Tattoo artists in Osaka

The area around Shinsaibashi and Namba has the highest concentration of tattoo studios in Osaka. Close to Amerikamura, Horie, and Minamisenba, many studios in this area are connected to fashion and music culture. The artists featured here offer a wide range of styles, from blackwork, abstract, realism, and dotwork to Japanese traditional (wabori), allowing you to compare many styles within a single area. With the Midosuji Line, Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line, and Sakaisuji Line subway routes, it's an easily accessible location even from outside the prefecture.

In quieter areas slightly removed from the bustling city center, such as Sakuragawa, Awaza, Bentencho, and Fukushima, you'll find studios run by individual artists. These artists often have a distinct artistic style, specializing in fine-line work like lettering, tebori (hand-poked, without a machine), tribal, and anime-style illustrations. Studios primarily operate by appointment, focusing on one-on-one sessions, making them ideal for those who wish to have a thorough consultation.

From Tennoji to Hirano, there are artists who carry on the tradition of Japanese traditional (wabori). Large Japanese traditional (wabori) pieces featuring classic Japanese motifs like dragons, carp, or Fujin and Raijin on the back or arms are completed over a long period. However, some artists also handle a wide range of styles in addition to Japanese traditional (wabori), including small one-point tattoos, color, and illustrative styles, so you can consult them even for your first small tattoo.

Studios can also be found around Mikunigaoka in Sakai. There are artists who specialize in Japanese traditional (wabori) and blackwork, as well as those skilled in American traditional (a classic American style characterized by bold lines and distinct color palettes), allowing you to consult for authentic work without having to travel to central Osaka.

In Kitakawachi, in the northeastern part of Osaka, there are also studios. Artists specializing in black and gray (a style that expresses shading with varying shades of black) and blackwork are featured. This area is also easily accessible from the Kyoto direction.

When looking for a tattoo, many people probably start by searching for studio names. However, even if artists belong to the same studio, their preferred styles and line work differ. The person who tattoos you determines the final result.

On tattooers.jp, each artist's works are compiled on a single page. Unlike Instagram, posts don't get lost in a feed, so you can look back and compare past works. The more works an artist has, the easier it is to find pieces similar to the image you want, and to visualize the final result.

When choosing an artist, we recommend looking at the following points:

• How many works in your desired style has the artist tattooed?
• Do the line thickness, detail, and coloring style match your preference?
• Is an estimated price range published?

Found work you like? Tap "Get a tattoo like this" on the work or artist page, or tell us your trip and idea through our booking form. Share the placement, the rough size, your dates in Japan and any reference images. We match you with an artist who fits and reply within 48 hours by Instagram DM. Your design doesn't need to be final.

A tattoo involves inserting pigment into the skin with a needle. In September 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that tattooing by an artist does not constitute a 'medical act' that only doctors are permitted to perform under the Medical Practitioners' Act. This ruling concerned a case in which an Osaka tattoo artist was charged with violating the Medical Practitioners' Act. On the other hand, some local governments prohibit tattooing for individuals under 18 years old by ordinance. Booking requests on tattooers.jp are also for individuals aged 18 and over.

Additionally, for several weeks after the session, the tattooed area will be in a similar state to a wound. Aftercare methods, such as moisturizing and sun protection, may vary depending on the artist, so please follow the instructions provided by the artist who performed your session. It's also advisable to consider, when deciding on the placement of your tattoo, that some facilities like hot springs, swimming pools, and gyms may still deny entry to individuals with tattoos.