Japanese people have a long history with the art of tattooing going back at least 2000 years, with some historians stating 10,000 years of history. The art of Irezumi (入れ墨, meaning “inserting ink”) is considered to be the traditional Japanese tattoo’s, but many modern forms of western and Asian tattoo art are popular. Japan has some of the best tattoo artists in the world, which is not surprising as anime (animation) and hand-drawn art is extremely popular, especially manga.
There are many kinds of tattoo studios in Tokyo that offer a wide range of different kinds of tattoos, including the popular (Wabori) traditional Japanese style tattoos. Some tattoo studios in Tokyo also perform body piercings. Tattoos are very personal, so take a look at the web sites and find the artist that suits your style. These studios almost always have at least one English speaker with basic communication skills. Please call ahead to inquire about English service, Tattoos, Piercings, to make an appointment or to visit a studio to take a look around. Here is a list of Tokyo Tattoo & Piercing Studios.
Tattoo Studios in Tokyo
RIN-KG Tattoo
RIN-KG is the home of Kohki, who is an award-winning tattoo artist With more than 15 years of experience, Kohki specializes in Japanese traditional style tattoos, custom tattoos, and the ability to translate your ideas into designs. Kohki is fluent in English. Location: 5-8 2F, Sarugakucho, Shibuya City, Tokyo Train Access: Shibuya Station, 7 min walk Google Maps
Scratch Addiction Tattoo
The Scratch Addiction Tattoo Studio is a popular, small and warm place. This tattoo studio has hosted some of the best tattoo artists in the world. Clients are welcome to visit and discuss tattoo ideas with the artists or choose a pre-existing design with many English speaking staff. Walk-in bookings are welcome, but reservation i
Three Tides Tattoo
The Three Tides Tattoo is popular for its traditional style Japanese tattoos. Their artists create unique, custom and traditional tattoo’s. It’s better to call or email to make a reservation but you can show up and hope they can fit you in if you like. Location: 3-Chome-24-2 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo Train Access: Omote-Sando Station, 13 min walk Google Maps
Tokyo Ink (56 Tattoo Studio & Tag Tattoo Studio)
Tokyo Ink tattoo shop is two studios working together, 56 Tattoo Studio, and Tag Tattoo Studio. The artists specialize in large traditional Japanese tattoos, original traditional designs, tribal works, and cover-ups. Tokyo Ink can be busy so if this looks like the studio for you, you should contact and make an appointment in advance. Location: #209 Mifune-Bldg 1-5-14 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo Train Access: Shibuya Station, 11 min walk Google Maps
HORISOH TATTOO
Horisoh Tattoo specializes in Japanese traditional style tattoos. However, they can do all kinds of tattoos from the very simplest tattoo to the most elaborate Japanese traditional style imaginable. Location: 3-Chome-46 Mukojima, Sumida City, Tokyo Train Access: Oshiage Station ‘SKYTREE’, 13 min walk Google Maps
Spin Tattoo
Spin Tattoo studio is a full-service professional tattoo studio. They can create original tattoos according to the client’s wishes. The client may bring in their own ideas, images or sketches and an artist can assist the customer to bring the concept to reality. Location: 3F Meguro Bldg, 1-5-19 Meguro,Meguro-ku, Tokyo Train Access: Meguro Station, 6 min walk Google Maps
Honey Tattoo
Honey Tattoo is operated by Horimitsu who studied and practicing the ancient tebori tattoo technique for more than 15 years, under Master Horitoshi. Tebori is performed by hand, using a traditional tool that when mastered produces bright and stunning colors that last. The process is no more painful than machine tattooing, it does, however, take much longer. Horimitsu also can use a rotary tattoo machine. This is a faster option than Tebori and may suit some clients better. Location: #102 Nishiyama building, 1-16-36 Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo Train Access: Google Maps
Tattoo Studio SEEK
Tattoo SEEK has three tattoo studios in Tokyo. The Shinjuku, Ueno, and Ikebukuro stores are all unique. The Ueno store, for example, has English-speaking staff, the Shinjuku store offers a wide range of tattoo services, and the Ikebukuro store specializes in traditional Japanese
Shinjuku Location: 1-10-11 B1F, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Train Access: Shinjuku Station, 5 min walk Google Maps
Ueno Location: 6-2-7 3F Ueno, Taito-ku Tokyo Train Access: Ueno Station, 5 min walk Google Maps (English Speaking Staff Available)
Ikebukuro Location: Train Access: Ikebukuro Station, 10 min walk Phone: 080-9411-1777 (English) Traditional Style Japanese Tattoo
Shi Ryu Doh
At Shi Ryu Doh Tattoo there are two very skilled tattoo artists specialized in custom design, Japanese style tattoos. This is the place for distinctive, artistic, unique designs or other Asian-style tattoos. They do not offer all styles of tattoos and they will not do other people’s designs. Location: 1 Chome-9-3 Kakinokizaka, Meguro City, Tokyo Train Access: Toritsu-
ICHI TATTOO
Ichi Tattoo is r
ipo Tattoo Loyal
iPo is a one man operation, that specializes in Japanese tebori (traditional hand-poked tattoos), and other Asian style tattoos. He also uses a German-made high-quality tattoo machine to create his art. iPo is fluent in English. Location: Room 201, 14-3 Maruyamacho, Shibuya, Tokyo Train Access: Shinsen Station, 3 min walk Google Maps
Japan Tattoo
Japan Tattoo offers a large variety of Japanese style tattoos. They market themselves as providing an artistic experience for their customers. Foreigners are welcome and there is an English speaking staff member to assist. Location: 5-Chome-6-2 604, Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo Train Access: Shinjuku-sanchome Station, 8 min walk Google Maps
SHIMOKITA INK TATTOO
Shimokita Ink Tattoo studio caters to the younger crowd. The artists
Studio Muscat
The Studio Muscat is a professional tattoo studio that is friendly and clean. They specialize in a wide variety of Japanese style tattoos. They have an Instagram page featuring their work. Location: 6−6 Uguisudanicho, Shibuya City, Tokyo Train Access: Shibuya Station, 9 min walk Google Maps
Female Friendly
Sunsqlit Tattoo
Shibuya Location: 1-Chome-11-5 6f, Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo Train Access: Shibuya Station, 6 min walk Google Maps
Ueno Location: 6-Chome-8-19 Ueno Taito City, Tokyo Train Access:
Ueno Station, 4 min walk Google Maps
Stroker Tattoo
Stroker Tattoo has two studios, Machida and Yokohama. These studios offer a wide range of tattoos, including traditional Japanese styles to just about anything else.
