Do tattoos prevent you from bathing in onsen in Japan?

According to the website of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) in Vietnam, Japan has a culture of bathing in hot springs (onsen) or public baths (sento). There are some basic customs and manners that need to be followed.

Rinse your body with soap before entering the tub. Private hot springs often provide shampoo, body wash, and towels, but you may need to rent or bring these items for public baths. Each shower comes with a stool and bucket. Sit down and pour hot water over yourself with the bucket, avoiding splashing others, and turn off the water when not in use.

Most public baths and showers have instructions, so check them out. Once you have rinsed off, you can step into the bath after removing all your clothes. Never put a towel or anything else in the bath. You should also tie your hair back. Remember that the bath is for bathing, not swimming. The water can be very hot, so dip a toe in first to get used to it.

Do tattoos prevent you from bathing in onsen in Japan? — ***A private onsen bath.*** Photo: Kashiwaya

People with tattoos are generally not allowed to bathe in hot springs, public baths, swimming pools, or gyms. However, there are some exceptions depending on the type of bathhouse or the owner's rules.

Soto-yu (open-air baths) and city-run hot springs tend to be more tattoo-friendly. Some local sento also accept tattoos, so the safest option is to check ahead of time where you’re going or try to cover up your tattoos with waterproof bandages.

Swimming pools or gyms sometimes accept tattoos if you cover them with a swimsuit or bathrobe.

If you feel uncomfortable being naked in front of others or are worried about tattoos, you can always look for private baths (kashikiriburo) or ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) with private baths. Private baths tend to cost more.

According to vnexpress.net

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