Japanese Culture

TL;DR — At most sento (public bathhouses), onsen (hot springs), and pools in Japan, visitors with tattoos are turned away. The core reason is a long-standing social association between tattoos and yakuza (organized crime). Attitudes are slowly shifting, but rules at many facilities remain strict. My Childhood Memories of the Sento When I was a kid, I’d occasionally be taken to the neighborhood sento (銭湯, public bathhouse). We had a perfectly good bath at home, so why go to a public one? Looking back, I think it was the special feeling of it — soaking in that wide, communal tub, then having a cold drink afterwards. It was a little break from everyday routine. ...

TL;DR — In Tokyo’s entertainment districts like Shinjuku and Shibuya, it’s not unusual to come across a salaryman who’s had too much to drink and fallen asleep on the street. Japan is generally a safe country, but nighttime in a busy area still carries real risks — your wallet or bag can get stolen, and there have been accidents involving people passing out near traffic. So yes, some caution is warranted. ...