Should I just cover my forearm tattoo in Japan
I realize this has been asked but I could only find information related to pools and onsens. I am going to Tokyo in a couple of days and then osaka the week after, and after doing some research on where im going I noticed that my relatively small (3inches probably) across my right forearm tattoo might pose a problem. I don't intend on swimming or going to an onsen, however im wondering whether we will have any trouble getting into our hotels in Tokyo and Osaka which we have already paid for( They are both 4 star hotels, if that matters so presumably lots of foreigners have been there), should I just wear long sleeve shirts my whole time in Japan? I would have liked to get a temporary gym membership for 7-10 days while I was in Japan nearby the hotel, but I am not really sure whether my tattoo will pose a problem.
TLDR: Should I ask the hotels beforehand if they will have a problem with my tattoo on my forearm, and places like the gym, restaurants, just walking around be a problem? If so I guess I can just wear long sleeved shirts the whole time :(
Best Answer
Tattoos are restricted on display in gyms in Japan period with no mention of race. From Google translate for Central Central Sports (Look at their website https://www.central.co.jp/- it seems to be their name)
"have a tattoo, can I use (join)? We are very sorry, but we do not accept the use of those with tattoos. Please be patient." I belonged to this gym once and I am sure I never saw a tattoo.
Some gyms such as Gold Gym merely restrict the size of display to 4 cm.
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Answer 2
I'd wrap an ace bandage around it for the first few times you go. Once you know that there's a good number of foreigners who are also tattooed, you can go bare skin.
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