Ryokans, or traditional Japanese hotels, are popular all over the country. Especially in places with beautiful natural surroundings, ryokans are definitely the preferred kind of accommodation! They may be a bit more rare in big cities like Tokyo, but there are still a lot of really good gems — you just have to seek them out. Lucky for you, we’ve listed just 8 of the best ryokans in Tokyo!

Not only are these ryokans comfortable, beautiful, and luxurious, they’re also 100% tattoo-friendly! Some people are hesitant to stay in ryokans because they’ve heard that traditional Japanese places — especially ryokans and hot spring baths aka onsens — have a stigma against people with tattoos. This is because tattoos are often associated with Japanese gangs or yakuza. But nowadays, people are becoming more open-minded when it comes to tattoos. Now, many traditional establishments are super accepting of people with tattoos — you just have to look for them!

Without further ado, here are 8 of the best tattoo-friendly onsen ryokans you can find right in Tokyo.

1. Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa

We’re starting this list off strong with one of the best ryokans in Tokyo. Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa will always appear on any “best ryokans in Tokyo” list, and you’ll know why just from the pictures! This ryokan is a sophisticated hotel that combines modern and traditional elements. Every spot looks great enough to photograph. Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa has amazing open-air baths, large cozy rooms, and incredibly hospitable staff. In short, it has everything you could ever look for in a ryokan.

What’s even better is that this ryokan is located very close to many of Tokyo’s best sights — including the iconic Sensoji Temple! It’s located in a great area of Tokyo which makes it a great place to stay in if you want to comfortably explore the city.

What makes Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa truly stand out is their staff. The staff will give you a warm welcome as soon as you check in, and their hospitality and service will never waver during your stay. You can even ask the staff for recommendations on nearby restaurants as well as any must-see attractions! They’ll be more than happy to help make sure you have the best Tokyo vacation as possible.

Book It Here: Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa

2. Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu

Up next we have another staple in the Asakusa ryokan scene: Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu! It’s in a prime location in downtown Asakusa, close to Senso-ji Temple and other great local attractions. One of the best parts about this ryokan is undoubtedly its onsen!

Divided by gender and totally tattoo-friendly, here you can relax and take a nice warm bath all while staring at the gorgeous Tokyo cityscapes. You can even catch a glimpse of Tokyo Sky Tree and the Asakusa Pagoda from the bath! It’s an especially relaxing view during nighttime.

Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu is especially popular for solo travelers. If you want to get the full ryokan experience but you don’t have much of a budget, then this ryokan is perfect for you. It’s a relatively more affordable place that doesn’t skimp out on the quality of service.

The staff is very kind, and this ryokan definitely feels a bit more homey and cozy than your regular hotel. Feel right at home in the middle of bustling Tokyo when you book a night at Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu!

Book It Here: Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu

3. Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku

Up next we have the gorgeous Shinjuku ryokan known as Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku. It’s located just a short walk away from Shinjuku Station, which makes it a super convenient place to stay in. There are also plenty of restaurants, convenience stores, laundromats, and more around the ryokan itself — everything you need is just within reach!

While all of the ryokans on this list are definitely tattoo-friendly, some would still ask you to cover up tattoos when using the onsens, just to respect the other people who may be using the facilities as well. But in Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku, there’s absolutely no need to cover up! Guests can freely use the amazing onsens whenever and however they want.

Another great thing about Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku is how they make their guests feel right at home during their stay. Every day, the provide new yukatas (summer-style kimonos) to their guests. It’s perfect for a cute traditional photoshoot, or even for just lounging around the property!

Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku also provides delicious breakfasts and dinners, so make sure to catch them when you get the chance. Your stomach will thank you for it!

Book It Here: Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku

4. Andon Ryokan

When it comes to decor that stands out, Andon Ryokan will never fail you. It’s an eclectic mix of cool vintage furniture, modern light fixtures, quirky wall decorations, and traditional ryokan facilities like onsens and tatami-mat rooms. There’s even a jacuzzi if you really want to amp up your pampering — tattoo-friendly, of course!

Guests are surprised by how Andon Ryokan looks even better in real life than in photos. It’s a quirky ryokan full of character that will definitely make your stay memorable. On top of that, it’s conveniently located near a lot of the major attractions in town, especially in Taito City.

This sweet family-run ryokan offers great service, including yummy breakfasts so that their guests can power up before heading out for the day. With rooms more spacious and comfortable than your usual Tokyo hotel, Andon Ryokan is determined to make each guest feel as cozy and at home as possible.

