For many onsens, this rule died in the last five years of the tourism boom. Also, many young Japanese people in big cities now have tatoos. As along as your tats don't look "too Yakuza", you will be fine. Also, many conservative ones have changed to allow you to wear a small elastic band of material to cover them. Also, many onsens have the option of a private bath that you can rent for an extra fee. Even the conservative ones don't care if you have big tatoos in a private onsen.
Ohh I love tattoos, as long as they are arty and not gaudy.
Most people here in Spain have beautiful tattoos <3
What are the social effects of tattoos?
If you go to Japan, they won't let you enter most onsens. You see a lot of one star reviews from angry tourists who didn't know ahead of time.
For many onsens, this rule died in the last five years of the tourism boom. Also, many young Japanese people in big cities now have tatoos. As along as your tats don't look "too Yakuza", you will be fine. Also, many conservative ones have changed to allow you to wear a small elastic band of material to cover them. Also, many onsens have the option of a private bath that you can rent for an extra fee. Even the conservative ones don't care if you have big tatoos in a private onsen.
Too much beautiful art walking around.