What if your tattoo is small, temporary or cosmetic? Here is how baths in Japan tend to treat each case, and what to check.
Small tattoos
At baths with a "no tattoos" policy, small tattoos are usually treated the same as large ones. Many places, however, allow tattoos that can be covered with a sticker, so small tattoos often qualify. Reports on Tattoo GO include both "nobody said anything about my small tattoo" and "they turned me away even for a small one", so it really depends on the facility.
Henna and jagua (temporary) tattoos
Even temporary tattoos look the same as real ones, so it is safest to assume they will be treated the same way. If you plan to get henna before your trip, check the rules of the baths you want to visit.
Cosmetic tattoos (eyebrows, eyeliner)
Cosmetic tattoos on the eyebrows or eyeliner usually look like makeup and rarely cause problems. If you are worried, ask the facility.
White ink tattoos
White ink tattoos are generally treated as tattoos if they are visible. Follow the facility's rules even if yours is hard to see.
When in doubt, check
Whatever the size or type, the facility makes the final call. To be safe: 1. Read the "Got in" and "Hmm…" reports for the place on Tattoo GO 2. Check the facility's official website 3. Call and describe the size and location of your tattoo