Traditional Japanese tattoos usually feature Japanese deities and monsters, mythical creatures such as dragons, but also animals e.g. birds, koi fish, tigers etc., and flowers such as sakura, peonies and chrysanthemums. There are specific rules like you can't tattoo Buddha below the waist as it's very disrespectful, or clouds can only be used above the waist as they represent the sky... and there are also certain ways things are drawn, certain colours that are usually used, certain meanings to the different symbols, and how certain motifs are put together e.g. karashishi with peonies. Sounds complicated, but very meaningful.
It was a tick off his bucket list and to be honest, I'm kinda jealous that he did it without me!! haha..
Note: We've gotten tattooed at Cat Claw Kyoto by Ritsu years before, but not in traditional Japanese style. One day, I hope to have a master do a tebori {手彫り, tattooing by hand & not tattoo guns} tattoo for me.
It's better in the city where there often are English signs or people speaking English around to help, but nonetheless Japan still is a country that holds traditions and cultural etiquette in high respect. I'm sharing his experience so that if you're thinking about getting a tattoo in Tokyo Three Tides, or anywhere in Japan in general, you'd know what to expect and do #yourewelcome
People with visible tattoos are still not allowed in {most?} onsens, public baths or even swimming pools. This applies to both Japanese, and foreigners. You cannot show your tattoos at certain areas like gyms, and definitely not at work in the office. Some jobs don't even accept you if you have a tattoo.
{When I lived in Japan, the only times I went into the onsen was if it was late at night when no other people were around or if it was a private onsen. I didn't have as many obvious tattoos as I do now, but even then I had to cover them up even at the gym and at work.}
Last year, an Osaka court even upheld a ruling that only medical doctors can legally administer tattoos in Japan, meaning tattoo artists are now technically committing a crime every time they work on their art!! Tattooing, along with laser hair removal and chemical peels, is considered medical work since it involves needle piercing the skin. I'm not sure how vigorously the government is tracking this, but it certainly is food for thought.
I reckon one of the reasons why they are so sought-after, other than because their distinct design and tattooing skills, is because they are foreigner-friendly {e.g. staff can speak English, located in popular tourist areas, active on social media} so a lot of their clientele are foreigners who help to spread their name to their friends and families overseas and online.
Anyway, they have 2 locations in Osaka and Tokyo. Their Tokyo shop is located in Harajuku, a little off the main Takashita-dori street.
Their artists also design goods such as bags, T-shirts, towels, socks, enamel pins, figurines etc. for sale and had collaborations with Porter, Puma, Atmos and even Sanrio for Hello Kitty x Three Tides Tattoo mugs!!
Unfortunately, those mugs aren't available for sale anymore boohoo..
Hide Ichibay, is according to one of the boy's tattoo artist friends, is apparently "a legend" in the industry by the way haha. See Ichibay's work on Instagram or in this write-up about him.
Ichibay wasn't in though and we couldn't confirm a tattoo slot until the design was discussed with him so we left. That was a Saturday and the next 2 days was spent communicating back and forth via email with Rita about the boy's tattoo design, who in turn related it to Ichibay.
To prevent miscommunication, I drafted the emails for the boy in English and Japanese, and sent photos for reference haha. As the boy and Douglas, would know... I am very, very anal when it comes to the tattoo details because I believe that they are meant to be permanent.
I reckon some people are quite flippant about getting inked because there are a few ways you can remove tattoos nowadays e.g. through lasers, or you can even cover up unwanted tattoos. However, personally I feel that if you are getting a tattoo, you must think through it carefully and choose something meaningful that you can live with for life. Don't get something that you will regret and if you're not 100% satisfied from the beginning, don't get it.
On Thursday, the boy had his tattoo appointment in the afternoon.
The second floor is the workspace for 3-4 tattoo artists, and the top floor is another workspace which I assume is a tatami room where they do the tebori tattoos, and the rest-room. The second and third floor are only accessible to those with appointments, as space is tight and they want to protect the privacy of the clients too.
Ichibay let me up with the boy, but since it was full house on top and perhaps they were worried Lil Pumpkin might accidentally disturb the artists at work, she had to wait on the couch below... which she was ok to do with a video to entertain herself haha.
Granted, it wasn't a very elaborate tattoo but it was significant to the boy nonetheless. He says that it reminded him of Xixi, one of his clinic pets that passed away some time back.
When making payment, your deposit {10,800yen} is deducted from the total amount. Do note as well that if you use credit cards, you will have to pay I think 3%? more for merchant fee, so it's best if you pay by cash.
Tips:
- Advance appointment reservation is preferred, but walk-ins & on-the-day tattoos are accepted if available. Good for tourists!
- You can choose your preferred tattoo artist and design, obviously.
- However, do note that the English ability of the tattoo artists may be limited. If possible, bring someone who speaks Japanese with you when talking to the artist about your design / during your appointment to make sure the artist fully understands your needs and ideas. On the day of the boy's tattoo, there was a foreigner receptionist there that could speak English, but I'm not sure how's her translation skills and if she works there full-time.
- Confirmation of tattoo slots are only made after tattoo designs are confirmed.
- When confirming tattoo slots, you need to show identification and pay the deposit {either in-store or via PayPal}.
- The deposit is non-refundable, even in cancellation.
- If you can't make your appointment, you may change it at no extra fee but notification must be given in at least a week in advance.
- Arriving over 30mins late for the appointment without prior notification will result in cancellation & forfeit of deposit.
- You can go back to the shop 1 month later for them to check on your tattoo after it has healed.
- If necessary, they will help you to touch up the colours, make alterations etc. for free then.
Tokyo Three Tides {スリータイズ タトゥー/ 三巴刺青}
3-24-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo {東京都渋谷区神宮前3-24-2}
Opening hours: Daily 12noon - 8pm
Tel: +81 03-6455-5908
Website: http://www.threetidestattoo.com/
P.S. I actually started a tattoo blog, Red Shibui, haha some time back as a pet project. Haven't had time to update it but if you want to know some general FAQs about getting a tattoo, pop by to have a look!
Other things to do in Japan:
Useful info for Japan travel:
