Formal — to staff
Onsen · Public · Bath
あの、すみません。実は小さいタトゥーがあるのですが、入浴できますか? — Excuse me, I actually have a small tattoo, would I be able to bathe? (Onsen · Public · Bath, Formal — to staff, JLPT N4)
You
あの、すみません。実は小さいタトゥーがあるのですが、入浴できますか?
あの、すみません。じつはちいさいタトゥーがあるのですが、にゅうよくできますか?
Excuse me, I actually have a small tattoo, would I be able to bathe?
Romaji: Ano, sumimasen. Jitsu wa chiisai tatoo ga aru no desu ga, nyūyoku dekimasu ka? / Reply Romaji: Mōshiwake gozaimasen. Tōkan de wa tatoo no aru okyaku-sama wa goenryo itadaite 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はご遠慮いただいております。
もうしわけございません。とうかんではタトゥーのあるおきゃくさまはごえんりょいただいております。
We apologize, but guests with tattoos are asked to refrain from using our facilities.
Gesture & etiquette
Polite bow. If staff seems open, subtly indicate the tattoo's location without exposing it, asking if it's acceptable.
Some establishments might allow covering small tattoos with a patch. It's best to confirm beforehand or look for "tattoo-friendly" onsens. Never try to sneak in if explicitly denied.