Quote:
Originally Posted by cam_wmh
I was at a couple onsen's in Japan this past spring. The tattoos thing is overblown.
It's really there to keep the Yakuza out, and they are most readily recognized by their tattoos.
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It's fine outside of Tokyo. Hard to get into an onsen when you're in Tokyo and have a tattoo, especially ones that families frequent (e.g. Oedo Onsen Monogatari on Odaiba Island). I managed to get into multiple onsens in Beppu just fine, which is the proverbial home of Japanese onsens (particularly mud baths).
I have a couple of Japanese friends in Tokyo, they're embarrassed by the rule, especially as it pertains to mainstream tourist attractions.