Column
2024.01.22
Ranking of 10 recommended tattoo studios in Tokyo! How to choose and book an appointment.
From a global perspective, the population of tattooed people in Japan is still small.
However, there are a certain number of people, especially young people, who want to get tattoos as a sense of fashion, and since there is less prejudice than before, I believe that demand will gradually increase in the future.
However, even if you are thinking of getting a tattoo,
- Which tattoo studio should I choose?
- How do I make an appointment?
- How much does it cost?
We have prepared this article to help you make the right choice.
In this article, we will introduce the recommended tattoo studios in Tokyo in a ranking format.
If you are interested in getting a tattoo and want to know more about tattoo studios, this is a must-see.
Basic Knowledge of Tattooing
A tattoo is a design that is colored as well as scarred by a needle or other means on a part of the body.
Tattoos have the following three characteristics
Once you have a tattoo, it is difficult to remove it completely.
Painful because of the scarring.
No one under the age of 18 can get a tattoo (depending on the local government).
However, tattoos can
Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
I feel more connected to my partner and friends.
“I became more popular.
Many people have experienced a variety of benefits from getting a tattoo, such as “I feel more confident and self-assured.
4 Things to Consider When Choosing a Tattoo Studio
Once a tattoo is applied, it is difficult to remove or redo it, so choosing the right tattoo studio is of the utmost importance.
Here are four things to look out for when choosing a studio.
- ①Make sure the price is appropriate.
- ②Check the track record of the tattoo artist.
- ③Many tattoo designs are listed on the website.
- ④Hygiene measures are taken.
Each of these points is explained below.
①Make sure it is priced appropriately
When choosing a tattoo studio, make sure the price is right.
Tattoos vary depending on the area to be tattooed and the time of the procedure.
See below for approximate prices of tattoo studios.
| One-point size | 5,000 yen – 15,000 yen |
| Business card size | 15,000 – 25,000 yen |
| Cell phone size | 25,000 – 35,000 yen |
| 10cm x 10cm | 40,000 – 50,000 yen |
| A6 size | 55,000 yen – 65,000 yen |
| A4 size | 80,000 yen and up |
| A4 size and larger | 10,000 yen – 20,000 yen per hour |
If the price is extremely higher or lower than this market price, it could be a tattoo studio with unsafe techniques or a bad tattoo studio. Therefore, be sure to check the price.
②Check the track record of the tattoo artist.
Tattoos are not easy to fix once they are carved. To avoid mistakes, be sure to check the track record of the tattoo artist.
Please refer to the following information on how to check an engraver’s track record.
- Check the tattoo studio’s website.
- Check the tattoo artist’s personal social networking site (some tattoo artists post their designs on Instagram).
- Talk to the tattoo artist in person.
An engraver’s track record is a major issue for reliability and an important factor in deciding whether to use the service. Therefore, be careful in cases where you cannot recognize the face of the engraver or where the engraver’s previous works are not listed. To ensure that you have no regrets about the treatment, make sure to thoroughly research the engraver before using the service.
③Understand the artist’s specialty designs.
When choosing a tattoo studio, check to see if they have posted their past designs on their website or social networking sites.
Different tattoo studios and tattoo artists specialize in different types of designs, such as “creative designs” or “detailed designs”.
By paying attention to whether the tattoo studio is suited for the design you want, you will be satisfied with the results.
④Hygiene measures are taken.
Tattoos can cause wounds and bleeding on the skin, so it is important to make sure that there is a thorough hygiene policy in place.
If you are not sure if the store has hygiene measures in place, inquire about the following
- Are the instruments used sterilized (or disposable)?
- Whether the studio and treatment rooms are kept clean
- Are they knowledgeable about hygiene?
In the past, there have been cases of infections and skin problems after using tattoo studios.
If there is no mention of hygiene on the website, or if there is no mention of hygiene when you inquire about it, you may want to consider using this service.
Recommended tattoo studios in Tokyo in a ranking format!
If you are going to get a tattoo, everyone thinks “I definitely don’t want to regret it”.
However, there are many tattoo studios in Tokyo, and you may be wondering which one to choose.
Here, we will introduce “10 Recommended Tattoo Studios in Tokyo” in a ranking format to solve such problems.
