If you have a tattoo, read this before you book a hotel near Izu-Kogen. Akazawa asks guests with tattoos not to use its facilities, except where its own standards permit (we checked its notice on 22 October 2026). For Zagyoso and Hinodeya we found no tattoo policy on their official websites in September 2026, so you need to ask them before you book. Either way, the answer to get is the hotel's own, in writing, before you pay.
The rule at Akazawa
Since 1 February 2025, Akazawa Onsen Hotel asks guests with tattoos or body art (body paint included) not to enter, "except where permitted in accordance with the standards set by our facility" (official notice). The notice does not explain those standards.
The notice does not say who qualifies for an exception. If Akazawa is the hotel you want, ask them before you book.
Tattoo covers
Akazawa's notice does not mention tattoo covers or patches. Do not assume a cover makes a difference anywhere: ask the hotel whether covers are accepted before you book.
Two kinds of bath to ask about
A bath that is not shared with other guests is what we suggest asking about. Neither option below is confirmed for guests with tattoos, so ask the hotel first.
A room with its own bath
An open-air bath that belongs to your room. Many rooms at Zagyoso, a ryokan about 10 minutes by taxi from Izu-Kogen Station, have one. Check that the room type you book includes it, and ask whether guests with tattoos can use it.
A private family bath
In Japanese, kashikiri-buro (貸切風呂): a bath used by one group at a time. Hinodeya, about 5 minutes on foot from the station, has a private family bath. Ask how the family bath is booked, whether there is a fee, and whether guests with tattoos can use it.
Ask before you pay
Send a short message before you book, and wait for the hotel's written reply before you pay. Name the bath you are asking about, for example:
"I have a tattoo. Can I use the open-air bath in my room? Are there any restrictions?"
"I have a tattoo. Can I use your private family bath? Are there any restrictions?"
Get the answer in writing before you pay.
Once you are in the water
A private bath still follows the basics: rinse before you get in, wash sitting down, keep the small towel out of the water, and get out if you feel light-headed.
Questions we get
Can I use the Akazawa baths if I cover my tattoo with a patch?
The notice does not say. Since 1 February 2025 the hotel asks guests with tattoos or body art not to enter, except where its own standards permit, and it does not mention covers. Ask the hotel before you book.
Which hotels near Izu-Kogen Station should I ask?
Zagyoso, where many rooms have their own open-air bath, and Hinodeya, which has a private family bath. We found no tattoo policy on either hotel's official website when we checked in September 2026, so ask them before you pay.
What is a kashikiri-buro?
A private bath used by one group at a time (貸切風呂). How it is booked and whether there is a fee depends on the hotel, so ask when you reserve.
What should I write to the hotel?
Name the bath you mean, for example: 'I have a tattoo. Can I use the open-air bath in my room? Are there any restrictions?' Wait for a written reply before you pay.
Do I still need to follow onsen manners in a private bath?
Yes. Wash before you get in, keep the towel out of the water, and get out if you feel light-headed.