NOT TATTOO FRIENDLY. Tried to use this Onsen today but was turned away at the last second by staff once they saw my shoulder tattoo.

My Japanese girlfriend was translating for me initially, we were told that I would be allowed in with tattoos, but had to cover it up. “No problem” I thought, other onsens i have been to just told me to cover my tattoo with a towel until I actually got into the onsen. I had to pay extra to get what I would describe as “skin-covers”, about an extra 1,000 yen for 4 in total. I buy these items and the onsen ticket, and proceed to the locker room. I was informed that one of the staff members would have to apply the “skin-covers” to insure they stuck on. When I was ready, I approached a staff member, they take one look at my tattoo, and tell me in English “your tattoo too big for covers (the skin-covers were 2in x 2in stickers with a skin tone color) you can’t go into onsen”. I said “ok, thank you for letting me know”. I proceed to get dressed and leave the locker room. Once i am out, another staff member approached me, apologizing for the inconvenience and completely refunded me. I told them thank you and went on my way.

I would think that they would recognize that it is normal for foreigners to have tattoos or the monetary revenue that foreigners would bring in, but I’m not here to argue about that.

The staff was extremely courteous and friendly, and I was friendly and non-confrontational with them. They are welcoming as long as you don’t have large tattoos.