Top 30 Tattoo-Friendly Onsens In Japan - Updated 2024

Tattoo Friendly Onsens
Priyanjali
Priyanjali 
Updated
| 16 min read

It’s not mere coincidence that Japanese are among the longest-living people on earth. While this can be attributed to various factors, one can’t take away from their way of life being strongly rooted with traditions. Playing part in this are Japanese onsens, which form an essential Japanese experience. These can be, most loosely, understood as Japanese equivalents of the Turkish hammams. The onsens are primarily famous for their waters – stemming from natural hot springs – having healing and curative properties that encourage blood stimulation, metabolism, and help to rid the body of toxins, but also because of the relaxing experience they offer. Owing to the onsens’ deep connection with history and Japan’s association of tattoos with illegal activities, many onsens prohibit the use of the baths to guests who sport tattoos on any part of their bodies. However, times are changing and so are perceptions so here are some of the top tattoo-friendly onsens in Japan. After all, why must you miss out on a quintessentially Japanese experience!

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.

1. Yamato no Yu, Narita

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Yamato no Yu offers two public baths. While one is indoors, eight others are outdoors, allowing the guests to relish brilliant views of the Japanese countryside. Both indoor and outdoor baths receive direct supply from a natural spring and the water is heated to a perfect temperature so that it benefits the guests optimally. Not just common baths, Yamato no Yu also has three guest rooms attached to private open-air baths which you can reserve and enjoy at your leisure. However, it would be worthy to remember that first-timers are recommended to enter the baths slowly and stay in for just five to ten minutes and then exit; enter again once you’re fully accustomed and then stay in for as long as you please. If you’re willing to go in for a full-fledged onsen therapy, get in touch with the staff regarding the dos and don'ts.

Yamato no Yu

Address: 630 Odake, Narita, Chiba 286-0841, Japan

Website: Yamato no Yu

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 25 - 40 USD per hour

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2. Ishidan no Yu, Shibukawa

Ikaho Onsen, Ishidan no yu
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Norimasa Hayashida used under CC BY 2.0

Ishidan no Yu offers an indoor bathing facility for men and women each. It is famous for its reddish-brown waters, rich in iron, which helps the revitalization of body. This one’s a city-owned facility so don’t expect any extra frills or fancy amenities. It gets straight down to business and provides guests with an utterly amazing experience in the mineral-rich waters. It is a fairly inexpensive onsen facility so you can expect tons of crowds, especially on holidays and weekends. Plus, Ishidan no Yu does not provide toiletries (shampoos or soaps) so remember to bring your own.

Ishidan no Yu

Address: Unnamed Road, Ikahomachi Ikaho, Shibukawa, Gunma 377-0102, Japan

Website: Ishidan no Yu

Opening hours: April - Oct: 9am - 9pm daily ; Nov - Mar: 9am - 8:30pm daily, closed on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month

Price: 3 USD

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3. Ekimae Koto Onsen, Beppu

Ekimaekoto
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user MK Products on Ja... used under CC BY-SA 2.5

Ekimae Koto Onsen is located in the centre of the Oita prefecture, but is a respite from the hustle-bustle of the area. It is housed within a building made in a quintessential Tudor style, which doubles up as an onsen as well as an overnight lodge. As for the bath itself, you can go in for one of the two types offered here – Atsuyu (hot water bath) and Nuruyu (normal temperature bath). Even though the latter’s waters are touted to be room (or normal) temperature, it is recommended for first-timers or those who don’t have much experience to go in for this rather than Atsuyu as it can get a tad too much for them. The tickets to both baths can be purchased from an automatic vending machine, which is installed near the entrance. You can even purchase towels, shampoo, soaps, etc. from this machine.

