Japan tourism board urges hot springs to admit foreigners with tattoos
It's long been an unspoken rule among Japanese spa operators that customers with tattoos were not allowed into hot springs -- onsens.
In Japan, tattoos are associated with the Japanese mafia, commonly referred to as the yakuza.
A report published by Telegraph last year found that 56% of hotels and inns surveyed across Japan did not allow those with tattoos to enter public baths.
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This has caused a lot of grief for tourists whose tattoos are far from gang-related.
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Recognising that the majority of foreigners visiting Japan are keen on having an onsen experience, the Japan Tourism Agency has put through a first-time request to spa operators to allow tattooed tourists into their facilities.
According to Japan Times, an official in charge of tourism promotion at the Japan Tourism Agency, Shogo Akamichi, is hoping that onsens will take into consideration the cultural backgrounds of tattooed customers and not turn them away out of fear.
"We hope they [tattooed tourists] can enjoy onsen in Japan," said Akamichi.
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Akamichi further clarified that this request is "non-binding" and the decision still lies with the spa operators.
However, this special request will not extend to Japanese with tattoos.
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