Hey
I'd like to visit Okinawa but I'm curious on how the swimming situation around the Island is.
My European ass is used to be allowed to get into the water wherever I'd want as long as there are no signs saying otherwise but that doesn't mean it applies to Japan too. So I'm curious. I've seen beaches with a marked areas to swim in but would people also be allowed to swim where no markings are?
And what about tattoos in public. If a certain part of the beach belongs to a hotel I know that I might not be allowed there or have to patch them up. But what about "public areas"?
I hope some of you can explain the situation to me 🙂 thanks in advance
by Nyaniky
2 comments
Hi! I’m heavily tattooed and I swim anywhere.
Hey, most public/owned beaches will have areas that are netted, so that they can keep their customers in a safe and regulated space. Keep in mind that you are on an island! Put a pin on google maps and go to a beach where there are no buildings/roads and you will be truly free to swim anywhere you want!
I am heavily tatted and never had issues with being stopped at the beach. There is a heavy American military presence and Okinawans are no stranger to seeing folks with tattoos. However, in most public swimming pools/onsens in Okinawa and Japan will not allow tattoos to be shown. I went to a public swimming pool with some buddies and I had to wear a full body rash guard to swim.