The Tokyo Bay Tattoo Festival 2025 brought together some of the most talented tattoo artists in Japan and around the world. This year, Japan Tattoo participated for the second time — another important step for our growing studio in Shinjuku. This article covers our experience at the festival, highlights from the event, and a reflection on Japanese “humility” as part of our studio’s philosophy — especially after a meaningful moment for our team and our artist Horiken. What is the Tokyo Bay Tattoo Festival? One of Japan’s largest tattoo events, the festival showcases: • Leading artists from Japan, Europe, the US, and Asia • Live tattooing, painting • Competitions across […]
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Ukiyo-e and Tattoos: How Japanese Woodbl...
Why Ukiyo-e Matters for Tattoo Lovers Ukiyo-e—Japan’s world-renowned woodblock print tradition—has influenced tattoo art for over 200 years. Many modern tattoo motifs, from dragons to waves to warrior scenes, were first popularized in Edo-period prints. While clients often reference Kuniyoshi specifically, requests inspired by Hokusai, Hiroshige, Yoshitoshi, and other masters are also extremely common. Understanding ukiyo-e is one of the best ways to appreciate the meaning and structure of Japanese tattoo designs today. Why Ukiyo-e × Tattoos Fit So Naturally Edo-period ukiyo-e and Japanese tattoo culture grew together: ■ Shared Visual Language • Strong outlines • Flowing movement • Narrative composition • Mythology and folklore • Nature motifs (waves, […]
Matching Tattoos in Tokyo : Family, Coup...
Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate your trip to Japan with someone special? Matching tattoos — whether shared between couples, friends, or family members — have become one of the most beautiful ways to capture the memories of traveling together. At Japan Tattoo in Tokyo, we often welcome groups who wish to turn their shared journey into something permanent, artistic, and deeply personal. Why Matching Tattoos Are So Special Getting a matching tattoo is not just about having the same design — it’s about sharing a story. For friends, it can mark years of trust and laughter. For family members, it’s a tribute to connection across generations or […]
Tattoo Aftercare: What to Do After Getti...
Here is Your complete guide to healing, products, and peace of mind 🙂 Introduction: Why Aftercare Matters Getting a tattoo in Japan is more than just an artistic experience — it’s also about taking care of your new ink so it heals beautifully. Proper aftercare ensures vibrant colors, clean lines, and long-lasting results. At Japan Tattoo in Shinjuku, we give every client clear English (and other languages) aftercare instructions. This article explains the step-by-step process, what to expect, and what products to use while traveling in Japan. It also answers common questions about second skin, Japanese pharmacies, and what to avoid. Step 1: The Second Skin (Film) After your […]
What to Expect on the Day of Your Tattoo...
What to Expect on the Day of Your Tattoo Appointment in Japan Your complete guide to a smooth and stress-free tattoo experience Calm Your Nerves, Enjoy the Experience Getting a tattoo abroad can feel exciting but also intimidating. Many travelers wonder: What happens on the day of the appointment? What should I bring? How do I communicate with my artist in Japan? At Japan Tattoo in Shinjuku, we work with international clients every day, offering full English support and a transparent process. Here’s everything you need to know about what to expect — so you can walk in with confidence and walk out with a beautiful memory that lasts forever. […]
Japan’s Autumn: Best Time for a Tattoo?
Autumn in Japan, More Than Just Scenery When people think of Japan in autumn, vivid images of red maple leaves and golden ginkgo trees often come to mind. Travelers flock to Kyoto’s temples, Tokyo’s parks, and Hokkaido’s mountains to experience this breathtaking season. But autumn in Japan offers more than scenery — it also provides the ideal conditions for getting a tattoo. From stable weather to quicker healing, autumn is often considered the best season for tattoos. If you are planning your trip and considering body art as part of your Japan adventure, here’s why autumn might be your perfect window. Why Autumn Is Tattoo-Friendly Tattoos are living art, […]
Popular Tattoo Styles & Meanings in Japa
Japan continues to be a dream destination for travelers — not only for its temples, food, and pop culture, but also as a place to get a meaningful tattoo. If you’re visiting Japan in 2025, here’s a guide to the most popular tattoo styles among visitors, and the meanings behind traditional Japanese designs like koi, cherry blossoms, and Hannya masks. This will help you choose a tattoo that’s not just beautiful, but also deeply connected to Japanese culture. 🌸 Popular Tattoo Styles Among Visitors to Japan in 2025 Based on recent trends, here are the designs international travelers most often request in Tokyo: • Fine-Line & Minimalist Tattoos Small, […]
How to Book a Tattoo Appointment in Japa...
Planning a trip to Japan this autumn and thinking about getting a tattoo? 🍂 The good news is that late summer to early autumn is the best time to book — schedules are more flexible, and you’ll have plenty of options before the peak tourist season in October–November. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to booking your tattoo in Japan, so you can plan smoothly and avoid stress. 📝 Step 1: Do Your Research Before reaching out, check the tattoo studio’s: • Style & Portfolio: Each artist has unique strengths — from Japanese traditional to modern fine-line tattoos. • Language Support: Not all studios in Japan can handle English inquiries, […]
Tattoos and Hot Springs in Japan : 2025 ...
Introduction – Why This Matters for Travelers For many travelers, relaxing in a Japanese onsen (hot spring) is a highlight of the trip. But if you have tattoos, you’ve probably heard conflicting information: Are tattoos allowed? Will I be turned away? This uncertainty creates stress before the journey even begins. This guide explains the latest situation in 2025, where you can enjoy hot springs with tattoos, alternative options if you face restrictions, and how a tattoo session in Tokyo can be part of your authentic Japanese experience. Why Tattoos Are Still Restricted in Many Onsen Traditionally, tattoos in Japan were associated with organized crime. Although this image has changed, many […]
Traveling Solo in Japan? Why a Tattoo Se...
Why Solo Travel and Tattoos Are a Perfect Match in Japan Solo travel is all about freedom — the ability to choose where to go, what to do, and how to spend your time without compromise. In Japan, this independence opens up opportunities for deep, personal experiences. One such experience? Getting a tattoo in Tokyo. Whether you’re already inked or considering your very first design, a tattoo session can be a deeply personal travel highlight — one you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life. A Personal Story : From Solo Traveler to Tattoo Collector Many of our guests arrive in Tokyo alone, often with no fixed […]