Prejudices about tattoos
Japan's prejudice against tattoos stems from the practice of tattooing criminals as a punishment during the Edo period. The country banned tattoos in 1872, but repealed the ban in 1948.
At present, Japanese people still hold prejudices about tattoos. They believe that this art form is associated with the Yakuza - a Japanese gang that specializes in tattooing the entire body of its members.
People with tattoos are often denied entry to public places such as saunas, beaches, gyms, hot springs, swimming pools...
A survey shows that more than 50% of onsen facilities in Japan refuse to accept customers with tattoos - Illustration: The Points Guy
What to do if you have a tattoo?
While tattoos are not illegal, they can hinder visitors from having a full experience in Japan.
Tourists can cover up tattoos when going to public places with long-sleeved shirts, long pants or accessories (bracelets, scarves, etc.). In addition, they can also cover up by applying a band-aid if the tattoo is small, or pay attention to thick makeup.
Some places have signs prohibiting tattoos, so visitors should prepare translation tools or devices to avoid mistakes.
For guests who choose to stay at an Airbnb (shared or rented home with a local), it is important to discuss your tattoos with the host before arriving. This ensures that you will not offend the locals and shows respect for the local culture.
