An Australian traveler, Sam Todd, faced exclusion from Seibuen Amusement Park, a retro-themed attraction near Tokyo, because of her visible tattoos. Todd, a 31-year-old travel content creator from Brisbane, discovered the restriction while purchasing a ticket.
The park's policy explicitly states that individuals with tattoos, or those perceived as 'gangsters,' will be denied entry. Todd noted the disclaimer's specific mention of "persons with sticker-type tattoos," which matched the style of her own body art. She found the rule ironic, given the park's aim to recreate Japan's 1900s Shōwa era, a period when tattoos were permitted.
Japan has a historical association of tattoos with organized crime, leading to a lingering cultural stigma. Travel expert Alex Stragalinos advised tourists with tattoos to cover them in public as a sign of respect and to anticipate potential restrictions across the country.
This was not Todd's first encounter with tattoo restrictions in Japan. She recounted a previous experience at a traditional hot spring (onsen) where she was initially permitted entry only if she completely covered all her tattoos with bandages, including those on her fingers. Despite adhering to the covering rule, she was ultimately not allowed to use the facilities.
Todd, who has visited Japan at least 15 times, shared her experiences on social media, recommending that other travelers with tattoos seek out establishments that specifically advertise themselves as tattoo-friendly or opt for private onsens. She reassured her followers that tattoos should not deter visits to Japan, provided they are not offensive or indicative of gang affiliation.
