JAPAN'S BEST-DESIGNED HOTELS12 hotels
Hotel baths and tattoos: what each hotel says
Many Japanese baths limit tattoos, and the rules differ from hotel to hotel. These are the hotels whose official websites state their rule — some allow tattoos covered with stickers from the front desk, some allow them in the pool only, some refuse them in the bath. Check the table below before you book.
Fittings from a thatched farmhouse, and an outdoor bath of Hakone spring water
A “northern inn” of oak and Sapporo soft stone
A large bath with an outdoor bath facing a Japanese garden
The “Iyotetsu Room”, made from a real train
A green lounge fitting a town of bonsai
Walls of hana-block, and a music bar inspired by Koza's music
A modern irori hearth, and a large bath that reflects the ripple of water
An infinity pool overlooking Chatan, and blue-grey rooms
Rooms with private pools, blending Art Deco and Okinawan modern
A 20th-floor lobby with a mobile of washi and polarising film
Home-like rooms surrounded by Otaru crafts and art
A delicate lobby and rooms with nature as the motif
Planning a stay
Check-in, large baths and tattoo rules for these 12 hotels
Nearest stations: Setagaya-Daita, City.
| Hotel | Area | Check-in / out | Large bath | Tattoos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yuen Bettei Daita | Setagaya-Daita | 15:00 / 11:00 | Yes | Allowed if covered with tattoo cover stickers |
| ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SAPPORO | Sapporo | 15:00 / 11:00 | 15:00–1:00 and 6:00–10:00 | Allowed if small enough to cover with a sticker; tattoo… |
| REF Kumamoto by Vessel Hotels | Kumamoto | 14:00 / 11:00 | Yes | Large bath: not allowed unless the tattoo can be covered by… |
| REF Matsuyama City Station by Vessel Hotels | Matsuyama | 14:00 / 11:00 | Yes | Large bath: not allowed unless the tattoo can be covered by… |
| REF Omiya by Vessel Hotels | Omiya | 14:00 / 11:00 | Yes | Large bath: not allowed unless the tattoo can be covered by… |
| REF Okinawa Arena by Vessel Hotels | Okinawa City | 14:00 / 11:00 | Yes | Large bath: not allowed unless the tattoo can be covered by… |
| Vessel Hotel Campana Susukino | Susukino | 14:00 / 11:00 | Yes | Large bath: not allowed unless the tattoo can be covered by… |
| LEQUE Okinawa Chatan Spa & Resort | Chatan | 14:00 / 11:00 | Yes | Pool: allowed, except tattoos that other guests may find… |
| LEQUE Okinawa Chatan Spa & Resort Premier | Chatan | 14:00 / 11:00 | — | Pool: allowed, except tattoos that other guests may find… |
| Mitsui Garden Hotel Yokohama Minatomirai Premier | Minatomirai | 15:00 / 11:00 | — | Sky pool: not allowed unless covered; the hotel provides… |
| GRIDS PREMIUM HOTEL OTARU | Otaru | — | Yes, with an open-air bath and sauna | Not allowed in the baths |
| Fuji Marriott Hotel Lake Yamanaka | Yamanakako | — | — | Not allowed in the baths |
From each official website. “—” means the official information we checked does not say.
Questions visitors ask
Which hotels in Japan: the rules have a large shared bath?
Yuen Bettei Daita, ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SAPPORO, REF Kumamoto by Vessel Hotels, REF Matsuyama City Station by Vessel Hotels, REF Omiya by Vessel Hotels, REF Okinawa Arena by Vessel Hotels, Vessel Hotel Campana Susukino, LEQUE Okinawa Chatan Spa & Resort and 1 more have a large shared bath (daiyokujo), according to official information. Most are for hotel guests only.
Can I use the baths with tattoos at the hotels in Japan: the rules?
Yuen Bettei Daita: Allowed if covered with tattoo cover stickers; ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SAPPORO: Allowed if small enough to cover with a sticker; tattoo cover stickers are sold at the front desk; REF Kumamoto by Vessel Hotels: Large bath: not allowed unless the tattoo can be covered by the two 8 × 10 cm cover stickers given at the…; REF Matsuyama City Station by Vessel Hotels: Large bath: not allowed unless the tattoo can be covered by the two 8 × 10 cm cover stickers given at the…; and 8 more in the table above. For the others, ask the hotel before you book.
What time is check-in at the hotels in Japan: the rules?
Check-in is usually from 14:00 or 15:00 at the 10 hotels that publish it; check-out times are in the table above. Some plans differ, so check your booking.
What are the nearest stations for the hotels in Japan: the rules?
The stations mentioned most often are Setagaya-Daita Station, City Station. Every hotel page has directions and the address in Japanese.
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