Having a Tattoo in Japan

[eleison]

Hi,

I'm a Chinese thats coming to Japan on a business trip during the summer. I know its going to be hot, and I'll probably want to use the swimming pool or a bath house.

I have a large tattoo on my back thats obviously Chinese (chinese characters/chinese depiction of a dragon). I know we and you Japanese have not had the best relationship, so just wondering if I need to know anything before I take off my shirt.

Here's a picture of my tattoo for reference. Sorry for the large picture.

[Aoiru]

In some a japanese public bath, it says "no tattoos", therefore it is forbidden to go a public japanese bath. I think, in big city where is many foreigners it is ok to have a tattoo to bath. But to small city like nara, it is usually forbidden.

Aoi

[pumpum]

whoa man that is fucking awsome !! did it hurt lol ?

[samurai007]

They might be afraid of you if they see the tattoo, not because you are Chinese, but because they will think you are a Japanese Yakuza (gang member). Besides gang members, very, very few Japanese get tattoos.

Cool looking dragon, by the way.

[Kyousuke]

i love the detail in it. that must've hurt like a B*****.

[rachelsweet]

Well, I'm not from Japan.
But...most wouldn't really find it that acceptable.
I'm trying to become a tattoo artist. Haha. I have connections.

It's pretty cool, that tattoo, but I'm sure some people don't care what you have on your skin, being that it's there for a reason.

[Tsuzuki]

*.* wow I love your Tattoo I only have 4 heh but I still want a Dragon =3

[chachava]

Originally Posted by eleison

Hi,

I'm a Chinese thats coming to Japan on a business trip during the summer. I know its going to be hot, and I'll probably want to use the swimming pool or a bath house.

I have a large tattoo on my back thats obviously Chinese (chinese characters/chinese depiction of a dragon). I know we and you Japanese have not had the best relationship, so just wondering if I need to know anything before I take off my shirt.

Here's a picture of my tattoo for reference. Sorry for the large picture.

Keep it covered is my advice...

also, yopu have a 0% chance of being allowed anywhere near a swimming pool, hot spring etc. with a tattoo

[samokan]

the tattoo looks cool, but unfortunately, that will hinder you to use public bath houses, onsen or maybe even pools.

Most have a big warning in the entrance that says "NO Tattoo", if there is none, be sure to confirm/ask first ..

[MMM]

Being Chinese has nothing to do with it. It looks like a yakuza tattoo. You can ask at the front desk (and I would before exposing myself publically at a pool or hot spring) but I am afraid most places will say no.

You can go to the beach, though.