Formal — to staff
Onsen · Sento
You
すみません、刺青があるのですが、入浴できますか？
すみません、いれずみがあるのですが、にゅうよくできますか？
Excuse me, I have a tattoo, can I use the bath?
Romaji: Sumimasen, irezumi ga aru no desu ga, nyūyoku dekimasu ka? / Reply Romaji: Mōshiwake gozaimasen. Tō shisetsu de wa irezumi no aru kata no go-nyūyoku wa o-kotowari shite orimasu.
Reply
申し訳ございません。当施設では刺青のある方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。とうしせつではいれずみのあるかたのごにゅうよくはおことわりしております。
We apologize, but persons with tattoos are not permitted to use our bathing facilities.
Gesture & etiquette
A slight bow when asking.
Tattoos are often associated with yakuza in Japan, so many traditional bathhouses and gyms prohibit them. Some modern facilities or those catering specifically to tourists might allow them, sometimes with conditions like covering them with a patch. It's best to ask beforehand.