Ekimae Koto Onsen

Address: 13-14 Ekimaecho, Beppu, Oita 874-0935, Japan

Website: Ekimae Koto Onsen

Opening hours: 6am - 12am (daily)

Price: 1 - 2 USD

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4. Horita Onsen, Beppu

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Offering indoor and outdoor baths, Horita Onsen is a municipality-managed facility. It can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays so best you head there on a weekday afternoon to enjoy your time in optimal peace. While both the indoor as well as outdoor baths here are excellent, the setup of the latter is noteworthy. It is lined with large granite rocks which serve as small fountains feeding into the pool and trees and plants add to the scenic appeal. What’s even more amazing about Horita Onsen? It is equipped to cater to differently abled guests as well! There are handrails along the bathing pool, in the dressing rooms, and even in the toilets.

Horita Onsen

Address: 2 kumi, Horita, Beppu, Oita 874-0935, Japan

Website: Horita Onsen

Opening hours: 6:30am - 11:30pm (daily, closed on 1st Wednesday of each month and following day after a national holiday)

Price: 1 - 2 USD

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5. Kaimonji Onsen, Beppu

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Previously known as Kaimonji Park Hot Spring, Kaimonji Onsen was given a makeover in 2010 to incorporate up-to-date facilities and amenities. These newer additions were in the form of facilities for the differently abled, wheelchair availability, and multipurpose toilets. This onsen has two adjacent indoor baths – Atsuyu and Nuruyu. It is recommended for first-timers to go in for the Nuruyu experience. Guests usually spend about an hour in the baths but you can regulate the duration depending on your level of experience and comfort. Kaimonji Onsen has provisions for guests to buy/rent toiletries on site so you need not take anything with you.

Kaimonji Onsen

Address: 2 Chome-3-2 Kitahama, Beppu, Oita 874-0920, Japan

Website: Kaimonji Onsenn

Opening hours: 6:30am - 10:30pm (daily)

Price: 1 USD

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6. Beppu Beach Sand Onsen, Beppu

Beppu Sandbath
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under CC BY 4.0

Beppu Beach Sand Onsen offers an experience quite like none other. It is not a mere bathtub/pool that you dip into, but instead a sand spa-cum-bath. You’ll be asked to drape yourself in yukatas (Japanese kimono) and towels and will then be buried in warm sand neck-deep. Once the sand spa is over, you can head to the onsen bath to wash off the sand and enjoy a soak. While most of toiletries, such as towels, are free, some of the smaller items may be separately charged for. Come hail or sunshine, nothing dampens this experience. The facility is equipped with parasols and temporary roofs to fight off bad weather.

Important note for female guests: You’re not supposed to wear anything inside the robes while being buried in sand so be mindful if you’re menstruating or are uncomfortable in any scenario.

Beppu Beach Sand Onsen

Address: Shoningahamacho, Beppu, Oita 874-0000, Japan

Website: Beppu Beach Sand Onsen

Opening hours: Mar - Nov: 8:30am - 6pm (daily); Dec - Feb: 9am - 5pm (daily, closed on 4th Wednesday of each month and following day after a national holiday)

Price: 10 USD

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7. Shibaseki Onsen, Beppu

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Shibaseki Onsen also offers Atsuyu and Nuruyu experience in its two indoor baths, along with an outdoor bath (with slightly cooler waters) and a steam room for guests to enjoy the onsen experience to the fullest! The three baths are divided on the water’s temperatures, making them feasible for beginners and experts alike. What makes Shibaseki Onsen’s ambience so calming is its location by a river, overlooking mountains, and a hut-style architecture with a high ceiling and large windows. Plus, making it even more attractive to guests is the wide range of amenities and facilities at fairly inexpensive rates. Shibaseki Onsen also boasts special facilities for the differently abled (wheelchair access, handrails along the baths, etc.) as well as cots for infants, making it a baby-friendly onsen!

Shibaseki Onsen

Address: 4 Kumi - 2 Noda, Beppu, Oita 874-0016, Japan

Website: Shibaseki Onsen

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily, closed every Wednesday of each month and following day after a national holiday)

Price: 2 USD

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8. Hoheikyo Onsen, Sapporo

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Nestled amidst lush greenery and picturesque views of Japan’s landscape, Hoheikyo Onsen’s open-air baths are a wholly rejuvenating experience. Autumn (September - November) season is considered best for this experience because the colourful foliage around is a stunning sight to behold! Large, round river rocks dot the onsen’s baths, adding to their scenic appeal as well as serving as a resting spot for the guests. Remember that the hot springs on the front side are male-only on odd dates and female-only on even dates. Similarly, the ones on the rear side of the facility are male-only on even dates, while odd dates are for females only. Thus, making it a new and refreshing experience each time you’re there. While the open-air bath is their star attraction, there’s an indoor bath that you can use as well.

