Formal — to staff
Onsen · Sento
すみません、小さなタトゥーがあるのですが、シールで隠せば入浴できますか？ — Excuse me, I have a small tattoo. Can I enter the bath if I cover it with a patch? (Onsen · Sento, Formal — to staff, JLPT N4)
You
すみません、小さなタトゥーがあるのですが、シールで隠せば入浴できますか？
すみません、ちいさなタトゥーがあるのですが、シールでかくせばにゅうよくできますか？
Excuse me, I have a small tattoo. Can I enter the bath if I cover it with a patch?
Romaji: Sumimasen, chiisana tatoo ga aru no desu ga, shiiru de kakuseba nyūyoku dekimasu ka? / Reply Romaji: Hai, kanzen ni kakurete ireba daijōbu desu yo.
Reply
はい、完全に隠れていれば大丈夫ですよ。
はい、かんぜんにかかれていればだいじょうぶですよ。
Yes, it's fine if it's completely covered.
Gesture & etiquette
Slight bow, point vaguely to the area where the tattoo might be (without showing it), or show the patch you intend to use.
Do not attempt to enter an onsen/sento with a visible tattoo, as it is often prohibited. Always ask politely first, even if you have a patch. Some places may not allow entry even with cover-ups.