It's not just onsens where tattoos are not permitted, you are also unable to use public swimming pools, or go to water parks. You'll see signs in front of these places telling you that people with tattoos will not be allowed in.

If you want to use an onsen, such as at a ryokan, and have a tattoo, you can always reserve a private bath. Ask as soon as you check in so you can book a good time. This is also a good option for couples who would like to bath together, or simply for those who don't care for the thought of bathing in public.

I have been thinking about getting a small one on my upper arm for some time now. However, I have been to onsens, and would NOT under ANY circumstances want to deny myself entry, because I know I'll be going as often as I can when I go back.

What I would get would be somewhere from 2-3 inches x 2-3 inches, so it's not very big, and could be easy covered up with a small amount of bandage or something of the sort, without looking like a gaping wound in my arm. Would something that small that can be easy bandaged with a small amount of bandage fly under the radar, or is even that a big risk?

People wearing bandages are more rejected than people with tattoos. A bandage implies an injury, and therefore you are infecting the water with your body fluids.

Good point! Would it be better to just go in and see what happens or cover it up with something else? Heck, I could easily hold the small washcloth they give you over in when I'm not in the bath, and once I'm in, you aren't going to see it anyway...

omg i didn't know traveling to japan was so strict now =O they really take your photo and fingerprints? i just went two years ago and didn't go through that, but i guess a lot has changed since then. so i have a question... will studying abroad in japan be difficult if i have a tattoo on my wrist and a lip ring? i also plan on getting more tattoos after i get the money, but those will be on my back, hip, or thigh and can be covered with clothes. the wrist one can also be covered with a watch or wristband. and i'm guessing teaching english in japan would be extremely difficult if i have tats and the lip ring still yeah?

Sure, and believe me, they are living with restrictions and limitations....

Well, as much as we all hate it, people tends to judge us and our level of processionalism base on our appearance and how we want to portrait and present ourselves.

A lot of people see tattoo and piercing as a form of rebellious act, and sadly they also stereotype people with such body arts, and its mainly because, a lot of people that ended up in jail do have some form of body arts. That said, body piercing and tattoo is still not something that is deemed acceptable by many society, Japan being one.

Teaching English isn't any different as other teaching job, a teacher is a teacher, a teacher should teach more than their area of expertise, or at least, thats whats expected of them. Supposedly, and most would agree, a Teacher is suppose to be a role model, so connecting all the dots, yes, it will be a bad idea to even try looking for a job as a teacher if you have visible body arts/body piercing, who would want a role model that is perceived as a reble?

Many on this board (mostly the ones who want to work in Japan without a degree) want to go against all advices, either proof a point or try to "voice" their believe and change certain perception, which you can do the same too, but do expect a lot of hurdles along the way.

yeah even in the usa it's hard to find jobs if you have visible body art, and you'd think things were pretty liberal here. *sigh* guess i'll have to rethink the whole teaching idea then =/ how about studying abroad though?

That I don't know, I've never looked into any info related to schooling, but you also have to think about how this whole body art and body piercing thing is being perceived on a student. Again, they tend to somehow think of you of a rebel right, and I think that, most rebels are being perceived as someone who is not as good at school or if they will work hard at school, so thats something else that you may want to think about

very true... thanks!!