Hoheikyo Onsen

Address: 608-2 Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2301, Japan

Website: Hoheikyo Onsen

Opening hours: 10am - 10:30pm (daily)

Price: 4.5 - 10 USD

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9. Zao Onsen Dai Rotenburo, Yamagata

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Perched some 880 m (3,000 ft) above sea level, Zao Onsen is a popular hot spring town, attracting guests from across Japan as well as internationally. Amongst the most popular hot springs in the town is the one at Zao Onsen Dai Rotenburo. While it is a private resort, their bath is admissible for use at a nominal fee by non-guests as well. The resort’s outdoor bath is its highlight, offering some of the most spectacular views of the verdant linden trees and thick carpeting of forests in the valley around. The baths are gender-separate and can be accessed only via stairs, so keep that mind if you may have trouble climbing stairs. Also, remember that the bath is shut during winter months (late November to mid-April).

Zao Onsen Dai Rotenburo

Address: 853-3 Zaoonsen, Yamagata, 990-2301, Japan

Website: Zao Onsen Dai Rotenburo

Opening hours: 6am - 6:30pm (daily)

Price: 5 USD

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10. Fukiage Onsen Health Center, Kamifurano

Takanoyu Onsen Womens Rotenburo 006
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user RickardA used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Complete with stunning views and quietude, the baths at Fukiage Onsen Health Center are another popular haunt for travellers. While the one outdoors is the main one, there are indoor baths that you can also use. There are gender-specific baths available indoors as well as outdoors. Plus, there is a unisex one outdoors for families and mixed groups. This family bath is also equipped with slides and rides, making it a fun experience for kids as well.

Fukiage Onsen Health Center

Address: Fukiage, Kamifurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0579, Japan

Website: Fukiage Onsen Health Center

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 3 - 7 USD

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11. Onogawa Onsen Komachi no Yu, Yonezawa

Outdoor hot spring bath in Nigorigo Onsen
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alpsdake used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Onogawa Onsen Komachi no Yu is a public bath facility which mostly remains unattended. Guests are expected to slip in the admission fee in a wooden box placed near the entrance and then move onto enjoy the onsen experience. The bath here is outdoors and its waters have a slightly sulfuric smell to it. These baths are separate for men and women. Onogawa Onsen Komachi no Yu hosts an annual Onogawa Onsen Hotaru Festival, from mid-June to mid-July, wherein fireflies illuminate the night sky. Enjoying the onsen experience during this time is really something so try and make it for this, if your itinerary permits. However, remember that this is when the facility is most crowded.

Onogawa Onsen Komachi no Yu

Address: 2189-7 Onogawa-machi, Yonezawa-shi, Yamagata Prefecture

Website: Onogawa Onsen Komachi no Yu

Opening hours: Apr - Aug: 6am - 6pm (daily); Sep - Nov: 7am - 5pm (daily, closed from December to March)

Price: 1 - 2 USD

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12. Kinugawa Onsen Koen Iwaburo, Nikko

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

With stone-lined baths and sprawled amidst idyllic scenery, the onsen experience at Kinugawa Onsen Koen Iwaburo is simply fantastic. There are indoor as well as outdoor baths that are gender-separate. However, it is the one outdoors that guests prefer over the one indoors. While the waters remain the same, it is probably the ambience of nature that makes the outdoor bath more popular amongst guests.

