Tattoo artists in Tokyo

The area from Harajuku/Meiji-jingumae to Omotesando and Aoyama has the highest concentration of Tokyo artists listed on tattooers.jp. Some studios have multiple artists, allowing you to compare different styles within a single studio. In addition to several artists specializing in Japanese traditional (wabori) and Neo-Japanese (a style that depicts Japanese traditional (wabori) themes with modern lines and coloring), there is a wide range of works including blackwork, geometric patterns, fine line, and American traditional (a classic American style characterized by thick lines and clear coloring).

In Shibuya, artists specializing in black and grey (a style that expresses shading with shades of black) are prominent. There are also artists who create fine line, watercolor-style small one-point tattoos, and tebori (hand-poked) tattoos, where the needle is poked by hand point by point. In Nakameguro, you'll find artists specializing in American traditional and old school, artists who depict traditional Japanese themes, and those skilled in tribal designs.

Studios can also be found around Shinjuku/Kabukicho and Yotsuya-sanchome. Artists specializing in black and grey are central, and there are also artists who create small one-point tattoos and lettering. Some artists specialize in botanical fine line designs with plant motifs, and anime-style works.

Around Akasaka and Roppongi, there are artists who specialize in lettering, fine line, and blackwork. You'll also find artists who handle a wide range of styles from Japanese traditional (wabori) to Western styles, those skilled in Neo-tribal (a style that reconfigures traditional tribal black patterns into abstract and geometric forms), and artists who create portraits based on pet photos.

Many artists are also located in eastern Tokyo, from Ueno/Okachimachi and Asakusabashi to Akihabara/Nihonbashi, Nippori, Sumida/Koto, and Katsushika. Their styles are diverse, ranging from Japanese traditional (wabori) and American traditional, to black and grey realism (a style that depicts like a photograph), lettering, anime, and newschool (a style characterized by exaggerated lines and vivid colors like a comic book). Some artists also create small one-point tattoos and fine line works.

Artists are also scattered around stations in Shimokitazawa/Sangenjaya and along the Chuo Line in Koenji/Ogikubo/Kichijoji. Their styles vary, including abstract (a style composed of abstract shapes and colors), watercolor-style, blackwork and gothic, fine line small one-point tattoos, and anime-style illustrations.

In Kamata, Ota Ward, an artist specializing in Japanese traditional (wabori) operates a private studio.

Studios are also present in the Tama region. In Kokubunji, there are artists specializing in newschool and neo-traditional (a style that retains the thick lines of American traditional while adding detailed depictions and rich coloring). In Tachikawa, there are artists skilled in black and grey. Musashi-Koganei and Chofu also have artists who create illustration-style fine line and dark abstract works, allowing you to have a consultation without traveling to the city center.

When looking for a tattoo, many people probably start by searching for studio names. However, even within the same studio, each artist has different specialties and line work styles. The person doing the tattooing determines the final result. In studios with multiple artists, choosing solely by the studio name might lead to booking an artist whose style doesn't match your preference.

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 your desired image and to imagine the final result.

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

• How many works in your desired style has the artist created?
• Do the line thickness, detail, and coloring 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" reserved for doctors under the Medical Practitioners' Act. On the other hand, Tokyo metropolitan ordinances prohibit applying irezumi to individuals under 18 years old. Booking requests on tattooers.jp are also for individuals aged 18 and over.

Furthermore, 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 of the artist who performed your session. It's also a good idea to consider, when deciding on the placement of your tattoo, that some facilities like hot springs, swimming pools, and gyms may still refuse entry to individuals with tattoos.