Have Tattoos but Still Want to Enjoy an Onsen in Japan? Beppu Welcomes You
Let’s clear up the biggest worry for many travelers to Japan right away: Yes, you absolutely can enjoy a traditional Japanese onsen, even if you have tattoos. While stories about strict rules and tattoo bans are common, they don’t apply everywhere.
And you’ve chosen the perfect place to visit. Beppu, the world-famous hot spring capital of Japan, is by far the most welcoming city in the country when it comes to tattoo friendly onsen.
Forget the anxiety of being turned away. Here in Beppu, a warm, steaming welcome awaits you. This guide is designed specifically for visitors with tattoos. We’ll explain your options, point you to the right places, and provide you with our exclusive, up-to-date 2025 map of tattoo-friendly facilities so you can soak in total confidence.
What is an Onsen? A Quick Refresher
Before we dive in, let’s quickly cover the basics. So, what exactly is an onsen? In Japan, an onsen is more than just a hot spring. These are geothermally heated, mineral-rich baths that are deeply woven into the fabric of Japanese culture. For centuries, people have visited onsen not just to get clean, but to relax their minds, heal their bodies, and socialize. It’s a place of quiet relaxation and natural rejuvenation.
Why Tattoos Can Be an Issue at Some Onsen
You may wonder why tattoos are a concern in the first place. Historically in Japan, tattoos have been associated with the yakuza, or organized crime syndicates. To ensure the comfort and peace of mind of all guests, many public facilities like pools, gyms, and onsen created rules forbidding entry to anyone with tattoos.
While most Japanese people today understand that foreigners with tattoos are simply expressing themselves through art, these old rules can still persist in some traditional establishments. But things are changing, and no city is leading that change more than Beppu.
The Ultimate Map of Tattoo-Friendly Onsen in Beppu [2025 Edition]
To make your trip completely stress-free, we’ve created a comprehensive map detailing the onsen in Beppu that welcome guests with tattoos. This is the most crucial tool for your visit. Bookmark it, save it, and use it to explore the city’s incredible bathing culture without a second thought.
How to Use This Map: Public vs. Private Onsen
The map includes two main types of facilities:
- Public Onsen: These are baths that have explicitly stated they welcome tattooed guests into their communal bathing areas.
- Private Onsen (Kashikiri): These are facilities that offer private, bookable baths. As you are in your own private room, tattoos are never an issue here.
Your Two Main Options for a Worry-Free Onsen Experience
With over 100 tattoo-friendly spots in Beppu, you’re spoiled for choice. Here’s how to decide what’s best for you.
Option 1: Visit a Public Onsen That Clearly Welcomes Guests with Tattoos
For a classic, communal experience, these renowned public onsen are fantastic choices where your tattoos are welcome. Here are a few highlights from our map:
- Hyotan Onsen: A huge complex in the Kannawa district with a variety of baths, including a sand bath, steam bath, and a beautiful outdoor bath (rotenburo).
- Takegawara Onsen: A historic landmark in the heart of Beppu ,famous for its traditional architecture and unique hot sand bath.
- Kannawa Mushiyu: A unique Japanese steam bath where you lie on a bed of fragrant medicinal herbs—a must-try experience!
- Shibaseki Onsen: A municipal onsen loved by locals, featuring both indoor and outdoor baths in a tranquil, wooded setting.
- Beppu Beach Sand Bath: Lie buried in naturally heated volcanic sand on the beach while listening to the waves. An unforgettable experience.
For the complete list of over 100 public onsen, be sure to check our official map!
Option 2: Book a Private Onsen (Kashikiri-buro)
If you prefer guaranteed privacy or are traveling with a partner or family, a private onsen is the perfect solution. Known as kashikiri-buro or kazoku-buro (family baths), these are private rooms with their own hot spring bath that you can rent by the hour.
In a private onsen, tattoos are completely acceptable—no exceptions .
Many ryokans (traditional inns) and hotels offer them to their guests, and some facilities operate exclusively as private onsen destinations. This is the ultimate way to relax without any worries at all.
Basic Onsen Etiquette for First-Timers
Feeling confident about where to go? Excellent! Here are a few simple etiquette tips to ensure you have a perfect visit.
- Onsen Clothing: In the bathing area itself, there is no special onsen clothing—you bathe completely nude. Swimsuits are not allowed.
- Wash First: Before entering the bath, sit on a stool at the washing stations and thoroughly wash and rinse your body. The onsen is meant for soaking and relaxing, not for cleaning.
- Tie Your Hair: If you have long hair, tie it up so it does not touch the water.
- Towel Rules: You will have a large towel for drying (which you leave in the changing room) and a small towel. The small towel can be used for washing and modesty while moving around, but it must never go into the bath water. Instead, you can place it on the side of the bath or on your head, Japanese-style.
- No Photos: Photography is strictly forbidden in the changing and bathing areas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tattoos & Onsen
- Are the rules different for foreigners?
The rules are the same for everyone, but Beppu’s welcoming policy was designed especially with international visitors in mind. - Do I need to cover my small tattoo with a patch?
If you are visiting one of the tattoo-friendly onsen listed on our map, there is no need to cover your tattoo. You can show your ink with pride! - What if I want to visit an onsen not on the map?
If you want to try a smaller, local onsen that isn’t listed, it’s best to ask politely at the front desk before paying. A simple question like, “Tattoo, daijoubu desu ka?” (Are tattoos okay?) will work.
Enjoy the Welcoming Spirit of Beppu
Beppu’s city motto is to “welcome visitors warmly,” and its open-minded approach to tattoos in onsen perfectly exemplifies this spirit. Don’t let your tattoos stop you from participating in one of Japan’s most wonderful cultural experiences.
Explore the map, pick a spot that looks inviting, and get ready to soak your cares away in the warm, healing waters of Oita’s beloved Beppu.
How to get to Beppu Onsen
Recommended hot springs and other attractions can be found by clicking the buttons below, so please have a look!
