Tattoos are still a taboo in Japan. While they are not illegal, having an inked skin can sometimes prevent people from enjoying certain quintessentially Japanese experiences such as taking a bath in an onsen or sento, or even swimming in a pool. Unfortunately, many of these establishments do not admit people with tattoos – even some public beaches prohibit tattoos. However, there’s no need to get discouraged as there are ways to work around this inconvenience.
Besides booking yourself a private onsen (which can be costly), you can purchase body stickers and skin-coloured patches to conceal your body art. However, most of these coverings are on the smaller side. So if you’ve got a full sleeve or tattoos that are too big to cover, it might be best to check into a tattoo-friendly onsen or bathhouse instead.
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The Aqua Tattoo Cover Seal comes in four different shades: dark ochre, pink, light and extra light. You can cut a piece of the seal to size and then apply it like a temporary tattoo.
Simply remove the clear film, stick the seal on, apply a wet towel over the seal and press down gently. If your tattoo is still visible after one layer, you can apply a second layer after the first one dries.
Order the Aqua Tattoo Cover Seal online. From ¥630 for two pieces.
This handy Foundation Tape is another easy way to cover your tattoos. It’s available in five colours and four sizes. You can even cut it to size to fit over your tattoo. You apply the tape like a sticker and it should last about a week if applied properly.
Foundation Tape is available online. Prices start at ¥500 for five pieces.
This packet of tattoo seals, available at Don Quijote, can be used at hot springs, beaches, pools and even gyms. The seals are waterproof against sweat and water, and come in two skin-tone colours. They also fade out in colour near the edges so they appear to blend in more seamlessly with your skin.
To apply, remove the backing, stick it over your tattoo and carefully peel off the plastic cover. Try to avoid getting air bubbles under the seal as they may cause the cover to peel off. Once applied, the seal can last up to three days.
Around ¥1,089 for a packet of five seals
The Suhada Seal is ideal for hiding scars and tattoos. It comes in two variations: one for more natural coverage that blends into the skin while the other's more opaque to hide darker tattoos.
The seals are available in four shades and three sizes, and you can order a trial pack to find out which one works best for you.
Suhada Seal is available online. Prices start at ¥550 for a trial set.
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