Kinugawa Onsen Koen Iwaburo

Address: 19 Fujihara, Nikko, Tochigi 321-2521, Japan

Website: Kinugawa Onsen Koen Iwaburo

Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily, closed every Tuesday of each month and following day after a national holiday)

Price: 2.5 - 5 USD

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13. Hottarakashi no Onsen, Yatsubo

Kofu-Basin from Hottarakashi Onsen
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Σ64 used under CC BY 3.0

Offering brilliant views of Mt. Fuji and the Kofu basin, Hottarakashi no Onsen is easily amongst the tourists’ top faves. Regardless of the season, the bathing experience is fabulous because of the staggering natural beauty of the area. While here, you can dip into the waters of Acchi-no-yu or Kocchi-no-yu. While the former allows you to bathe with Mt. Fuji in sight, the latter allows breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Fuji as well as the Kofu basin. Catching the sunrise over Mt. Fuji from Acchi-no-yu is another thing you can indulge in. Don’t expect too many frills, it is just the views that attract guests here.

Hottarakashi no Onsen

Address: D669-18 Yatsubo, Yamanashi, 405-0036, Japan

Website: Hottarakashi no Onsen

Opening hours: 5:30am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 3 - 8 USD

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14. Uramigataki Onsen, Tokyo

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Nestled amidst a forest and overlooking a waterfall, Uramigataki Onsen is another impressive onsen facility. What makes it standout? The use of onsen facilities are entirely free here! There’s only one outdoor bath here, which is unisex, so you’ll have to don bathing suits. Even the changing rooms are unisex. Also worth remembering would be that the use of soap or shampoo is not permitted at the open-air shower by the pool.

Uramigataki Onsen

Address: 1246 Nakanogo, Hachijo, Tokyo 100-1623, Japan

Website: Uramigataki Onsen

Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)

Price: Free

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15. Tsukiori Onsen Takimi no Yu, Daigo Cho

Private Onsen Bath in our suite
Source: Photo by user City Foodsters used under CC BY 2.0

Tsukiori Onsen Takimi no Yu features an indoor as well as outdoor spring pool. While the indoor pool is an ideal spot to spend a chilled out time, you can even enjoy beautiful views and refreshing Japanese airs from the open-air pool. It has been aesthetically decorated with natural stones, which adds to its appeal. However, remember that both pools here are unisex.

Tsukiori Onsen Takimi no Yu

Address: 2879-4 Daiji Konamase, Daigo Cho, Kuji Gun, Ibaraki Prefecture

Website: Tsukiori Onsen Takimi no Yu

Opening hours: Apr - Sep: 8am - 7pm (daily); Oct - Mar: 8am - 6:30pm (daily, closed every 3rd Tuesday of each month)

Price: 4 - 8 USD

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16. Tsubame Onsen, Myoko

Tsubame Yu Onsen Entrance
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Engulfed amidst the beauty of Mount Myoko, the onsen experience at Tsubame Onsen is quite something. The two outdoor hot springs – Kawara-no-yu and Ogon-no-yu – can be accessed by a short walk along the Mount Myoko trailhead. Remember that this route becomes a tad steep, which may act as a deterrent for those of you who are not comfortable with hiking. However, once there, the pools are a real treat. They’re free for use to all but a nominal donation is expected out of each guest. Although, this is not mandatory. While Kawara-no-yu is a mixed-gender pool, Ogon-no-yu has different zones for males and females, only separated by bamboo mats.

Note to remember: While the Tsubame baths themselves remain open year-round, the trail is shut from December to June, owing to bad weather.

Tsubame Onsen

Address: Sekiyama, Myoko, Niigata 949-2235, Japan

Website: Tsubame Onsen

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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17. Kin no Yu, Kobe

Kin-no-yu Arima Onsen
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user 663highland used under CC BY 2.5

Opened in 2002 as a public bath, the waters of Kin no Yu’s hot springs are considered amongst the most mineral-rich across Japan. The pools are separate for males and females – Ichi-no-Yu for males and Ni-no-Yu for females. Three types of pools are made available for both genders – Atsu-Yu with hot water, Nuru-Yu with lukewarm water, and Shira-Yu with water at normal temperature. You can make use of any of these, but do keep in mind your level of experience and comfort before making the plunge. First-timers are normally recommended to start with Shira-Yu. Else, if you’re not interested in a full-body spa, right outside Kin no Yu is Taiko no Ashi-Yu, which is solely a foot bath.

