In response to our Nov. 6 column ("If you need to bring drugs to Japan, sort out the paperwork — or else"), regarding how to find tattoo-friendly onsen, a few readers wrote in with their public bathing experiences.
"Apart from private baths as you mention," suggested SA, "one obvious solution would be to go to sentō (public baths) or onsen that yakuza use. . . . I know a few near where I live and presume many cities must have them. I have often bathed with old guys in full body suits with missing fingers. How to find them is a different question."
LA said: "I live in Japan and visit onsen regularly. I have a small tattoo on my lower back. I've been to more than 20 different onsen and only once have I been told tattoos are prohibited, but they let me stay and just told me not to return. However, since that time I have purchased some large Band-Aids, and I cover my tattoo if there is a 'no tattoo' sign. It seems to satisfy everyone."