Tattoos still taboo at many Japanese hotels
Monday, 26 Oct, 2015
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A survey conducted by the Japan National Tourism Agency revealed more than half of Japanese hotels with hot springs and communal spas still forbid guests sporting tattoos.
The survey said 56% of almost 600 hotels polled do not allow people with tattoos to enter public bathing areas.
Tattoos are still synonymous with Japanese Yakusa mafia gangs.
An additional 13% of hotels said they permit tattooed visitors only if tattoos are covered, while the remaining 31% allow unrestricted access to all facilities.
Other public facilities such as fitness centres and public swimming baths also have strict rules banning visible body art.
Japan has attracted a rising number of complaints from foreign travellers turned away from spas and hot springs due to tattoos.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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