Tattoo-Friendly Onsen in Tokyo: Where to Go & How to Bathe Right
- TOMOGO! Team
- Jun 23
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 24
It is not easy to experience the hot spring culture in Japan as a person with tattoos. Although it is quite common to see people with tattoos in Japan, in many of Japan’s public bathing facilities, including hot springs (onsen) and public baths (sento), they are generally prohibited, making it difficult for those with tattoos to enter.
Having tattoos is still related to a historical defamation of it, deeming it to be inappropriate. This concept has led to the fact that many onsens do not accept customers with tattoos to use the public hot springs. Fortunately, Tokyo is also home to several tattoo-friendly onsen and sento where you can enjoy a relaxing soak regardless of your body art.
In this article, we introduce our tips on how to enjoy onsens in Japan and our top 7 tattoo-friendly onsen and sento in Tokyo.
Enjoy the opportunity to relax and immerse yourself in traditional Japanese bathing culture during your stay in Tokyo!
Please note: The information in this article is accurate at the time of writing, but rules and business hours may change. For the latest updates, please check each facility’s official website.
How to Enjoy Japanese Hot Springs
Tokyo Sento Public Bath has summarized the steps to enjoy the fullest of Japanese hot springs as follows (details may differ in specific onsens). If you still feel anxious to embark upon your first ever hot spring experience, please feel free to check them out before starting!
STEP 1
Take off your shoes, and put them in the shoe locker before entering.
STEP 2
Paying the Bathing Fee at the counter
Tools for bathing
Some public baths may not provide a free towel for bathing, shampoo, soap, and other necessary goods. Please check with the individual bath before visiting. We suggest bringing towels and toiletries with you.
About your valuables
It is suggested that you do not bring valuables or large amounts of money to the bathhouse, for they can not accept responsibility if lost. In case you have, please deposit valuables with the front desk.
STEP 3
Find a vacant locker in the changing room, take off all your clothes.
It is the custom in a Japanese bathhouse to bathe without your clothes. Swimsuits and underwear can not be worn. Please take the key with you when entering the bath. Please be careful not to lose it!
STEP 4
Let’s head to the bathroom with a small towel and toiletries to use when washing!
STEP 5
Choose an available wash basin with a stool and shower.
It is a must etiquette to shower yourself before entering the public hot spring.
STEP 6
Relax in the large hot spring.
STEP 7
Use a hand towel for showering one more time. Then dry yourself before going back to the dressing room.
Our Top 7 Tattoo-Friendly Onsens in Tokyo
Konparu-yu: A Historic Tattoo-Friendly Onsen in the Heart of Ginza
Konparu-yu is a traditional public bath located right in the center of Ginza, with a heritage that spans over 160 years. Its nostalgic atmosphere transports you back in time, and the bathhouse is adorned with beautiful murals of Mt. Fuji, different in the men’s and women’s baths.
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening hours:
Weekdays: 3:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
(Last admission: 11:30 PM)
Closing days: every Tuesday
📍 Location & Access
Approx. 5-minute walk from Ginza Station
Approx. 5-minute walk from Shinbashi Station
💴 Admission
Adults: 550 yen
Junior High School Students: 450 yen
Elementary School Students: 200 yen
Preschool Children*: 100 yen
Coupon Ticket (10 visits): 5,000 yen
* One preschool child is free with each paying adult.
🔗 Official Info & Links
Izumi Tenku no Yu: The Perfect Onsen Break at Haneda Airport Before Departure
Directly connected to Haneda Airport, Izumi Tenku no Yu Haneda Airport is a tattoo-friendly hot spring facility that’s perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the hot spring onsen before departure.
On clear days, you can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Fuji from the women’s open-air bath, and airplanes taking off and landing from the men’s bath.
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening hours:
Open 24 hours a day
*Baths are unavailable from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm due to cleaning.
Closing days: May be closed irregularly for inspections. Please check facility announcements.
📍 Location & Access
💴 Admission
Bathing Fee
Adult (13+): ¥4,800 Includes face towel, bath towel, robe, and hot stone sauna access
Child (4–12): ¥2,000 Includes face towel and bath towel
*Children under 4 and those in diapers are not permitted. Children up to elementary school age must be accompanied by a guardian.