We have carefully selected the most popular studios from various points of view, such as the skill of the tattoo artist, design, and hygiene. If you find a studio that interests you even a little, be sure to bookmark it.
1. Tattoo Studio KAGEROU(Nihonbashi/Shinjuku/Ikebukuro)
KAGEROU” is a very popular place for getting a tattoo in Tokyo.
The studio has a total of 10 tattoo artists who specialize in different genres and designs.
It is said that there is no other studio in Tokyo more sophisticated than KAGEROU, where all three studios have thorough hygiene management.
Another feature of KAGEROU is that it offers free design proposals to customers, and it flexibly responds to problems such as when a customer wants to get a tattoo but cannot decide on a design or size.
If you are interested in getting a tattoo, please visit KAGEROU, a popular group of tattoo artists.
| genre | Recommended Artists |
| lettering tattoo | Quan (Affiliation: Nihonbashi) |
| American traditional | Soushi(Affiliation: Nihonbashi) |
| Black & Gray | Maru(Affiliation: Nihonbashi) |
| Japanese tattoo | Lukas(Affiliation：Ikebukuro) Mako(Affiliation: Shinjuku) |
| Manga/Animation | Lazy(Affiliation: Nihonbashi) |
2. CRYSTAL TATTOO SHOP (Harajuku)
https://www.tattoo-crystal.com/
CRYSTAL TATTOO SHOP is a tattoo studio run by female tattoo artist RYU, who is also the owner of FUGA TATTOO SHOP.
The studio is popular not only among Japanese but also among overseas fans in Harajuku, a fashionable area where various cultures intermingle.
The open, glass-walled studio has a great sense of design and is staffed by tattooists of various genres and styles, allowing them to offer a full range of services.
This is a must-see tattoo studio for both men and women who want to express their own personal style and pursue their own unique art and design.
3. PIKAKE TATTOO (Yoga)
Pikake Tattoo is owned and operated by Sayako Aoki, the only female tattoo artist in Japan specializing in Polynesian tattoos, and her husband Katsuo, who specializes in hand poke tattoos.
Their tribal Polynesian tattoos are designed from scratch to provide each customer with a special tattoo tailored to their individual needs, and their delicate hand-poke tattoos, which minimize pain and stress on the body, are well-liked by their many fans.
The relaxing atmosphere of the salon, with its light pastel green color, is one of the most appealing features of the salon.
We recommend this tattoo studio for those who want to give shape to their special feelings, for first-time tattoo artists, and for women.
4. FREESTYLE TATTOO (Nakano)
FREESTYLE TATTOO is the tattoo studio of Mr. Carving Tsuki, who has participated in various conventions, events, and guest work in Japan and abroad.
He specializes in creative Japanese carving, incorporating his experience gained overseas into Japan’s unique aesthetic and traditional techniques.
Basically, his main focus is on Japanese carving, but he can handle all genres with care using the techniques he has cultivated so far.
With a reputation for custom work, we recommend this tattoo studio to those who are not sure about their designs.
5. FUGA TATTOO SHOP (Shinjuku)
FUGA TATTOO SHOP is a tattoo studio run by a female tattoo artist, Ryu.
She offers a wide range of designs, from powerful traditional Japanese carvings to delicate one-pointed designs.
SHOP has been featured in various magazines, and has been supported by many fans as an excellent tattoo studio both in name and reality.
The studio is a hygienic and stylish place, where women can feel safe and secure.
6. studio muscut (Shibuya)
Studio Muscat is a tattoo studio with a long history of about 20 years.
Their website has a wealth of attractive designs on it, and their skill is evident.
We highly recommend this studio to those who are interested in putting on a variety of designs.
7. OT TATTOO TOKYO (Yotsuya 3-chome)
http://www.fankadelic-tattoo.com/
OT TATTOO TOKYO is the tattoo studio of OT, an engraver who also works as an artist.
Mr. OT’s specialty is dark and fantastic designs.
You can see many of his unique tattoo designs on his website, and you will be impressed by his overwhelming design skills.
8. TATTOO STUDIO Ray’s (Kita-sando)
TATTOO STUDIO Ray’s, located just a short walk from Kitasando Station, is recommended for those who want to get a delicate tattoo.
