A survey conducted by the Japan National Tourism Agency revealed more than half of Japanese hotels with hot springs and communal spas still forbid guests sporting tattoos.
The survey said 56% of almost 600 hotels polled do not allow people with tattoos to enter public bathing areas.
Tattoos are still synonymous with Japanese Yakusa mafia gangs.
An additional 13% of hotels said they permit tattooed visitors only if tattoos are covered, while the remaining 31% allow unrestricted access to all facilities.
Other public facilities such as fitness centres and public swimming baths also have strict rules banning visible body art.
Japan has attracted a rising number of complaints from foreign travellers turned away from spas and hot springs due to tattoos.
