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, […]
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Category: Japanese Culture
Hidden Gems in Tokyo: Off the Beaten Pat...
Looking to explore Tokyo beyond the usual tourist spots — and maybe get a tattoo along the way? This guide introduces lesser-known but culturally rich areas of Tokyo where you can enjoy art, vintage fashion, spirituality, or subcultures — all with a tattoo-friendly vibe. Whether you’re a traveler with ink or considering getting your first tattoo in Japan, these spots offer authenticity, inspiration, and a warm welcome. 🐈 Gotokuji (Setagaya) – The Maneki-Neko Temple Far from the crowds of Sensoji or Meiji Shrine, Gotokuji (豪徳寺) offers a calm, spiritual escape — and one of the most Instagrammable sights in Tokyo. Famous for thousands of maneki-neko (beckoning cats), this temple […]
Surviving the Tokyo Summer : Cool Things...
Visiting Tokyo in August? It’s hot, humid, and intense — but also filled with unique local experiences, exciting events, and yes… tattoos. Here’s your ultimate guide to staying cool while making the most of your summer in Japan. Is Tokyo Too Hot in August? Yes — Tokyo in August is hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 35°C (95°F). But don’t worry — with the right plans, you can beat the heat and discover a side of Tokyo many travelers miss. Cool Things to Do in Tokyo This August 1. Explore Indoor Museums & Galleries Escape the sun with air-conditioned culture: • TeamLab Planets Tokyo (immersive digital art) • Ōta […]
Is Tattoo Still Taboo in Japan? Here’s W
Tattoos have become a global form of self-expression — but in Japan, many travelers still ask: “Are tattoos still taboo in Japan?” The short answer? Yes, but it’s changing. In this article, we’ll explain the cultural history behind Japan’s tattoo taboo, how attitudes are shifting in 2025, and what you need to know if you plan to get or show tattoos during your trip. 1. Why Are Tattoos Still Taboo in Japan? Tattoos have long been associated with the yakuza (organized crime groups) in Japan. For decades, this connection made tattoos a symbol of rebellion or criminal behavior, especially among older generations. As a result, many public places — […]
Getting a Tattoo in Tokyo: What to Know ...
Getting a Tattoo in Tokyo: What You Need to Know Before You Ink in Japan From finding an English-speaking tattoo studio to understanding hygiene standards and tattoo etiquette, here’s what you need to know before getting inked in Tokyo—especially if you want a smooth, professional, and memorable experience. 1. Why Get a Tattoo in Japan? Japan is world-renowned for its artistry, precision, and cultural depth—this applies to tattoos, too. Whether you’re looking for a traditional irezumi design, fine line work, or something custom to commemorate your trip, Japan offers a level of craftsmanship that’s hard to match. Here’s why many travelers choose to get inked in Japan: ⸻ • […]
Visiting Japan with Tattoos: What You Ne...
Visiting Japan with Tattoos: What You Need to Know Before You Travel If you’re planning a trip to Japan and have tattoos, you might be wondering: “Can I go to an onsen with tattoos?”, “Are tattoos accepted in Japan?”, or “Will I be treated differently as a tattooed foreigner?” These are some of the most searched questions by international travelers before coming to Japan—and for good reasons. Japan has a unique and often misunderstood relationship with tattoos. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know to enjoy your Japan / Tokyo trip confidently and respectfully. 1. Are Tattoos Allowed in Japan? Yes, tattoos are legal in Japan. […]
Things to Do in Tokyo: Omoide Yokocho an...
Something we often get asked is, “What is there to do around here?” For those of you who have just finished getting your brand-spanking-new tattoo at our studio, or perhaps you’re just visiting the area, here are a couple fun places to visit in Shinjuku. Omoide Yokocho Omoide Yokocho translates to “Memory Lane”, a fitting name for a small pocket of the city centre that transports you back to the Showa Era (1926 – 1989). Omoide Yokocho is a historic jewel set amongst the modern city life and towering skyscrapers. Here you can enjoy beer and grilled meats amongst the hustle and bustle of excited tourists and jovial salaryman […]
10 Inspiring Four-Character Japanese Idi...
If you’re thinking about getting a Japanese writing tattoo, why not get a four-character idiom? These tiny sayings are packed with meaning and, often, very wise advice. What is a four-character idiom? Known as yojijukugo in Japanese, four-character idioms are a succinct and poetic way of stating proverbs. They use a mere 4 kanji characters to express complex concepts. It would be similar to English proverbs like “Killing two birds with one stone.” being shortened to “Two birds, one stone.” And Japanese has the added advantage of each kanji having an individual meaning as well as changed meanings when combined with certain other kanji, allowing even more to be expressed […]
5 Tips to Make the Most of Cherry Blosso...
Cherry blossom season is here, and you know what that means…it’s Hanami Time! For those who don’t know, “hanami” is Japanese for “cherry blossom viewing” and is incredibly popular in Japan. People go out in droves to the parks to have picnics and drunken parties under the cherry blossom. So, for those new to the hanami culture, here are some tips on how to make the most of your hanami experience. 1. Buy a ground sheet Picnic blankets just aren’t done here. Instead, people opt for the more practical ground sheet. They’re big, cheap, and waterproof. Most people have the glaringly ugly blue ones, but you can buy nicer […]
Tipping tattoo artists in Japan?
We get this question a lot. Is it okay to tip your tattoo artist in Japan? Will it be offensive?Although tipping is not a usual thing to do in Japan and waters would definitely chase you down and give back the money you left for them, in case of tattooing it is slightly different. Tattoo artists are freelancers — they don’t work for a big chain corporation. If you’re satisfied with their work and feel like you’d like to tip them , it is totally fine! It is not obligatory though. Tip or not to tip…it’s totally up to you! How much to tip? Well, how much would you tip […]