The clean space, courteous customer service, and thorough hygiene management are attractive.
A wide range of designs are available, and careful pre-counseling is provided to help those new to tattooing feel at ease.
9. SUNSQLIT TATTOO (Shibuya)
SUNSQLIT TATTOO can accommodate a wide range of designs and is reasonably priced.
They take the time to give you a thorough consultation, so you can be sure of a high level of customer satisfaction.
We highly recommend this tattoo studio for beginners.
10. INSCRIBE TATTOO (Shinjuku/Ikebukuro/Harajuku/Ueno)
INSCRIBE TATTOO is a popular tattoo studio with four locations in total.
Many of the tattoo artists are highly skilled, and they can always create the design you want, whether it is one-pointed, letters, tribal, or Japanese patterns.
The ability to have your tattoo done in a completely private room is also a big draw.
The process of using a Tattoo Studio
If you are new to tattooing, you may feel uneasy and worried when you are ready to take action.
Here, we will explain the process of using a tattoo studio so that even a beginner can use a tattoo studio with peace of mind.
①Contact Us
First, call the tattoo studio to make an appointment. However, if you would like to proceed carefully with your appointment, etc., we recommend that you start with a question or consultation instead of making an appointment out of the blue.
Tattoo artists may look scary at first glance, but they are polite and gentle.
However, it is not uncommon for them to respond poorly to phone calls, etc., from the counseling response to the rest of the process. Tattoos are something that will remain with you for the rest of your life. To avoid any regrets, make sure to find out from the inquiry stage.
Also, many tattoo studios allow reservations and consultations by email. If you are not comfortable consulting over the phone, you may want to inquire at one of these studios.
②Counseling
Once the appointment date and time are set, the procedure does not start immediately. First, counseling will be conducted to confirm the design to be engraved. Before the counseling, do not forget to prepare your ID card and the deposit for the appointment.
If you have a specific design you would like to have engraved, we recommend that you prepare a photograph to help the engraver visualize the design. Even if you do not have a specific design in mind, rest assured that you can arrive at your ideal design by discussing it with the engraver.
After the counseling, you will sign a contract and decide the date of the treatment.
③Treatment
If you are new to tattoos or unfamiliar with them, you may feel mentally and physically exhausted on the day of the procedure. Therefore, it is important to take good care of yourself by getting a good night’s sleep the day before the procedure.
The following are four points to keep in mind before the procedure.
- Do not tan the area to be treated.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before the day of the procedure.
- Remove hair from the area to be treated
- Eat well on the day of the procedure.
In addition, if you want to change the design before the procedure, we recommend that you consult the engraver immediately. Basically, requests for changes can be made at the stage before engraving (preliminary sketch and transfer), so you should not hesitate to inform the engraver to avoid any regrets.
④Aftercare
Aftercare after the procedure is also important to make the tattoo look beautiful.
Although it depends on the tattoo studio, the following items should be observed to ensure a beautiful design.
- Do not rub or scratch the area to be tattooed.
- Keep the area clean.
- Avoid soaking in the bathtub on the day of the procedure.
- Do not expose the area to sunlight.
- Apply ointment until the skin is stabilized.
The treated area may be sore and itchy for 1-2 weeks. It is especially likely to occur during the summer months when the body temperature is higher and blood flow is better, but rest assured that it will gradually settle down.
If you are looking for a tattoo studio in Tokyo, visit KAGEROU!
In this article, we have recommended 10 tattoo studios in Tokyo, explained how to choose a studio and how to make a reservation.
Choosing a good tattoo studio and a good tattoo artist is the most important thing to avoid regretting your tattoo.
If you still have any doubts about choosing a tattoo studio, we strongly recommend KAGEROU in Nihonbashi.
KAGEROU operates with the belief that we want to make tattooing more accessible to the public, and we are a tattoo studio that will be very attentive to any customer’s consultation and requests, and will be able to make positive suggestions.
We also offer a wide range of tattoo services for those who are new to tattooing, as many of our customers are very satisfied with their Jagua tattoos, which are always done to their satisfaction.
KAGEROU is one of the best tattoo studios in all aspects such as “skill of tattoo artist, counseling, and hygiene”.
If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.