Inked Serenity: Embracing My First Onsen Experience in Hokkaido

Upon our arrival at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, our friends promptly picked us up at Chitose JR Station, ready to whisk us away on a day trip to Lake Shikotsu, one of Hokkaido’s picturesque nature spots.

To my surprise, our destination turned out to be Marukoma Onsen, a charming ryokan boasting both indoor and outdoor hot spring pools accessible to all.

Unprepared for the onsen experience due to a last-minute scramble to catch our flight, I hesitated, my heavily tattooed body a potential obstacle in a culture where tattoos are often frowned upon, especially in public settings like onsens.

However, our friends, undeterred, had already arranged everything, even bringing towels for us. Their confidence in the situation led them to call ahead to Marukoma Onsen, where they reassured us that tattoos wouldn’t be an issue.

So, at 11 am, amidst the beauty of Lake Shikotsu, we found ourselves immersing in the warm waters of Marukoma Onsen, my initial apprehensions quickly dissipating as I realized no one seemed to mind my tattoos.

Guided by my friend, I navigated the onsen, receiving no nasty stares or comments. It was a revelation, challenging my preconceptions about Japanese onsen culture.

Today’s experience, with its unexpected twists, turned what seemed impossible into a dream come true. And the outdoor setting in a natural open-air bath, with views of Lake Shikotsu, made it all the more magical.