Kin no Yu

Address: 833 Arimacho, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-1401, Japan

Website: Kin no Yu

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily, closed on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month and following day after a national holiday)

Price: 3 - 6 USD

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18. Funaoka Onsen, Kyoto

Funaoka Onsen
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Thirteen-fri used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Among Kyoto’s most loved onsen facilities is Funaoka Onsen, located on the northwest side of the town. It enjoys this popularity because of the variety of pools here. Herbal bath, electric bath, wooden bath, and extra-hot bath are a few indoor ones to name, while there are cold and hot baths outdoors as well! You can either bring your own towels and toiletries or buy them on site for a nominal fee. While the baths here are not gender-separate, the changing rooms are. Also worth noting is that despite its name, Funaoka Onsen is a sento (man-made bath) and not a traditional onsen, but qualifies as the latter (in a sense) because of its electric bath facility; much like the Western world’s hot tub.

Funaoka Onsen

Address: 82-1 Murasakino Minamifunaokacho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8225, Japan

Website: Funaoka Onsen

Opening hours: 3pm - 1am (daily)

Price: 1 - 4 USD

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19. Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama

Dogo onsen
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Japanexperterna.se used under CC BY-SA 3.0

One of Japan’s oldest and most celebrated facilities, Dogo Onsen claims its fame to having hosted Japan’s royal families as its guests. The star attraction here is the Dogo Onsen Honkan, which is a wooden public bathhouse, housing two indoor baths. While Kami no Yu is the larger pool, Tama no Yu is the smaller one. You can either go in for a simple bath or for one of the packages that include food, beverages, and access to a resting lounge as well. For a truly luxurious affair, get in touch with the management here and reserve yourself a private bathing room in Dōgo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu!

Important note: The main building of Dogo Onsen was undergoing renovations at the time this article was published. Facilities on the second and third floors are shut and certain other services may also be impacted. However, the baths on the first floor remain operational.

Dogo Onsen

Address: 5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan

Website: Dogo Onsen

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

Price: 3 - 14 USD

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20. Yuya Ebisu, Oita

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Yuya Ebisu’s open-air bath is nothing short of fab – dotted with large slabs of rocks and engulfed in complete serenity. Dip into the bath’s whitish waters, rich in sulfur, to help rid yourselves of tension and other ailments as well. Once done at the hot spring pool, several guests also opt in for a bath in the thermal pool and a session in the steam room to enhance the effects. Not just an outdoor spring pool, Yuya Ebisu also has a “relaxing cave”, which is an indoor spring bath on the second floor of the facility. Remember that every even date, the open-air bath is males-only, while the one indoors is females-only. This gets reversed on odd dates, when the open-air bath becomes females-only and the one indoors, males-only. Additionally, five private bath rooms are also available for reservation on all days, except every Wednesday of each month.

Yuya Ebisu

Address: 4 kumi, Myoban, Beppu, Oita 874-0016, Japan

Website: Yuya Ebisu

Opening hours: 10am - 11pm (daily)

Price: 8 - 18 USD

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21. Tsurumai Hot Spring, Yurihonjo

Yufuin Onsen Rotenburo
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user R34SkylineGT-R V-... used under CC BY 3.0

Tsurumai Hot Spring has an open-air bath as well as a public bath, both of which overlook beautiful views of gardens and surrounding areas. In addition to the onsens, the facility also has rooms for you to enjoy saunas and bubble baths to elevate the relaxation further. To enjoy unlimited access, check into one of the rooms here.

Tsurumai Hot Spring

Address: 23-1, Nishikojincho, Yurihonjo-shi, Akita

Website: Tsurumai Hot Spring

Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily, closing days vary)

Price: 1 - 4 USD

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22. Kannawa Steam Bath, Beppu

Kannawa Mushi-yu Public Bath
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user STA3816 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Kannawa Steam Bath, also known as Kannawa Mushiyu in Japanese, has had a long history. It opened in the 13th century and has since entertained several guests. The onsen experience here begins with you being taken into the steam room, where you can stay for about 10 minutes, before moving on to the uchiyu (inner bath), where you can stay for as long as you want. In case you’re on a time-pressed schedule, you can even ditch the full-fledged process and only go in for a foot bath, which you’ll find near the steam room itself. A statue of famous Japanese preacher Ippen Shonin guards the onsen’s entrance and it is believed that if the guests coming for onsen healing want a specific body part to heal, they can pour hot water on that part of the preacher’s statue and expect positive results from the onsen treatment.

