Why Tattoo not allowed in most Japanese hot springs

Why Tattoo not allowed in most Japanese hot springs

Tattoo has generally been recognized as a part of fashion, but it’s not always so in Japan.
Having an intense paint on body, sometimes give negative impression to others by a reason which also links why people who have a tattoo are refused in public facilities to be naked.

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Tattoo is called “irezumi” in Japanese

Actually, tattoo had been used as a penalty of any crimes in the Edo period (1,603-1,868) although this fact isn’t well known even among Japanese people.
The punishment completely ended at 1,872, but an antisocial party like Yakuza (the Japanese mafia) became to get a big tattoo on their body as a symbol of their strength and pride.

Why Tattoo not allowed in most Japanese hot springs_1

Then, most Japanese hot springs began to claim that tattoo makes others frighten or displease as well as it’s not good for sanitation.
This turned out the main reason that tattoo not allowed in any Japanese hot springs.

Before visiting any Japanese hot springs, please make sure that the place you’re suppose to visit is how to deal with tattoo.
Some hot springs allow if you could hide or have a tiny one.

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I’d like you to include in your plan to go to any hot springs if you come to Japan especially in winter.
Japanese hot springs provide you a lot of Japanese particular stuff at a once like stunning view, tasty local food, nice hospitality and so on.
Hope you could enjoy them without taking care of tattoo.

Thanks for reading.