Onsen and road trips are a perfect match in Japan. After a long day of driving and hiking, nothing beats sinking into naturally heated mineral water. But if you have tattoos, you've probably already run into the issue: the sign at the entrance, the awkward moment at the front desk, or the outright refusal.
Hokkaido is actually one of the most progressive regions in Japan when it comes to tattoo policies. The island receives a huge number of international visitors, and many establishments have adapted their rules accordingly. You won't be welcome everywhere but the list of places that will welcome you is growing.
Here's what we found on the road, organized by region.
🗺️ Why Hokkaido Is Different
Historically, tattoo bans at onsen were tied to associations with organized crime. But Japan's tourism boom and the 2020 Olympics pushed many establishments to reconsider. Hokkaido, with its heavy flow of foreign visitors, has been ahead of the curve.
That said: policies change, and nothing is guaranteed. When in doubt, call ahead or check the latest reviews on Google map for confirmation. Private baths are always an option.
🏙️ Sapporo Area
Hoheikyo Onsen (定山渓温泉)
Fully tattoo-friendly day-use onsen in the mountains south of Sapporo, about 45 minutes by car. Hoheikyo sits in the Jozankei onsen valley along the Toyohira River. Consistently recommended by tattooed travelers. It's a public bath with no cover-up required.
Great stop when coming into or leaving Sapporo.
Type: Day-use onsen
Location: Minami-ku, Sapporo (Jozankei area)
🌋 Noboribetsu Area
Noboribetsu is Hokkaido's most famous onsen town — steaming valleys, sulfurous air, the iconic "Hell Valley" crater walk. It also has some of the most tattoo-inclusive large-scale baths on the island.
Dai-ichi Takimotokan (第一滝本館)
One of the top-rated tattoo-friendly onsen in all of Hokkaido. A landmark resort with over 35 types of pools: indoor, outdoor, different minerals, different temperatures. A full-day experience.
Fully tattoo-friendly — no private bath workaround needed. Just walk in.
Type: Large resort / Day-use and accommodation
Location: Noboribetsu Onsen
🏔️ Niseko / Kutchan Area
The Niseko area's heavy international ski crowd has pushed tattoo policies here to adapt faster than almost anywhere else in Japan.
Chalet Ivy Hirafu Hot Spring
An onsen that is tattoo friendly with outdoor and indoor bath.
Type: Public hot spring and some private bath can be reserved Location: Niseko, Hokkaido
🌊 Wakkanai (Northernmost Hokkaido)
Yam Wakkanai Onsen — Minato no Yu (ヤムワッカナイ温泉 港のゆ)
A day-use onsen at the very top of Hokkaido near Wakkanai harbor. Tattoos allowed. The outdoor bath overlooks the port with views toward Cape Sōya on clear days. Uses both sodium bicarbonate and chloride springs. Open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, entry from ¥680.
Type: Day-use onsen
Location: Wakkanai city
Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Price: From ¥680
Note: Tattoo policies can change without notice. Always confirm directly with the facility before visiting, especially if you're making a special trip.