🔗 Official Info & Links
Kosugiyu: Enjoy the Famous Milk Bath in Tokyo
Located in the subculture hub of Koenji, Kosugiyu is a beloved public bathhouse with over 90 years of history. Housed in a charming retro building designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, it features a striking mural of Mt. Fuji in the main bath area.
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening Hours:
Weekdays: 14:00–25:30
Weekends & Holidays: 8:00–25:30
Closed: Thursdays
📍 Location & Access
About a 5-minute walk from Koenji Station
💴 Admission
Bathing Fees
Adult: ¥550
Child (Elementary school students): ¥200
Infant (Ages 0–5): ¥100
🔗 Official Info & Links
Kosugiyu Harajuku: The Perfect Spot to Relax After Exploring the City
Kosugiyu Harajuku, which opened in April 2024, is a tattoo-friendly public bath located just a 4-minute walk from Harajuku Station.
Here, you can enjoy the signature Milk Bath also found at the original Kosugiyu in Koenji. Shampoo and other amenities are available free of charge, making it easy to enjoy a relaxing soak even if you come empty-handed.
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening Hours:
7:00 AM – 11: 00PM (10:15 PM last admission)
Closed: Thursdays
📍 Location & Access
4-minute walk from Harajuku Station, 1-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae Station
💴 Admission
Bathing Fees
Adult: ¥550
Child (Elementary school students): ¥200
Infant (Ages 0–5): ¥100
🔗 Official Info & Links
Koganeyu: Tattoo-Friendly Onsen from the Past for the New Era in Tokyo
Koganeyu was originally founded in 1932, in Taihei, Sumida Ward, before World War II. For nearly a century, it has served as a public bathhouse supporting the hygiene and well-being of the local community.
Koganeyu aims to redefine the sento for a new era, sharing the joy of public bathing with as many people as possible.
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening hours:
Weekdays, Sundays, and Holidays: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM / 11:00 AM – 12:30 AM
Saturdays: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM / 3:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Closed: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month
📍 Location & Access
10-minutes walk from Kinshichō Station
💴 Admission
Bathing Fees
Adult: 550 yen (90 minutes)
Junior High School Students: 450 yen
Elementary School Students: 200 yen
Preschool Children: 100 yen
🔗 Official Info & Links
Togoshi Ginza Onsen: Hot Springs with Various Modern Styles
Located in the famous Togoshi Ginza shopping street in Shinagawa, Togoshi Ginza Onsen is a tattoo-friendly hot spring facility.
You can enjoy the “Kuroyu” (black water) spring, known for its skin-beautifying effects, in both indoor and semi-open-air baths. There are also electric baths, jet baths, reclining baths, cold baths, and a sauna (extra fee), offering various bathing styles.
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening Hours:
Weekdays 15:00–25:00
Sundays & holidays 8:00–12:00, 15:00–25:00
Closed: Fridays
📍 Location & Access
3-minute walk from Togoshi Station, 5-minute walk from Togoshi Ginza Station
💴 Admission
Bathing Fees
Adult: 500 yen (90 minutes)
Junior High School Students: 300 yen
Elementary School Students: 200 yen
Preschool Children: 100 yen
🔗 Official Info & Links
Kairyo-yu: A Hidden Onsen Gem Between Shibuya and Ebisu
Kairyo-yu is a stylish, tattoo-friendly sento (public bathhouse) located within walking distance of Shibuya Station. It is a public bath where you can fully experience the charm of a traditional sento: a space for beauty, wellness, and human connection.
🗓 Opening Hours
Opening Hours:
12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Closed: Saturdays
📍 Location & Access
15-minute walk from Shibuya Station
11-minute walk from Ebisu Station
💴 Admission
Bathing Fees
Adult: ¥550
Junior High School Student (with Student ID): ¥400
Elementary School Student: ¥200
Preschool Child: ¥100
🔗 Official Info & Links
Relax, Recharge, and Discover Tokyo with TOMOGO!
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