Doesn't mean you are a gang member but, because of the links to gang members, people with tattoos are generally frowned upon (especially by the older generation)

A lot of younger people are getting tattoos in Japan. But if you are yakuza, there is a good chance you are inked. Onsens can't put up a sign that says "No Yakuza", so they go around the issue by saying "No Tattoos".

Hypothetically speaking, what if a person were to have a small tattoo ("small" being a few inches in diameter/height/width) in an inconspicuous location like the inner-bicep (armpit area) or ankle. Do they usually do inspections for these kinds of things?

Amazing Tattoo. Looks great... :D but certain places have rules.
not only in Japan... all around the globe

Well if the signs say "No tattoos" and you go in with a tattoo, they aren't going to be too happy about it. The reason is, if they let you in, and somebody sees it and lets the unsavory types know they are letting in people (gaijin no less) with tattoos, it'll be chaos.

Ah, I understand.

Thanks SO much for this topic! While I have to cover the tattoo on my upper arm at work because my supervisor is nuts, I hadn't thought about this when traveling. Guess it's a good thing I planned to visit in the winter when I will be wearing sleeves, and the only time the one on my thigh shoes is in a bathing suit. Guess I needn't bother any visits to hot springs.

that is really cool looking !
looks like you take really good care of it 2 !
it's not faded or anything,very very nice !
how long have you had it ?!
:eek:

The original poster hasn't been back in a long time...and he only made one post total.