, and it can make your skin look and feel beautiful and smooth after you take a bath. 

  • Location:  1669-18 Yatsubo, Yamanashi, 405-0036, Japan

8. Ishidan no Yu

Ishidan no Yu is a hot spring nestled in Shibukawa City, right at the heart of the stone steps in the Ikaho Spa Town. These stone steps symbolize Gunma and lead to other nearby onsen facilities. The hot spring's source produces brownish waters, often described as "golden hot water." 

This modest facility features an indoor bath that can occasionally become crowded with both locals and tourists. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore the hot spring town and browse souvenir shops.

  • Location: 36 Ikahomachi Ikaho, Shibukawa, Gunma 377-0102, Japan

9. Kagoiwa Onsen Ryokan

 Kagoiwa Onsen Ryokan is a special type of inn that offers visitors a chance to experience a natural hot spring. It is located near the city of Nikko, which is the closest city to the ryokan. People come here to enjoy the pure and refreshing hot spring waters. 

The ryokan is situated within the beautiful Nikko National Park, which is famous for its many activities and attractions that are enjoyed all year round. The main highlight of Kagoiwa is its open-air hot spring bath, where guests can relax while admiring the stunning views of the distant mountains and the Kinugawa River. 

Surrounded by nature, the area is also open to visitors who are not staying at the ryokan, such as backpackers.

  • Location:  51 Takatoku, Nikko, Tochigi 321-2523, Japan.
  • Website: kagoiwaonsen.jp

10. Gora Kadan

Gora Kadan Hakone is a traditional Japanese inn located in the beautiful mountains of Hakone. It can be found within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. In the past, it used to be a weekend cottage owned by the Kaninnomiya Family in a village called Gora. This village is in the Kanagawa Prefecture. During the 1950s, Gora Kadan was transformed into an inn for people to stay in. Over time, it has blended classic Japanese style with some modern touches.

At Gora Kadan Hakone, the guest rooms are designed to fit in with the surrounding environment. Some suites even have private open-air baths that enhance the traditional Japanese garden design. Different suites have open-air baths made from different materials. The inn is proud of its standard rooms, which have cozy indoor baths fed by hot-spring wells and come with a little garden.

Final Words

Tokyo's onsen attractions offer a rejuvenating experience for tourists looking to relax. Thanks to policy changes in some establishments, those with tattoos can also enjoy these therapeutic hot springs without feeling excluded. 

If you're seeking a perfect companion for your travels in Japan, check out the best Imabari towels from Japarcana. These are the most absorbent towels that will surely take your onsen experience to the next level and add an extra touch of luxury.

Have a memorable trip!

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