Sean and I have always wanted to visit Japan. For our 10th anniversary, we were able to do so. And it exceeded all our expectations and has become one of our favourite places that we’ve traveled to. I would love to go back some day to explore more.

Japan is a country of bemusing contrasts – incredibly modern, while at the same time, holding on to its traditions. Food, culture, history, architecture, technological accomplishments, anime, pop culture or whatever you’re into, Japan has it all.

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One of the things we wanted on our trip to Japan was to try out the onsen experience (especially after a long day of touristing). We both enjoyed the nude Zuiver Spa when we were in Amsterdam a couple of years ago, so we thought we’d do it again in Japan.

But we soon found out that onsens forbid visitors who have tattoos because of its association to yakuzas. You won’t even see many young people with tattoos, as it’s not considered socially acceptable in Japan.

Sean and I both sport a tattoo or three between us, so we looked to hotel accommodations (within our price range) with tattoo friendly public baths (or sentos). Not a surprise – there weren’t that many.

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