Formal — to staff
Onsen · Public · Bath
You
恐れ入りますが、タトゥーがありますが、入浴可能でしょうか？
おそれいりますが、たとぅーがありますが、にゅうよくかのうでしょうか？
Excuse me, I have a tattoo, is it possible to use the bath?
Romaji: Osoreirimasu ga, tatou ga arimasu ga, nyūyoku kanō deshō ka? / Reply Romaji: Mōshiwake gozaimasen. Tōkan de wa tatou no aru okyaku-sama no gonyūyoku wa okotowari shite orimasu.
Reply
申し訳ございません。当館ではタトゥーのあるお客様のご入浴はお断りしております。
もうしわけございません。とうかんではたとうのあるおきゃくさまのごにゅうよくはおことわりしております。
We apologize, but guests with tattoos are not permitted to use our baths.
Gesture & etiquette
Polite bow, hands clasped or by sides. Point subtly to the arm/area where the tattoo is if necessary to clarify.
Tattoos are often associated with yakuza in Japan, so many public baths and onsen prohibit them. Some establishments allow small tattoos if covered by a sticker. It's best to ask beforehand or look for "tattoo friendly" places. Do not enter without asking if you have visible tattoos.