[WangComputers]

"they’re serious about “no entry” if you have tattoos"

That's nothing unusual in Japan, even Japanese people in Japan can't join a gym or get car insurance if they've got tattoos. They're serious about that stuff for a reason.

[dagw]

It's fairly unusual to strictly enforce it on foreigners. Every place I've been with a no tattoos policy generally overlook tourists with smaller unassuming tattoos.

[Jcampuzano2]

I went to Japan for about a month as someone with tattoos. I didn't have many issues out and about but I was told in the gym and I could not have them showing.

I just wore sleeves over them and although less comfortable than my normal gym attire it was fine.

I was denied access to an Onsen because I honestly forgot about the tattoo thing for a while but was able to find one that was tattoo friendly. They were not mean or anything they just informed me it was policy. Completely understandable given the history.

My tattoos are very noticeable though. Like you would never miss large forearm tattoos, so it's probably hard for them to overlook for them and let it slide even for a foreigner

[guardiangod]

I was in a Shikoku hotel's public bath a couple month ago, and a guy with full on Yakuza back (and arms) tattoo came in to shower. No one batted an eye. Granted no staff was present, so no one enforced the rule. I also did not try to get a glimpse of his pinkies.

[AnotherGoodName]

I suspect a blind eye would be turned if it’s pretty obviously not a yakuza tattoo right?

[imp0cat]

I wouldn't think so. It seemed to me that most places were quite strict about it.

[notpushkin]

I think it’s very taboo regardless of the tattoo design. That said, there are also tattoo-friendly places, and ones where you can just put a bandaid over.

[antonkochubey]

>or get car insurance

eh? there's a stripping-down room in insurance offices?

do you have to submit nudes if you're buying insurance online?