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,

We have prepared this article to help you make the right choice.

In this article, we will introduce the best English-speaking 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.

 

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.

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.

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 done. To avoid mistakes, be sure to check the tattoo artist’s past work.

Please refer to the following information on how to check a tattoo artist’s past work.

A tattoo artist’s past work is a major factor in reliability and an important factor in deciding whether to choose the artist.

Therefore, be cautious if the tattoo artist’s identity is unclear or if examples of their past work are not available.

To ensure you have no regrets, make sure to thoroughly research the tattoo artist before getting a tattoo.

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

In the past, there have been cases of infections and skin problems after using tattoo studios.

If a studio is vague or dismissive about hygiene — either on their website or when asked directly — it’s best to look elsewhere.

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
(Asakusa Flagship / Nihonbashi / Shinjuku / Ikebukuro)

https://kagerou-tattoo.co.jp/en

Tokyo’s ultra-popular tattoo studio, often said to be the place to go when getting a tattoo in Tokyo — KAGEROU.

Now with five locations including the Asakusa Flagship Studio, which opened in December 2025, and the newly added Yokohama Studio, KAGEROU’s team of 20 talented artists matches each client with the artist best suited to their preferred style and design.

All KAGEROU studios maintain rigorous hygiene standards, and are widely regarded as some of the most refined and professional tattoo studios in Tokyo.

One of KAGEROU’s key features is its free design consultation service, allowing clients to explore ideas even if they haven’t decided on a final design or size.

If you’re looking for an English-speaking tattoo studio in Tokyo, KAGEROU is the place to start.

Please watch this video to learn more about the studio.

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)

https://www.pikaketattoo.com/

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 clients, and for women.

4. FREESTYLE TATTOO (Nakano)

https://freestyle-tattoo.jp/

FREESTYLE TATTOO is the studio of Tsuki, a tattoo artist who has participated in various conventions, events, and guest spots in Japan and abroad.

He specializes in creative Japanese-style tattooing, combining his overseas experience with Japan’s unique aesthetic and traditional techniques.

While his main focus is Japanese-style tattooing, he is capable of working in a wide range of styles using the techniques he has developed over the years.

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)

https://www.tattoo-fuga.com/

FUGA TATTOO SHOP is a tattoo studio run by a female tattoo artist, Ryu.

She offers a wide range of designs, from bold traditional Japanese-style tattoos to delicate small tattoos.

FUGA has been featured in numerous magazines and has built a loyal following as one of Shinjuku’s most respected tattoo studios.

The studio is a hygienic and stylish place, where women can feel safe and secure.

6. studio muscat (Shibuya)

https://muscat-tattoo.com/

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, a tattoo artist and visual 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)

https://tattoo-rays.com/

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. Tattoo Studio LOCOS TOKYO (Shinjuku)

https://www.locostokyo.com/

Tattoo Studio LOCOS TOKYO is a popular tattoo studio in Shinjuku.

With the motto “Tattoos are culture” and “Tattoos are art,” they offer a wide range of genres, from original designs to Japanese and Western styles.

With many highly skilled tattoo artists, you can rest assured that your design will be completed exactly as you wish.

10. AUN TATTOO STUDIO (Asakusa)

https://auntattootokyo.com/jp/

AUN TATTOO STUDIO, located a 2-minute walk from Asakusa Station, is a studio that expresses its unique worldview with a focus on black and gray and blackwork.

The studio employs tattoo artists with reliable skills who provide delicate yet powerful works.

Recommended for those who seek refined techniques and sensibilities.

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.

If you’re not comfortable making a phone call, don’t worry — most studios are happy to accept inquiries and bookings by email or WatsApp.

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.

②Consultation

Once the appointment date and time are set, the procedure does not start immediately.

First, we will have a consultation to confirm the tattoo design.

Before the counseling, do not forget to prepare your ID and the deposit for the appointment.

If you have a specific design in mind, we recommend bringing reference photos to help the tattoo artist visualize it.

Even if you don’t have a specific design in mind, the tattoo artist can work with you to create the perfect design.

After the counseling, you will sign a waiver and decide the date of the treatment.

③Tattooing

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.

If you would like to change the design before your appointment, please contact the tattoo artist as soon as possible.

Changes can usually be made before the tattooing begins, during the sketch and stencil stage, so please let the tattoo artist know if you have any concerns.

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.

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’re searching for an English-speaking tattoo studio in Tokyo, we strongly recommend KAGEROU.

At KAGEROU, we believe tattooing should be accessible to everyone. Our artists take the time to listen carefully to each client and offer thoughtful suggestions tailored to your vision.

First-timers are always welcome — several of our artists are fully English-speaking, so you can discuss your ideas, ask questions, and feel confident every step of the way.

KAGEROU is recognized as one of Tokyo’s best tattoo studios — excelling in artist skill, client counseling, and hygiene standards.

KAGEROU has five locations across Tokyo and Yokohama — each with its own team of artists. Not sure which studio to visit? Here’s a quick guide:

First time / want English support → Asakusa Flagship Studio — our largest studio with the most English-speaking artists
Central Tokyo / easy access → Nihonbashi Studio or Shinjuku Studio
Manga / anime style → Ikebukuro Studio
Visiting from Yokohama → Yokohama Studio

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