Going to the onsen with a tattoo in Tokyo 刺青で温泉に行こう
Tattoo without taboo
In Japan tattooing "irezumi" has been considered an art of highest skill, it has most often been reserved for a very marginal population: that of the yakuza, the Japanese underworld; the dark side of Japan. Those with irezumi are marginalized in society in general. Many establishments, most notably, the public baths and onsen ban entry to those customers. This history and practice have given a bad reputation to those inked with western tattoos as well. In Japan, the idea of irezumi and tattoos have a negative connotation but the good news is, younger generations are more open to tattoos and becoming a common practice and accepted more openly in society.
Since about two decades, tattoos in Japan have become trending. Some young people no longer hesitate to take the plunge and have ink drawings made, thus condemning themselves to never again taste one of the greatest pleasures of the majority of Japanese: to relax. in the waters of the thermal springs. Not to mention that most public baths, spas, swimming pools and sports clubs also prohibit their access to people with tattoos.
Hide this drawing that I could not see
The Japanese enthusiasm for onsen eventually spread to foreign visitors, more and more coming to discover the Land of the Rising Sun. However, these tourists being sometimes (and even often) tattooed, great is their disappointment and / or their astonishment when they find themselves in front of a sign: "No Tattoo" and are thus prohibited from entering one of the most popular places. iconic of Japan.
In order to facilitate and encourage the arrival of foreign tourists, and not discriminate against those who are tattooed, the Japanese Ministry of Tourism reacted and issued a statement calling on spa owners to relax their regulations regarding The tatoos.
There are now three types of onsen : those who still refuse entry to their establishment to tattooed people, those who offer kinds of plasters (called " Tattoo covering stickers ") to hide these shameful designs, and those who close eyes and accept any customer.
Without complexes
Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of establishments in Tokyo and its surroundings where you can taste the pleasure of soaking in pools of spring water even if your body is stung with pigments.
In tokyo
A very pleasant little onsen with its outdoor pools (one for women and one for men) in a small garden. There is also a sauna. 100% spring water.
From 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. (10 a.m. to midnight on Sunday). Closed Mondays, except public holidays. Phone. : + 81 (0) 3 37 83 18 32. Address: Tokyo Shinagawa-ku Togoshi 6-23-15. Access: Tokyu Oimachi line, get off at Nakanobu station (two minutes walk).
- Tsuru No Yu
In the Edogawa district in Funabori. Small, simple "old-fashioned" onsen with an outside pool. 100% spring water.
From 3.30 p.m. to midnight. Closed on Wednesdays. Price: 460 yen for adults and 180 yen for children. 300 yen for the sauna. : + 81 (0) 3 36 89 06 76. Address: Tokyo, Edogawa-ku, Funabori 2-11-16. Access: Toei Shinjuku Line, get off at Funabori station (about five minutes walk)
Also in the Edogawa district in Funabori. A small, simple establishment in a popular area but there are outdoor pools and saunas. Please note: the water is dark brown due to the minerals it contains!
From 3 p.m. to midnight (2 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Sunday). Closed on Mondays. Price: 450 yen for adults and 180 yen for children. Address: 7-3-13 Funabori, Edogawaku, Tokyo. Access: Toei Shinjuku Line, get off at Funabori station (about a 9-minute walk).
A small family run establishment over 60 years old. Magnificent mosaics representing Mount Fuji in the bathrooms. Several pools, saunas, a rotenburo (outdoor bath) with black water, charged with carbon, a jacuzzi. Go there preferably during the week to avoid the crowds!
From 2 p.m. to midnight and 12 p.m. to midnight on Saturdays and Sundays. Closed on Mondays. Address: 2-14-15 Kugahara, Ota-ku. Access: Kugahara station on the line, Tokyu Ikegami then take the Tokyu bus and get off at Anjoji-mae stop (1 minute walk). Phone: + 81 (0) 3 37 54 44 52
Around Tokyo:
- Chiba Prefecture: Yamato no Yu
Not far from Narita Airport, this is the place to be if you have some time to spare before getting on your plane or if you have long hours of waiting in transit. In addition, this onsen has several levels, many pools, rotenburo (outdoor pools) and even a gym. Massages are offered there. Enough to get you in shape before long hours of flight. The only downside: children under 6 are not accepted.
Open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Price: 800 yen for adults (1000 yen on weekends and holidays), 300 yen for children. Address: Chiba-ken, Narita-shi, Otake 1630. Tel. : + 81 (0) 4 76 28 81 11. Access from Tokyo (75 minutes): take the Sobu line at Tokyo station, change at Chiba station. Take the Sobu line to JR Narita station, change to the JR Narita line and get off at Shimouza Manzaki station (20 minute walk). Access from Narita Airport (15 minutes): Take the Keisei Line and change at Keisei Narita Station to the JR Narita Line and get off at Shimouza Manzaki Station (20 minutes walk).
- Shizuoka Prefecture: Gotemba Onsen Kaikan
This onsen located at the foot of Mount Fuji, offers a splendid view of the volcano.
From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (admission until 9 p.m.). Closed on Mondays. Price: 800 yen for the day, 500 yen for 3 hours. Address: Shizuoka-ken, Gotemba-shi, Fukusawa. Access: Free shuttle from Gotemba station.
Myoban Yunosato onsen
Myoban Yunosato onsen
