In Japan, the ancient allure of onsens (natural hot springs) is often shadowed by traditional bans on tattoos, historically linked to organised crime (yakuza).
Lucky for us, the cultural landscape is shifting, opening the steamy doors of onsens to everyone, including tattooed individuals. However, this is a slow change and many onsen continue to impose a ban. This is why we put together a guide highlighting some of the most exceptional onsen across Japan that accept guests with tattoos.
Tattoo friendly onsen might not be as widely spread, but they do exist, and they range from affordable to ultra-luxury.
Fufu Nara
Fufu Nara resort is located just minutes from Nara Park. It features suites with open air onsen. There is even a bamboo forest at the hotel.
Hotel New Wakasa
Hotel New Wakasa is a stunning ryokan type hotel with public baths, private open air baths in Nara, Japan.
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan
Overview Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, renowned for holding the Guinness World Record as the oldest hot spring ryokan in the world, has been welcoming guests since the year 705. Nestled in a tranquil valley surrounded by the lush mountains of Kai, this 5-star ryokan is famed for its continuous, natural hot spring flow that reaches every…
Ryokan Hakone Ginyu
Ryokan Hakone Ginyu is one of the most luxurious and phenomenal ryokans near Tokyo. Each room has its own private open air hot spring bath for ultimate relaxation.
Manyo no Yu Machida
Manyo no Yu Machida is a day onsen as well as an accommodation provider with private open air baths available for guests. It’s a popular 24/7 spa in Tokyo.
Stay Sakura Asakusa
Stay Sakura Yokozuna was once a sumo stable, now turned hotel. Some rooms have views of the Sky Tree and others offer private onsen facilities.
Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa
Ryokan Kamogawa offers a serene retreat right in the heart of Asakusa, only a three-minute walk from the iconic Sensoji Temple. It has a private onsen on site.
Prostyle Ryokan Tokyo Asakusa
Prostyle ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn located in Asakusa, Tokyo. Some rooms come with private onsen and views of the Tokyo Skytree.
Hohoemino Kuyufu Tsuruya
Hohoemino Kuyufu Tsuruya offers 24 guest rooms across four distinct types, catering to a variety of preferences and needs. Some rooms come with private open air onsen.
Migiwatei Ochi Kochi
Migiwatei Ochi Kochi, perched on the serene shores offers some of the most astounding views of the Seto Sea.
Nakanobo Zuien
Nakanobo Zuien, nestled in the tranquil surroundings of a traditional hot springs village, has been welcoming guests for nearly 150 years with unmatched hospitality.
Myojinkan
Tobira Onsen Myojinkan is set deep within a quasi-national park at an altitude of 1,050 meters, where it seamlessly blends with the majestic natural landscape of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Kifuno Sato
Kifu no Sato is a storied hot spring inn located in Yunogo Onsen, celebrated for its healing waters with a history spanning over 1200 years. Renowned for its therapeutic properties and skin-beautifying effects, the hot springs here offer guests a unique combination of natural beauty, healing, and culinary excellence
Zaborin
Zaborin is a serene ryokan that embodies the Zen concept of tranquility and detachment from the everyday. Located in the heart of Hokkaido’s majestic landscapes, this inn combines modern luxury with the spirit of traditional Japanese hospitality.
Gora Kadan
Gora Kadan is one of the top ryokans with private onsen in Japan. It consistently tops the charts thanks to its stunning rockbed private onsen.
Jozankei Onsen Yurakusoan
Jozankei Onsen Yurakusoan is a luxury ryokan with private onsen located in Hokkaido.
Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Bessou AO no ZA
Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Bessou AO no ZA is a luxury ryokan with private onsen located in the heart of Hokkaido.
Yuen Sapporo
Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo embodies the traditional spirit of a ryokan, which means “origin” in Japanese. This inn provides a modern twist on the customary ryokan experience
Nishimuraya Honkan
Honkan was rated by Lonely Planet as the “Best Onsen Ryokan” in Japan.
Sagasawakan
Sagasawakan, nestled in the scenic heart of central Izu, offers a tranquil retreat. The ryokan overlooks the serene Kano River, providing guests with a peaceful environment.
Jinpyokaku Honten
Jinpyo Ryokan, located in Nagano Prefecture and established in 1901, offers a peaceful retreat with its natural hot spring baths sourced from Jigokudani.
Atami Sekaie
ATAMI Sekaie is a resort ryokan located in Atami, Japan, which presents itself as a new haven offering a serene experience with an ocean breeze. It is just 45 minutes away from Tokyo Station, making it a convenient destination for a quick getaway.
Ikaho Onsen Oyado Tamaki
Oyado Tamaki, located in the Ikaho Onsen area, is a traditional Japanese ryokan that warmly welcomes its guests with the renowned “Golden Hot Spring” and “Silver Hot Spring”.
Kaze no Terrace Kukuna Hotel
This luxurious hotel in the Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen area offers private outdoor hot spring baths with views of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji.
Bessho Sasa
The ryokan embraces the theme of “water, greenery, and sun,” providing top-notch facilities amidst natural surroundings and a memorable hospitality experience.
Bettei Senjuan
The Bettei Senjyuan Ryokan, nestled along the stream of Tanigawa, offers a tranquil and private retreat for its guests. Framed by the ever-changing beauty of Mount Tanigawa, each room at Senjyuan features its own open-air bath fed by a natural hot spring.
Hakone Suishoen
Hakone Suishoen is a luxurious ryokan located in Hakone. All rooms have open air hot spring baths.