Over Half of Japan's Hotels Bar People With Tattoos, Survey Finds

Above, a private bath will solve the problem of tattoos at ryokans and onsens. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A recent survey of Japanese hotels and ryokans (Japanese inns) has revealed that a little more than half of them ban people with tattoos.

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO —More than 50% of Japanese hotels and ryokans nationwide bar entry to their bathing facilities by guests with tattoos, according to a survey by the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA). 

The JTS published the results of the survey on its website on Wednesday. 

The survey, conducted in June, asked 3,768 hotels and ryokans in Japan: “Do you refuse admittance to people with tattoos?” and “Would you accept someone with tattoos if they cover them with stickers?” and “Do you know the reason for the custom of barring people with tattoos?” 

Of the 581 that replied, 56% said they do bar guests with tattoos, while 31% said they do not and 13% said they allow guests with tattoos into onsens if their tattoos are covered up.

According to the article, the ban on tattoos stems from keeping out criminal elements from hotels, ryokans and onsens:

In Japan, tattoos are associated with yakuza organized crime syndicates, and many public institutions bar people who have them as a way to keep gangsters out.

We knew about this ahead of time and opted for a ryokan room in Atami with its own hot spring tub as Denise has some tattoos.

To read more, go here.