What are the prices and rates for tattoos? Includes price quotes by size and location, as well as prices for one-point tattoos!
When you are interested in getting a tattoo, your biggest concern is probably “how much does it cost?
In the past few years, tattoos have become increasingly popular in Japan, and the demand for tattoos ranging from small one-point designs to A4 size tattoos has been increasing.
In reality, however, prices vary greatly depending on the size, location, complexity of the design, and skill of the artist, making it difficult to know the market price.
In this article, we will explain how the price of tattoos is determined, as well as the price quotes for one-point tattoos and price estimates by size and area, in an easy-to-understand and thorough manner, even for first-time customers.
Factors that determine tattoo prices and fees
Tattoo prices vary greatly depending on the size of the tattoo and the area to be tattooed.
Knowing the price range in advance will make it easier to set a budget and avoid problems later on.
Location of the tattoo
The location of the tattoo is one of the factors that determines the price.
Areas that are difficult to tattoo or have delicate skin tend to be more expensive because it takes longer to perform the procedure.
For example, ribs, neck, and fingers have thinner skin and are more likely to cause pain during the procedure.
Some artists also set additional fees for other areas in addition to size, so be sure to get an idea of the price in advance of your consultation.
Tattoo Size
The size of the tattoo is one of the most important factors in determining the price.
The larger the size of the tattoo, the more time and ink used in the procedure, and therefore the higher the price.
Also, the time it takes to actually complete the procedure will increase, which will inevitably lead to higher prices in the tattoo industry, where prices are determined on an hourly basis.
Other designs that are not only larger in size, but also have more fine lines and complex patterns will take longer to complete and may cost more than a simple design.
Skill of the Tattoo Artist
Because tattoo artists are highly skilled craftsmen, price quotes will fluctuate depending on their experience, performance, skill acquisition, and even popularity.
Skilled artists excel at intricate designs and delicate expressions, and are able to provide tattoos according to the customer's desired design.
On the other hand, inexperienced or apprentice artists may offer relatively inexpensive rates.
However, there may be concerns about their technical skills and hygiene management. When choosing an artist, refer to their past work and reputation to ensure that you choose an artist you can trust.
List of Tattoo Prices and Rates
| size | Price Quote | Approximate treatment time |
|---|---|---|
| One point size | 5,000〜15,000yen | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Coin size | 8,000yen and up | Around 1 hour |
| Cigarette size | 10,000〜25,000yen | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Postcard size | 35,000〜50,000yen | 2 to 3 hours |
| A4 size | 65,000〜80,000 yen | 3 to 8 hours |
Price and rate for [size] tattoo
The size of the tattoo has a significant impact on the price/price quotes because of the time it takes to perform the procedure.
Here we will explain the price quotes for each size in detail!
Prices and Rates for One Point Size Tattoos
The price for a one-point size tattoo is generally between 5,000 yen and 15,000 yen.
This size is popular among first time tattooers, and a simple design can be completed in a relatively short time (30 minutes to 1 hour).
Prices and Rates for Coin Size Tattoos
The price for a coin-sized tattoo is generally around 8,000 yen and up.
For a simple design, the price is often around 5,000 yen, and for a slightly more elaborate design or color, the price may be 10,000 yen to 15,000 yen.
The procedure takes 15 minutes to an hour to complete, and is recommended to be placed casually in areas of high pain.
Tobacco size price and rate
A cigarette size tattoo is about the size of a pack of cigarettes (5.5 x 8.5 cm).
If the design is simple, the price is around 15,000 yen; if detailed illustrations or colors are used, the price is 25,000 to 30,000 yen; and for more famous artists or special designs, the price can be over 40,000 yen.
The treatment takes one and a half to two hours to complete, and is suitable for putting on relatively large areas such as shoulders, arms, and backs.
Prices and Rates for Postcard-Size Tattoos
A postcard size tattoo is about the size of a postcard (approximately 10 cm x 15 cm).
The price is generally between 35,000 yen and 50,000 yen, and is suitable for large areas such as the back, thighs, and arms.
The standard treatment time is about 2 to 3 hours, and the relatively large size allows for complex designs and realistic expressions.
Prices and Rates for A4 Size
An A4 size tattoo is about the size of an A4 sheet of paper (approximately 21cm x 30cm).
The price range is generally from 80,000 yen to 200,000 yen or more, and the estimated time for the procedure is 3 to 8 hours.
Because of their large size, designs that cover the entire back and thighs, as well as those that combine multiple motifs, are possible.
Since the treatment time is also very long, the procedure may be divided into several sessions!
Price and fee for tattoos [area]
Prices and rates vary depending on the area to be tattooed.
The difficulty of the procedure, the degree of pain, and the nature of the skin will affect the price, so we will explain the price quotes for each typical area.
Breast Tattoo Prices
The price of a breast tattoo varies greatly depending on the size and design of the tattoo, but a one-point size tattoo will cost between 10,000 yen and 20,000 yen, while a postcard size tattoo will cost between 50,000 yen and 100,000 yen.
On the other hand, for a full chest or a large design in Japanese carving, the price may be 80,000-150,000 yen for one chest, and 400,000-600,000 yen or more for a large work covering both chests or chest to arms, depending on the treatment time and the area.
Prices and Rates for Back Tattoos
Because the back tattoo is a very large area, it is possible to have bold or intricate designs.
The price for a large work on the whole back varies greatly depending on the fineness of the design, your physique, whether it is colored or not, and whether it is Japanese or Western-style carving, but the price quotes are relatively high because of the large size of the design.
Especially in the case of Japanese carving, “hourly carving” is the most common method, which can take 30-65 hours, and it is not unusual for the total price to exceed 500,000 yen or more.
Prices and Rates for Thigh Tattoos
Prices for thigh tattoos vary depending on the design and size of the tattoo, but a general guideline is between 30,000 yen and 80,000 yen.
Postcard size (approx. 10 cm x 15 cm) is 30,000 yen to 50,000 yen, and B5 size (approx. 13 cm x 18 cm) is 50,000 yen to 80,000 yen.
In some cases, a single point or a smaller design can fit in at 15,000 yen to 30,000 yen, but since many people put relatively large designs on the thighs, the larger the size, the higher the price.
[Summary] Tattoo prices and rates
We now understand that the price of a tattoo varies greatly depending on various factors such as size, location, and skill of the artist.
Because tattoos are for a lifetime, it is important to choose a reliable artist and studio and get a design that you are satisfied with, not just a low price.
First of all, make sure to clarify your desired design and budget at the preliminary consultation, and be sure to choose a tattoo studio and tattoo artist that you will not regret!
