Japan Travel Fixes
How do communal baths/onsen work, and can I go in with a tattoo?
You wash and rinse off before entering the communal bath — no swimsuits or clothing allowed. Many facilities still turn away visible tattoos, but some allow cover-up stickers, and tattoo-friendly baths or private (family) baths are also an option.
Wash your body and hair before getting into the tub, and don't dip your towel in the bathwater — both are basic etiquette.
Tattoo policy varies by facility, so checking the property's notes or the booking site's fine print in advance is the reliable way to know.
Booking a private/family bath sidesteps the tattoo question entirely.
Checking whether you can bathe with a tattoo
タトゥーがあるのですが、入浴できますか？
Tatuu ga aru no desu ga, nyuuyoku dekimasu ka?
I have a tattoo — can I still use the bath?