Travelling with tattooes

[Sierra117]

Hey,
I am looking to come to Japan for three weeks this year and tour some of the highlights but I have many Tattoo's and I have been told this is a huge problem for my tourism plans for Japan. Many people have said I will be constantly searched by police and restricted from some areas, is this true?
Also I have many ways to cover them up as I sometimes have to cover them for work such as thick foundations, certain clothing, things like that.

 

[nahadef]

That's been overstated. Certain places (spas, hot springs) may bar entry unless you can cover them, but many don't care. Usually just the more upscale places. Other than that, nobody will care, and maybe some girls or guys will find you more interesting (young, anti-establishment types)

 

[Sierra117]

Thats a relief, thank you for your reply I will do my best to cover them any way I know its not the normal thing In Japan so I wont show them off.

 

[Glenski]

I will reiterate what nahadef said. Tattoos are not as popular here, but some people (young adults) are beginning to get them, especially in larger cities. Onsen and perhaps sento take them with caution when Japanese sport them, especially certain large ones on arms and backs because they are typical of yakuza gangsters.

Foreigners may be banned from such places, but only because the owners don't like their appearance. Obviously, foreigners are not yakuza members. In public, however, don't fret so much. Police aren't going to stop you. Whoever said that is dead wrong.