Kannawa Steam Bath

Address: 1 Kannawakami, Beppu 874-0046 Oita Prefecture

Website: Kannawa Steam Bath

Opening hours: 6:30am - 8pm (daily, closed on every 4th Tuesday of each month)

Price: 5 USD

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23. Kitahama Termas, Beppu

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Kitahama Termas offers an open-air bath, waterfall shower, steaming water, mist sauna, and a few more facilities to offer. They have provisions for a separate bath for males and females, while the outdoor bath is for mixed use. Although, remember that bathing suits are compulsory if you’re going in for the latter. This onsen enjoys a fantastic location, by the Beppu Spa Beach so it can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays.

Kitahama Termas

Address: 11-1 Kyomachi, Beppu, Oita 874-0926, Japan

Website: Kitahama Termas

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 2 - 5 USD

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24. Kinosaki Onsen, Toyooka

Inside Goshono-yu Kinosaki Onsen
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Samchan91 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Kinosaki Onsen, a spa resort town, is the ultimate location for a typical onsen experience. There are seven hot spring pools – Jizou-Yu, Goshono-Yu, Satono-Yu, Kouno-Yu, Yanagi-Yu, Mandara-Yu, Ichino-Yu – here. Each of their features, timings, and rules differ so it’s best you check out specific details on Kinosaki Onsen’s official website. There are several ryokans with on-site onsen baths in the town which you can reserve and lodge in to enjoy unlimited access to the pools. Else, pay an admission charge for a one-time admission.

Kinosaki Onsen

Address: Unnamed Road, Kinosakicho Yushima, Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6101, Japan

Website: Kinosaki Onsen

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25. Shirahama Onsen, Shirahama (from USD 105)

Touted to be among Japan’s three oldest hot spring resorts, Shirahama Onsen offers fantastic outdoor as well as foot bath facilities. And, that too, with gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean out front! There are several types of hot springs you’ll find in the various inns here – alkalescent hypertonic springs, sodium chloride, and simple hypertonic springs – so all you need to do is check into one that suits your preference. Hamachidori no Yu Kaishu, Saki no Yu, Chosei no Yu, Shirasuna, Muro no Yu, Onsen Zanmai no Yado Shirahamakan, and Kishu are among the top choices that you can go in for. The timings, prices, and rules of each of these onsens differ, so it’s best you check their official websites for specifics before heading. However, rest assured, they’re all tattoo-friendly!

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The Hills Shirahama

Wifi Available

Address: 2998-65
372.21 km (231.3 mi) from Mishima Sky Walk

Parking Family rooms Free parking Internet services Lift Heating WiFi Available Free WiFi

26. The Ryokan Tokyo YUGAWARA, Yugawara (from USD 64)

The Ryokan Tokyo YUGAWARA hotel’s in-house onsen opened its doors in 2016 and has since entertained several guests heading there to alleviate themselves of stress and have a relaxing time. What makes The Ryokan Tokyo YUGAWARA’s onsen special? Not only is the staff here English-speaking but there are separate baths for male and female guests as well. The bath with a blue flag hanging on the door is the one for males while the one for women has a red flag hanging on its door. The onsen is also equipped with individual shower stalls so if you’re not comfortable using the common shower room, use these and that too, entirely free of cost. However, remember that the use of onsen attracts a separate fee.

