Let’s talk tattoos! You know the feeling—you’ve been dreaming of getting inked for years, but nerves and endless possibilities keep you from taking the plunge. That was me, captivated by the idea of walking around with art on my skin.
Finding My First Ink
Years passed, filled with Pinterest boards overflowing with tattoo ideas, and a healthy dose of envy for those who had already taken the leap. Then, in my early 30s, I found my inspiration. A deep dive into the fascinating world of trees and their interconnected root systems sparked a desire for a tattoo. I finally took the plunge in 2021, getting my first piece—a set of three trees representing different stages of growth, proudly displayed on my bicep.
A Tattooed Couple’s Japan Adventure
My husband, sporting a narwhal tattoo on his forearm, and I had always been unconcerned about what others thought of our body art. However, our carefree attitude took a turn when we started planning a trip to Japan.
The Ink Stigma: Facing the Yakuza Connection
We discovered that tattoos in Japan often carry a negative association due to their connection with the yakuza, Japan’s infamous organized crime group. We were told that some onsen (hot springs) might bar people with tattoos, even if they were not yakuza, to avoid any potential stigma.
Tokyo: A City of Open Minds
As we landed in Tokyo, I braced myself for stares and potential discrimination. But surprisingly, no one batted an eye. Maybe it was the sheer number of tourists with tattoos or the growing acceptance of body art worldwide, but we blended right in.
Yakushima: A Hot Spring Dilemma
Towards the end of our journey, we found ourselves on Yakushima, a beautiful island off the coast of Japan. We had been yearning to relax in a onsen by the Pacific Ocean—a unique experience, only accessible during low tide. We were so excited!
Covering Up in Yakushima
Unfortunately, we had forgotten bandages to cover our tattoos. Luckily, I had a quick-drying towel, which we used to cover our ink. My host’s wife even provided a special towel that wrapped around my body, offering extra coverage while bathing.
Acceptance at the Onsen
Reaching the onsen, a mixed-gender space with several pools of varying temperatures, we were a bit nervous. Most of the men were wearing only small towels around their waists, leaving little to the imagination! However, once we were in the water, all worries faded. Everyone seemed to be focused on their own relaxation, and nobody even looked at our tattoos.
A Growing Trend of Acceptance
Later that night, we asked our host about the local stance on tattoos. He smiled, explaining that there were no yakuza on Yakushima, so tattoos weren’t a taboo subject.
An Unforgettable Journey
Despite the jetlag, Japan was an incredible experience! From indulging in melt-in-your-mouth sushi to hiking amongst ancient cedar trees, it was truly a memorable trip. The fact that I didn’t have to worry about my tattoos made it even more enjoyable. It’s reassuring to know that Japan is becoming more accepting of body art, making it easier to travel and enjoy the many wonders it offers.