Yokohama Location: Greenhills Bld 2F,26-33 Tsuzuki, Chigasaki-chuo, Yokohama Train Access: Center-minami Station, 4 min walk Google Maps
Machida Location: TM5 Bld 3F,1-35-4 Morino, Machida, Tokyo Train Access: Machida Station, 2 min walk Google Maps
Themed Characters Tattoo
Swallow Art Tattoo
The Swallow Art Tattoo studio is an appointment-only. Its ran by one artist, a man named Horien. He specializes in detailed anime characters, cats and Pokemon to traditional Japanese imagery tattoos. Location: 5-18-2 Okachimachi-Dai2 Bld 5F, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Train Access: Okachimachi Station, 3 min walk Google Maps
Red Bunny Tattoo
The Red Bunny Tattoo is a large studio with private rooms for each of the four resident artists to work. Between all of them, any kind of tattoo style is covered. Standard dragons or carp are nice, but yokais (monsters) have become more popular recently,’ says artist Akatsuki. Bring a picture and we’ll create a design for you. Only one of these artists is an English-speaker, however, so you may want to call ahead. Location: 3F, 2-8-1 Kichijoji-Honcho, Musashino-Shi, Tokyo Train Access: Kichijoji Station, 6 min walk Google Maps
Diablo Art
Diablo Art specializes in anime theme tattoos. These tattoos are popular with the otaku crowd and the animated character-themed tattoos are gaining in popularity with everyone. This is known as ‘o-tattoo’, this new genre was pioneered by Aki, the owner of Diablo Art who publicly admits to being an otaku. Location: 1-Chome-1-6 202 Shimura apartment, Okano, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Train Access: Hiranumabashi Station, 5 min walk Google Maps
Tattoo & Piercing Studios
Fine Line Tattoo & Piercing
Fine Line Tattoo & Piercing is a private and appointment only tattoo studio. They perform piercings and Japanese style tattoos, personal style tattoos, traditional style tattoos, and tribal style tattoos. You can bring your own design too. English speaking staff available. Location: 2-14-30, 606 Lions Mansion 6F, Ueno, Taito-Ku, Tokyo Train Access: Yushima Station, 6 min walk Google Maps
Inkrat Tattoo & Piercing
Ink Rat Tattoo & Piercing studio blends traditional Japanese styles with vintage Americana. This is the tattoo studio for elaborate designs, bright colors and careful shading. It is also English-friendly. Location: 2-51-9 2f Koenjiminami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo Train Access: Koenji Station, 5 min walk Google Maps
Piercing Studios
Extreme Body Piercings
Extreme body piercing is the place for all things piercings. Here you can get pierced from head to toe and purchase custom piercings from reputable overseas and Japanese brands as well. They are licensed by the Japan Piercing Association. Location: 1-8-20 Sunny Harajuku 201, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Train Access: Harajuku Station, 5 min walk Google Maps
Plaza Clinic
The Plaza Clinic can perform piercing of all parts of the body. The most common body piercing is ear piercings followed by eyebrow, lip, nose, tongue, cheek, nipple, belly button. They use the safest U.S. made piercing that is made of Titanium. It is least allergic to skin. Piercing is done by medical doctors only. Location: 5-Chome 5-1 Hiroo, Shibuya, Tokyo Train Access: Hiroo Station, 1 min walk Google Maps
El Body Piercing
El Body Piercing specializes in ear piercings and they do a large amount of them. At EL Body Piercing they believe the job is not complete until the hole has been cured after the body piercing. Location: 3-9-5 Kuri building, 2f, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Train Access: Okachimachi Station, 3 min walk Google Maps
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