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 want to get a tattoo, the most concerning point is probably "How much will it cost?"
In recent years, tattoo popularity has increased in Japan as well, with demand growing from small one-point designs to A4-sized tattoos.
However, in reality, prices vary greatly depending on size, body part, design complexity, and artist skill, making it difficult to understand the market rates.
This article thoroughly explains how tattoo pricing is determined, including one-point tattoo price ranges and price estimates by size and body part, in an easy-to-understand way for beginners.
Factors That Determine Tattoo Price and Cost
Tattoo prices vary greatly depending on the body part and design size.
By understanding price ranges in advance, you can plan your budget more easily and avoid future troubles.
Body Part for Tattoo Placement
The body part where you get a tattoo is one of the factors that determines price and cost.
Areas that are difficult to tattoo or have delicate skin tend to be more expensive because they take longer to complete.
For example, ribs, neck, and fingers have thin skin and are areas where pain is easily felt during the procedure, requiring high technical skill and resulting in somewhat higher market prices.
Some artists set additional fees based on body parts beyond size, so make sure to understand the pricing during preliminary consultations.
Tattoo Size
The size of the tattoo can be said to be one of the most important factors in determining price.
The larger the tattoo size, the more time the procedure takes and the more ink is used, so the price becomes higher.
Also, since the actual time to complete the procedure increases, prices naturally become higher in the tattoo industry where fees are determined by time units.
Additionally, designs with many fine lines and complex patterns, not just large sizes, take more time to complete, so they may cost more than simple designs.
Tattoo Artist Skill
Tattoo artists are craftspeople who require high technical skills, so market prices fluctuate according to experience, track record, skill acquisition level, and even popularity.
Highly skilled artists specialize in complex designs and delicate expressions, and can provide tattoos that match customers' desired designs.
On the other hand, inexperienced artists or apprentice artists may offer procedures at relatively affordable prices.
However, there may be concerns about technical skill and hygiene management, so when choosing an artist, refer to past work and reputation to select a trustworthy artist.
Tattoo Price and Cost Market Rate List
| Size | Price Range | Estimated Procedure Time |
|---|---|---|
| One-Point Size | 5,000 yen - 15,000 yen | 30 minutes - 1 hour |
| Coin Size | 8,000 yen - | Around 1 hour |
| Cigarette Pack Size | 10,000 yen - 25,000 yen | 1.5 - 2 hours |
| Postcard Size | 35,000 yen - 50,000 yen | 2 - 3 hours |
| A4 Size | 65,000 yen - 80,000 yen | 3 - 8 hours |
【By Size】Tattoo Price and Cost Market Rates
Tattoo size greatly affects price and cost market rates because it takes time to complete the procedure.
Here we'll explain the price ranges for each size in detail!
One-Point Size Price and Cost Market Rate
The price and cost market rate for one-point size tattoos is generally around 5,000 yen to 15,000 yen.
This size is popular among first-time tattoo recipients, and simple designs can be completed in relatively short time (about 30 minutes to 1 hour).
Coin Size Price and Cost Market Rate
The price and cost market rate for coin-size tattoos is generally around 8,000 yen or more as a guideline.
Simple designs often cost around 5,000 yen, while more elaborate designs or adding color may cost 10,000 yen to 15,000 yen.
Since the procedure time is completed in about 15 minutes to 1 hour, it's recommended for subtly placing in painful areas.
Cigarette Pack Size Price and Cost Market Rate
Cigarette pack size tattoos are about the size of a cigarette box (5.5×8.5cm).
If the design is simple, it costs around 15,000 yen, detailed illustrations or color use costs 25,000 yen to 30,000 yen, and famous artists or special designs may cost 40,000 yen or more.
Since the procedure is completed in 1.5 to 2 hours, it's suitable for relatively wide areas like shoulders, arms, and back.
Postcard Size Price and Cost Market Rate
Postcard size tattoos are about the size of a postcard (approximately 10cm×15cm).
The price range is generally around 35,000 yen to 50,000 yen, suitable for wide areas like back, thighs, and arms.
The estimated procedure time is about 2-3 hours, and being relatively large, complex designs and realistic expressions are possible.
A4 Size Price and Cost Market Rate
A4 size tattoos are about the size of A4 paper (approximately 21cm×30cm).
The price range is generally 80,000 yen to 200,000 yen or more, with an estimated procedure time of 3-8 hours.
Because it's a very large size, designs covering the entire back or entire thighs, or designs combining multiple motifs are possible.
Since procedure time is very long, the procedure may be divided into several sessions!
【By Body Part】Tattoo Price and Cost Market Rates
Price and cost market rates also differ depending on the body part where you get the tattoo.
Since procedure difficulty, pain level, and skin properties affect prices, we'll explain price ranges for representative body parts.
Chest Tattoo Price and Cost Market Rate
Chest tattoo prices and cost market rates vary greatly depending on size and design, but one-point size costs around 10,000 yen to 20,000 yen, and postcard size costs around 50,000 yen to 100,000 yen as a guideline.
On the other hand, for Japanese traditional full chest pieces or large designs, depending on procedure time and scope, one chest may cost 80,000 yen to 150,000 yen, and large works covering both chest or chest to arms may cost 400,000 yen to 600,000 yen or more.
Back Tattoo Price and Cost Market Rate
Back tattoos have a very large area, allowing for bold designs and complex designs.
Full back masterpieces vary greatly depending on design detail, body size, presence of color, and whether it's Japanese or Western style, but tend to have relatively high price ranges due to large design sizes.
Especially for Japanese traditional tattoos, "time-based tattooing" is mainstream, with procedure times sometimes taking 30-65 hours, and total costs exceeding 500,000 yen are not uncommon.
Thigh Tattoo Price and Cost Market Rate
Thigh tattoo prices and cost market rates vary depending on design and size, but the general guideline is around 30,000 yen to 80,000 yen.
Postcard size (approximately 10cm×15cm) costs 30,000 yen to 50,000 yen, B5 size (approximately 13cm×18cm) costs 50,000 yen to 80,000 yen.
One-point or smaller designs may cost around 15,000 yen to 30,000 yen, but since thighs often have relatively large designs, prices increase as size gets larger.
Back of Hand Tattoo Price and Cost Market Rate
The back of the hand is a popular area for one-point or small designs, requiring delicate technique, so prices vary depending on artist experience and popularity.
As a general market rate, small tattoos about coin size (approximately 3cm×3cm) cost 5,000 yen to 10,000 yen, and cigarette box size (approximately 5.5cm×9cm) costs around 15,000 yen to 30,000 yen.
Since the back of the hand has thin skin and is prone to pain, procedures take time and additional fees are likely to occur.
Shoulder Tattoo Price and Cost Market Rate
Shoulders have a wider range compared to other one-point tattoos, so price and cost market rates are somewhat higher.
Since shoulders can use a relatively wide area, business card size and postcard size designs are also popular.
Business card size costs around 30,000 yen, and postcard size costs around 60,000 yen.
Also, when getting large tattoos from shoulder to arm, or traditional styles like Japanese traditional, it may cost 100,000 yen to 250,000 yen, and sometimes even more.
【Summary】Tattoo Price and Cost Market Rates
We can understand that tattoo price ranges vary greatly depending on various factors such as size, body part, and artist skill.
Since tattoos are permanent, it's important not to choose based on low prices alone, but to select trustworthy artists and studios and receive satisfying designs.
First, clarify your desired design and budget during preliminary consultations, and be mindful of choosing tattoo studios and artists without regret!
