Public bath and Onsen (hot spring)

[Black]

Hi all,

I've visited Japan twice, but I have never been in a Japanese public bath. I've heard that tattoos is not legal in public baths (to Keep out the Yakuza). Is this rule ment for tourists as well as Japanese? ☝

-Black

 

[alexriversan]

another piece of information (very worthful for me).

i love japan more and more.

 

[Suki-Yaki]

Today I just watched a new onsen related drama inwhich the worker girl almost got in big trouble allowing a tattooed man into the hot water.
There was a very similar and infromative thread about this sometime close around here.

But perhaps big and clear tattoos would be a problem for both gaikokujins and nihonjins as well. But if it was something small and "not obvious" perhaps you could hide it like , once you're into the water who's gonna know anyways ??

somehow off topic. Do the tattoo rules apply for the western style onsens as well ??

 

[mad pierrot]

Good question.

It's been covered pretty well before, too.

Generally, most places forbid tattoos to keep out yakuza. Rules are rules, so don't expect different treatment if you're a foreigner. Of course there are exceptions and stories of people getting in with them. Personally, I've seen people asked to leave because of them. I also know someone who just puts duct tape over his and goes in with out any hassles. Not sure if the place restricts them? Most places will post a sign at the gate saying if they do or don't. And if you can't read Japanese, I'm sure they'll understand you if you just show them!

:sorry:

 

[Black]

I can understan why Japan has these rules. I guess that it's not a common thing (tattoos) that all people have (mostly gangsters and yakuza) . In Norway (and scandinavia generally) where I live, all sorts of people has a tattoo, but usually just a small one (or two).
We have no onsen in Norway. Just swiming pools and hot tubs (whith bobbles). No tattoo rules.
Last summer I went to Kurama (norht in Kyoto ) to an onsen. Lucky me, they had no signs saying anything about tattoos. ( I have a big Japanese-inspired tattoo on my right arm) The onsen experience was so nice, I'll remember it the rest of my life

Link to my pictures from Japan summer 2004:
http://privat.bluezone.no/daemring/

and the onsen:
Kurama Onsen | Ryokan Experts, Reviews, Personalized Service | Japanese Guest Houses

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

It is OK if you are not the persons involved in a gang.

 

[Chiaki_Kuriyama_Fan]

i didnt know there was that many yakuza still around, its like most of the triads from china don't bother with england anymore, too many banged up....well i was kinda off topic...but i suppose if you only hand a little one like a little butterfly or something?!?!

 

[misa.j]

I also know someone who just puts duct tape over his and goes in with out any hassles.

That seems like a good idea, actually, or water proof bandage. Although it is kind of pain if you had a big tattoo.

I thought tattoos were getting popular among the youths in Japan; a friend of mine had one on his arm, but he is not a member of yakuza, just for the fashion.

 

[FireyRei]

I have one and cannot get into Onsens etc. and have been rejected from joining three Gyms as well.

Ooh Japan is so modern...

Not.

 

[Black]

Hmm. Too bad

 

[neko9]

this guy, while bathing, used a hand towel to cover his tatoo on shoulder. and he tells that "tattoos = yakuza, almost unequivocally". :/

 

[Tollen]

*rethinks idea about getting a tattoo lol*
is good tho...
if the yakuza was a problem then banning people with tattoo's from onsens seems a great idea ^_^ v effective, v japanese