This isn't a sponsored post, and it doesn't contain affiliate links—I just wanted to share my experience using tattoo seals to visit Japanese onsens.
This post was originally published on June 10, 2024 and was most recently updated on November 10, 2025.
Thanks to geothermal activity throughout the country, bathing in onsens (or hot springs) is a quintessential part of Japanese culture. The options range from remote, scenic pools to large resorts and urban hotels, and soaking in the hot, mineral-rich water promotes relaxation. Onsens are one of my favorite aspects of traveling in Japan, and when possible I book accommodations with on-site onsens.
But as much as I love onsens, there's also a potential problem: my three tattoos. Most onsens don't permit visible tattoos, since in Japan tattoos are associated with organized crime. Wearing a rash guard or similar bathing cover-up isn't an option, since onsens require full nudity (there are separate facilities for men and women).
Many guidebooks and travel blogs recommended using bandages to cover up tattoos. However, one of my tattoos is fairly large (about 6 inches/15cm long) and I'm not confident that a bunch of bandages would cling to my skin while soaking in hot water. Luckily, there's a solution: tattoo seals, which are also referred to as tattoo stickers, tattoo covers, or foundation tape.
What are tattoo seals?
Tattoo seals are opaque, durable stickers that are designed to conceal your tattoos while you're in an onsen. They are intended to match your skin tone, although since they are primarily marketed to Japanese consumers the color range tends to be limited to light and medium shades.
Tattoo seals come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Measure your tattoos (in centimeters) to figure out what size you need.
Where can I buy tattoo seals?
If your hotel's onsen requires tattoos to be covered and they cater to a foreign clientele, they might sell seals at the front desk—two of the places I stayed in 2024, Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto in Kyoto and Onyado Nono Osaka Yodoyabashi in Osaka, had tattoo seals available for purchase.
I like to plan ahead, so I bought Foundation Tape tattoo seals online from Amazon Japan. Unfortunately, the particular seller I used no longer offers shipping to the United States, and as of November 2025, neither does the manufacturer's website. Shipping to your hotel in Japan may be a workaround if they're willing to receive packages.
Ebay is another option. There are several listings for Foundation Tape tattoo seals that ship worldwide and have good reviews.
There are likely other options for buying tattoo seals online or in-person. The Japanese discount chain Don Quijote is often mentioned as a place where you can buy tattoo seals, but I haven't shopped for them there personally.
How do you apply tattoo seals?
Most tattoo seals are packaged between two layers of packaging: a white backing and a clear piece of plastic on top.
Start by thoroughly washing the skin area you're covering with soap and water, and then dry it completely. Peel off the white backing, revealing the sticky surface. Position over your tattoo, making sure it's completely covered. Press down, starting in the middle and working your way out to the edges. Make sure you smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles, and take care to thoroughly press down the edges. Once the tattoo seal is securely in place, carefully remove the clear piece of plastic. (Here's a Japanese-language instruction video.)
I've also purchased extra-large tattoo seals made of a slightly thicker, fabric-like material similar to a bandage. Those didn't have a top layer of clear plastic and were applied like a sticker. I just peeled off the white backing and stuck it to my arm.
How long can I leave tattoo seals on?
Tattoo seals adhere to your skin incredibly well—I like to leave them on for over 24 hours, in order to get two onsen visits out of each set. I apply them in the evening, shower, soak in the onsen, and then repeat the process the following evening.
However, the extra-large, sticker-style tattoo seals tend to irritate my skin if I leave them on for more than a few hours, so I typically discard them after each use.
If I can't or don't want to use tattoo seals, can I still visit an onsen?
Some onsens do allow tattoos. This article has additional recommendations and information about finding an onsen that allows tattoos.
Another option is to stay at a traditional ryokan, or inn, with a private onsen that you can reserve. It was a major splurge, but we absolutely our loved our stay at Nara Kasugaokuyama Tsukihitei. Check out this article for additional private onsen recommendations throughout Japan.
Is using tattoo seals worth it?
For me, yes. Unwinding in onsens has been a highlight of my trips to Japan. However, there are so many other cultural experiences in Japan—if soaking in an onsen doesn't work for you, for whatever reason, don't stress out! You'll still have an amazing trip.
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I didn't receive any compensation for this post, and it doesn't contain affiliate links. All product and hotel recommendations are based on my own experiences, which I paid for out-of-pocket.