3 Best Tattoo-Friendly Onsens in Kyoto

Woman walking along a path lined with tall bamboo trees, Arashiyama

This post about tatoo friendly onsen hot springs is brought to you by Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo With Experience

Kyoto is the capital of a prefecture of the same name, Kyoto. Kyoto was known as Heian Kyo, which was chosen in 794 as the new seat of the imperial court of Japan. Kyoto became a city in 1956. Today, it is considered the cultural capital and a major destination. It is where travelers can see shrines, temples, traditional landscaped gardens, and palaces. Many travelers who visit Kyoto want to experience the famous hot springs of Japan, also known as onsen. There are so many traditional accommodations like ryokans that offer traditional bathing and spa experiences in wooden hot tubs similar to onsens.

A place close to the traditional roots, Kyoto also observes policies especially when it comes to tattoos. Tattoos or irezumi (入れ墨 ) are often taboo topics to bathing establishments like onsens. The banning of tattoos has long been included in the history of hot springs, avoiding service to any tattoo-wearer who visits. Thankfully, many onsen facilities have opened their doors to inked people so that they can experience hot spring baths without worry.

Funaoka Onsen

Funaoka Onsen, funaokaonsen.net

Funaoka Onsen is a public bath situated right in Kyoto City, a place famous for its Geisha District in Gion. The onsen has many types of baths, ranging from vintage tiles of walls and wood carvings to denkiburo. Funaoka is considered to have the first electric bath in Japan. It has a low-level current that travels through the hot spring waters that intend to soothe muscles and aches for a unique bathing experience.

Website: funaokaonsen.net
Contact: +81754413735
Address: 82-1 Murasakino Minamifunaokacho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8225, Japan

Biwako Hanakaido

Biwako Hanakaido is a traditional Japanese inn located in Kyoto Lake Biwa Onsen in Shiga prefecture. It features a garden, a sauna, indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, three dining options and rooms overlooking Lake Biwa.
Biwako Hanakaido also has multiple hot spring baths, ranging from indoor to outdoor and private and communal. Each type has their own charm, with the outdoor baths mostly featuring a view of Lake Biwa. Private baths can be reserved in advance. The inn also offers a spa for added relaxation. Other facilities include a souvenir shop, and a cafe.

Website: hanakaido.co.jp
Email: kadensho@dormy-hotels.com
Address: 1 Chome-1-3 Ogoto, Otsu, Shiga 520-0101, Japan

Kurama Onsen

Kurama Onsen is where guests can experience natural sulphur hot spring. The inn takes pride in its scenic open-air bath. Considered as the best onsen in the Kyoto Area, the onsen offers various choices. From indoor tubs with all the extras, visitors would want for the more private individuals, to an outdoor bath among nature with a breathtaking view of the countryside.