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The Ryokan Tokyo YUGAWARA

Wifi Available

Address: Miyakami 742
8.51 km (5.3 mi) from Mishima Sky Walk

Parking Garden Non-smoking rooms Laundry Free parking Internet services Safety deposit box Hiking

27. Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami (from USD 235)

Occupying a section of Takaragaike Lake’s banks are Takaragawa Onsen’s hot spring pools, offering lovely views of lush greenery and infinite relaxation. Amongst the many pools here, Maka, Hannaya, and Kodakara baths are unisex, while Maya Bath is females-only. There’s another Super Size Bath, which has separate zones for males and females. However, remember that bathing suits are not permitted inside the baths, although females may choose to enter with towels on. Takaragawa Onsen’s formidable location, at the riverbank and engulfed with a thick carpeting of greenery, makes it a popular onsen retreat throughout the year.

Takaragawa Onsen

Address: 1899 Fujiwara, Minakami, Tone District, Gunma 379-1721, Japan

Website: Takaragawa Onsen

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 20 USD

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Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku

Address: Fujiwara 1899
188.67 km (117.3 mi) from Mishima Sky Walk

Parking Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Non-smoking rooms Skiing Family rooms Free parking Internet services

28. Kagoiwa Onsen Ryokan, Nikko (from USD 174)

How about partaking in the advantages of onsens and that too amidst postcard-perfect views? That’s exactly what Kagoiwa Onsen Ryokan’s indoor as well as outdoor baths bring. Plus, you will be treated to a welcome green tea and Japanese sweets! You can elevate your onsen experience here by doubling it up with a meal and/or drinks… and that too within the waters! The bathing sessions cost about 1 USD onwards, depending on the package you opt for.

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Kagoiwa Onsen Ryokan

Wifi Available

Address: Takatoku 51
192.26 km (119.5 mi) from Mishima Sky Walk

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Golf course (within 3 km) Newspapers Garden Terrace Family rooms

29. Sansui Global Inn, Ureshino (from USD 39)

Sansui Global Inn’s on-site onsen is another tattoo-friendly onsen that’s hugely famous among local and international guests alike. It is on the first floor of the property and has three large public baths that are gender-separate during the morning and evening shifts. Get in touch with the facility or fire up its official website for exact details regarding the timings. Additionally, they also have private baths and Saikai, which is an outdoor hot spring bath. Plus, what’s even more awesome about the onsen baths here? They have been richly decorated with large and colourful murals that add to the already amazing ambience.

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Sansui Global Inn

Wifi Available

Address: 28, Hei-Shimojuku, Ureshino-Machi, Ureshino City, Ureshino, Ureshino, Japan, 843-0301
859.2 km (533.9 mi) from Mishima Sky Walk

Parking Restaurant Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms Laundry Free parking Internet services Lift

30. Hoshi Onsen Chojukan, Minakami (from USD 378)

If you’re one who enjoys a bit of quiet and wants to experience a bit of rustic Japanese-style living, Hoshi Onsen Chojukan is the place to be. Located at a distance of about three hours’ drive from Tokyo, this place is an ultimate retreat destination, complete with an amazing on-site onsen as well as accommodation. They have multiple baths – Hoshi No Yu (indoor only), Tamaki No Yu (indoor and outdoor), and Choju No Yu (indoor only). The timings, rules, and admission rates vary for all these baths so check their official website before heading.

Hoshi Onsen Chojukan

Address: 650 Nagai, Minakami, Tone District, Gunma 379-1401, Japan

Website: Hoshi Onsen Chojukan

Stayed at this property?

Houshi Onsen Chojukan

Wifi Available

Address: Nagai 650
177.56 km (110.4 mi) from Mishima Sky Walk

Parking Non-smoking rooms Free parking Internet services Safety deposit box Heating Fax/photocopying Luggage storage

Quintessentially Japanese

You’d not believe, but there are more than 3,000 onsen towns in Japan! Each offer a unique experience, attracting several thousands of travellers from across the world. So that you don’t miss out on this typically Japanese experience, we’ve put together this list of the top tattoo-friendly onsens in Japan. Head to one (or all!) of them and plunge into a world of calm.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Priyanjali, a writer and traveler, identifies as a self-proclaimed aesthete dedicated to achieving fulfillment in her personal and professional life. Her skill lies in transforming intangible...Read more

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