Japanese Tattoo Bangkok
by BKK INK

Irezumi sleeves and back pieces, Japanese tradition, modern precision

Traditional Japanese tattooing, irezumi, is built for large canvases: full sleeves, back pieces, koi, dragons and hannya masks. At BKK INK, Mhee, trained under a master mentor, specialises in these large compositions, with Jack bringing his own Japanese work alongside, right at the end of Khaosan Road.

Hannya mask, snake and peony full back Japanese tattoo Bangkok
Hannya mask, snake and peony full back Japanese tattoo BangkokHalf hannya mask half geisha calf Japanese tattoo BangkokRoaring tiger and peony arm Japanese tattoo BangkokHannya mask, snake and clouds back piece Japanese tattoo BangkokGeisha and phoenix arm sleeve Japanese tattoo BangkokFoo dog head and clouds sleeve Japanese tattoo BangkokDragon head chest and shoulder Japanese tattoo BangkokKoi fish and waves arm sleeve Japanese tattoo BangkokCrane, cherry blossom and koi full leg Japanese tattoo BangkokCrane and cherry blossom thigh close-up Japanese tattoo BangkokKoi fish and red flowers calf Japanese tattoo BangkokProwling tiger thigh Japanese tattoo BangkokFolklore figure and chrysanthemum shoulder Japanese tattoo BangkokDragon head and peony calf Japanese tattoo BangkokHannya mask and snake shoulder Japanese tattoo BangkokTwo sparrows and peony arm Japanese tattoo BangkokCrane and koi fish full sleeve Japanese tattoo BangkokPhoenix and hannya mask full sleeve Japanese tattoo BangkokCoiling dragon thigh Japanese tattoo BangkokDragon and pagoda full leg sleeve Japanese tattoo BangkokChrysanthemum flowers calf Japanese tattoo BangkokHorned blue creature and koi head forearm Japanese tattoo BangkokHannya mask and kabuto helmet forearm Japanese tattoo BangkokDragon head and peony shoulder Japanese tattoo BangkokBlue koi and chrysanthemum calf Japanese tattoo BangkokHawk and lightning bolt full sleeve Japanese tattoo BangkokDragon and clouds shoulder Japanese tattoo BangkokDragon head full arm sleeve Japanese tattoo BangkokLeaping koi and cherry blossom calf Japanese tattoo BangkokDragon and cherry blossom full sleeve Japanese tattoo BangkokKoi fish and peony shoulder Japanese tattoo BangkokDragon and red ribbon forearm Japanese tattoo BangkokCrouching tiger thigh Japanese tattoo BangkokPeony, koi and turtle forearm sleeve Japanese tattoo BangkokShishi lion masks both thighs Japanese tattoo BangkokBlue horned creature and orange koi forearm Japanese tattoo Bangkok

Our Japanese Tattoo Process at BKK INK

Every japanese tattoo Bangkok session at BKK INK starts with a free consultation. Most irezumi commissions here are large: full backs, sleeves and chest panels. You bring a reference, woodblock print, family koi pond, hannya mask, dragon sketch, or just your story; our artists translate it into a custom design that respects irezumi composition rules.

We use the highest-grade single-use needles, vegan inks (Dynamic and Eternal, both vegan and cruelty-free), and we hold the hygiene certifications required to tattoo at European conventions. We work exclusively with modern rotary machines, no tebori bamboo, for hygiene traceability.

Each japanese tattoo Bangkok session lasts 4 to 6 hours, with breaks every 90 minutes. A small panel (10–20 cm) typically requires one session, while a half sleeve in traditional irezumi style spans 2 to 4 sessions.

Full sleeves, back pieces (背中, senaka) and bodysuits (全身, zenshin) may span 4 to 10 sessions; irezumi is a long-form art, not a quick service. Your skin needs at least two weeks between sittings to heal cleanly.

Japanese tattoo demands patience: bold outlines, deep saturation, and flowing negative space are built layer by layer.

If you want to read about the roots of the style before you book, the Wikipedia article on irezumi is a good place to start.

Japanese Tattoo Pricing in Bangkok

Japanese tattoo pricing at BKK INK is based on time, with a guaranteed price cap agreed before we start. Japanese pieces start at 4,000 THB, the rate is 3,000 THB per hour plus a 1,000 THB material fee per session. Even if a session runs longer than estimated, you never pay more than the agreed maximum.

Larger projects are quoted with a fixed cap at your free consultation, and a deposit secures your booking, from 1,000 THB for small pieces up to 3,000 THB per tattoo day for large multi-session work. Every quote is confirmed in person before the needle touches skin. See the full pricing guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a japanese tattoo cost in Bangkok?

Japanese pieces start at 4,000 THB. Everything is billed by time, 3,000 THB per hour plus a 1,000 THB material fee per session, with a guaranteed maximum agreed at your free consultation before we start. You never pay more than the agreed cap.

How long does a japanese tattoo project take?

Each session runs 4 to 6 hours with breaks every 90 minutes. Small pieces (palm-size) finish in one session. Medium japanese (forearm) requires one to two sittings. Sleeves and back pieces span four to ten sessions over several weeks, with two-week healing windows between sittings.

Are tourists welcome for irezumi at BKK INK?

Yes, a large share of our japanese tattoo Bangkok clients are international travellers. We're right at the end of Khaosan Road (Banglamphu, Phra Nakhon district) and accept bookings up to six months in advance. We speak English, French and Thai in studio.

What's the difference between traditional irezumi and modern Japanese tattoo?

Traditional irezumi follows Edo-period rules: bold black outlines (sujibori), graded shading (bokashi), saturated colour (iroboke), and natural flow with body curves. Modern Japanese tattoo borrows the aesthetic, koi, dragons, hannya, samurai, cherry blossoms, but allows freer composition and contemporary palettes. We do both at BKK INK.

How do I prepare for a japanese tattoo session?

Sleep 8 hours the night before, eat a full meal within two hours of your appointment, hydrate well, and avoid alcohol for 24 hours pre-session. Wear loose clothing that exposes the tattoo area. Bring snacks and a phone charger, long sessions burn calories fast. If you take any medication, including blood thinners such as aspirin or ibuprofen, ask your doctor before your session. We do not give medical advice.

Is BKK INK qualified for japanese tattoo?

Yes, since 2009, our 12 artists have realised 40,000+ tattoos across twelve styles. Awards include Best Collaboration Tattoo Asia (Singapore Ink Show) and recognition at Mondial du Tatouage Paris. 2,000+ reviews cumulatively across Google and Facebook (4.8/5 average). Arguably one of Thailand's most awarded studios.

Want a Japanese Tattoo Bangkok?

Book a free consultation with our specialists. Bring your idea or just your story, we design from there. Already inked? Read our aftercare guide.
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