Book It Here: Andon Ryokan

You May Also Like: The 5 Most Affordable Ryokans In Tokyo

5. Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita

We’ve shown you quirky, now it’s time for classy. Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita is a chic and modern ryokan with stylish interiors and a beautiful collection of facilities. Some rooms come with their very own private onsen baths for maximum relaxation. Meanwhile, you can also opt to use the onsens that are open to all hotel guests. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed the pampering experience of a lifetime! While this ryokan is tattoo-friendly, they do ask their guests to cover up tattoos when using the public onsens. You can conveniently get tattoo covers at the reception.

Another convenient thing about this ryokan is its location. It’s the perfect balance between public and private. Located in a quiet neighborhood, Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita offers each guest a peaceful stay. Yet despite this privacy, it’s still pretty near lots of cool establishments and attractions around the city.

In fact, it’s located pretty much next to Setagaya Station! That’s the best of both worlds. This ryokan provides each guest with a gorgeous yukata (summer-style kimono) which you can use to take pictures or simply to lounge around.

Book It Here: Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita

6. Kaminarimon Ryokan

Up next, we want to feature a cozy ryokan that will make you feel right at home despite being in the middle of the bustling city. Kaminarimon Ryokan tastefully combines traditional ryokan aesthetics with modern facilities. With spacious spotless rooms complete with all the amenities you could ask for, Kaminarimon Ryokan stands out as a simple yet reliable stay for any local or foreign tourist.

You can also get a pretty amazing view of Tokyo right from your bedroom window! Kaminarimon Ryokan is located close to train stations, cool local restaurants, and even iconic attractions like the Sumida River and the Senso-Ji Temple.

While this ryokan does not have its very own onsen, we included it in this list because the staff are very non-judgmental when it comes to tattoos. In fact, they will even give you a list of nearby tattoo-friendly public onsens! You only need to ask, and the staff will do everything they can to accommodate your needs.

Guests also say that Kaminarimon Ryokan is perfect for first-time travelers to Tokyo because it provides the quintessential experience — combining the old and the new in a beautiful, seamless way!

Book It Here: Kaminarimon Ryokan

7. Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Spring

Our next ryokan is known for its beautiful onsens. It’s right in the name! Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Spring takes us right back to one of the homiest districts in Tokyo, Asakusa. This ryokan has beautiful large onsens that are perfect for relaxation.

The warm waters paired with the dark moody interiors will put you right in the mood. What’s more, this ryokan also provides each guest with free yummy ice cream after their onsen baths! That will cool you down for sure.

Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Spring exudes a classy and comfortable vibe that will soothe you to the core. It’s somehow both picturesque, classy, and cozy at the same time. Guests definitely feel at home whenever they stay at this gorgeous ryokan! With rooms that boast traditional Japanese designs as well as awesome perks like free ramen and coffee for their guests, Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Spring aims to serve its clientele to the fullest degree. Bonus: there’s even a money exchange machine right at reception — perfect for foreign travelers.

Book It Here: Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Spring

8. Super Hotel Premier Akihabara

And last but not the least, we want to highlight the Super Premier Hotel Akihabara! Located right next to Akihabara Station, this ryokan combines luxury hotel with traditional inn. Rooms are super comfortable, and the entire atmosphere of the place is peaceful yet stylish, modern yet homey at the same time.

As you can see from the photos, Super Premier Hotel Akihabara is also very well-known for their elaborate breakfast and dinner spreads! The buffet-style meals allow you to choose between a wide array of different foods from all kinds of different cuisines — whether local or international. You definitely won’t be leaving with an empty stomach!

Super Hotel Premier Akihabara’s onsens — whether public or private — are all tattoo-friendly. If you have particularly large tattoos, you may be asked to cover them up before accessing the facilities. You can ask reception for help regarding tattoo covers if needed.

One of the best parts about this ryokan’s onsens is they have a monitor in every room where you can check how crowded it is! That way, you can time your bath to be as private as you want it to be. Overall, everything in this hotel was designed to make your stay as convenient as possible.

Book It Here: Super Hotel Premier Akihabara

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We hope you enjoyed our list of the best tattoo-friendly onsen ryokans in Tokyo! Which one of these ryokans caught your eye the most? Let us know in the comments!

Compared to other places in Japan, there are fewer ryokans — and even fewer that are as accepting of tattoos as the ones listed here. But those kinds of ryokans do exist — the 8 mentioned above are just the starting point!

The culture in Japan regarding tattoos is definitely changing. Slowly but surely, more and more facilities — even those as traditional as ryokans — are becoming more accepting of people with tattoos. So if you’re worried that you won’t be able to book a ryokan or experience an onsen because of your tattoos, you shouldn’t be. There are plenty of tattoo-friendly luxury ryokans for you to explore!

For more similar options, make sure you also read our selection of the best tattoo friendly onsen ryokans in Japan, the best tattoo friendly onsen ryokans in Kyoto, the best tattoo friendly onsen ryokans in Osaka and the best tattoo friendly onsen ryokans in Hakone!