Thinking about getting tattooed in Sapporo? Here are six studios we checked in October 2026, from a women-only artist team in Susukino to a traditional Japanese (irezumi) specialist in Shiroishi. For each one you'll find the styles it does, starting prices, booking and deposit rules, and whether it takes walk-ins, all taken from the studio's own website and Instagram.
Key points
- All six studios were confirmed active on their official websites and Instagram in October 2026
- Small pieces start at ¥10,000 at Shodai Horiyou and ¥11,000 (tax included) at Wink TATTOO, per their websites in October 2026
- Want a female artist? Wink TATTOO in Susukino says all of its artists are women
- The ROCKSTOCK TATTOO group (Wink TATTOO and ROCKSTOCK TATTOO) says it can take walk-ins in most cases
- Hokkaido law bans tattooing anyone under 18, so bring your passport as ID
Want to compare more shops? As of October 2026, Tattoo Japan lists 19 studios in Hokkaido, 12 of them in Sapporo. Search tattoo studios in Sapporo.
How to Choose a Tattoo Studio in Sapporo
A tattoo is for life, so it pays to choose carefully. Four things matter most: prices and booking rules, hygiene and ID rules, whether the studio specializes in the style you want, and how you'll communicate with the artist.
Check Prices and Deposits
Many Japanese studios price small work by size (a ¥500 coin, a cigarette pack, a postcard) and charge by the hour for large pieces. In October 2026 we could confirm guide prices on four of the six studios' websites (Tattooing Shosui's site was down for maintenance, and makoto tattoo doesn't list prices). Treat them as estimates and ask for a quote.
Some studios take a deposit when you book. Shodai Horiyou asks for ¥5,000 for pieces up to ¥10,000 and ¥10,000 for anything bigger, taken off the bill on the day, and keeps the deposit if you cancel the session. SHU TATTOO asks for ¥10,000, also taken off the bill, and accepts cash only. If your travel dates could change, check the cancellation rules before you pay.
Check Hygiene and ID Rules
See whether the studio explains its hygiene. Tattooing Shosui, Shodai Horiyou and makoto tattoo say needles and ink are single-use and other equipment is sterilized with heat and pressure in an autoclave. ROCKSTOCK TATTOO says all consumables are single-use.
Expect an ID check. Hokkaido's youth ordinance bans tattooing anyone under 18, and studios set their own rules on top of that: SHU TATTOO asks for photo ID, and Shodai Horiyou asks for ID when you book. Your passport counts as photo ID.
Choose a Studio That Specializes in Your Style
Each studio has its strengths. Here is what their own websites highlight:
| Style | Studios |
|---|---|
| Japanese (irezumi) | Shodai Horiyou, ROCKSTOCK |
| Japanese, Western, Sanskrit | Tattooing Shosui |
| Realism, portraits | SHU TATTOO |
| Delicate, cute, lettering | Wink TATTOO |
| Cover-ups | Shosui, Horiyou, SHU |
Look for clean, even lines and solid color in their portfolios, and check whether they post healed photos, not just fresh ones. You can collect reference images from one-point tattoo designs and Japanese traditional tattoo designs on Tattoo Japan.
Plan How You'll Communicate
None of the six studios says on its website that it offers English-speaking service. Shodai Horiyou welcomes foreign customers but says it can only speak Japanese and takes English inquiries through its online contact form only. Elsewhere, booking is by Instagram DM, LINE or phone, so a short message with your design, size, placement and dates, plus a translation app, will get you a long way.
6 Tattoo Studios in Sapporo
In October 2026 we confirmed that each studio below had posted on its official Instagram since September 2026 (for Wink TATTOO, on an artist's account), and we checked its official website (an archived copy for Tattooing Shosui). Prices are the guide prices on each studio's site and change with design and size.
| Studio | Area | Small piece | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tattooing Shosui | Yamahana | Ask | Ask |
| Wink TATTOO | Susukino | ¥11,000+ | Not listed |
| ROCKSTOCK TATTOO | Susukino | ¥20,000+ | ¥10,000 |
| Shodai Horiyou | Shiroishi | ¥10,000+ | ¥10,000 |
| SHU TATTOO | Kita-24-jo | ¥30,000–50,000 | ¥15,000+ |
| makoto tattoo | Kita 23-jo | Not listed | Not listed |
"Small piece" means a ¥500-coin-size piece at Wink TATTOO, a fist-size piece at ROCKSTOCK TATTOO, a one-point piece at Shodai Horiyou and a cigarette-pack-size piece at SHU TATTOO. Hourly rates are mainly for large work: bigger than your palm at ROCKSTOCK TATTOO, and anything that takes more than a day at SHU TATTOO. Tattooing Shosui's website was down for maintenance, so we couldn't confirm its current prices (its January 2025 price list is in the section below).
Tattooing Shosui
Tattooing Shosui (勝水, also spelled Syousui) is a private studio in the Yamahana area of Chuo Ward. Its Instagram lists Japanese and Western work, bring-your-own designs and cover-ups, and it was still posting in October 2026. (Source: Tattooing Shosui on Instagram)
The studio's portfolio is split into Japanese, Western and Sanskrit (bonji) work. It also does cover-ups, for example to change the look of an existing tattoo or to hide one you did yourself. (Sources: gallery; process page, archived, in Japanese)
Its January 2025 price list started at ¥6,000 for a ¥500-coin-size piece and ¥33,000 for a postcard-size piece, for Japanese or Western work alike. Check the current prices with the studio. Needles, ink, ink cups and gloves are single-use, and metal equipment is sterilized under high heat and pressure. (Source: hygiene and prices page, January 2025, archived, in Japanese)
The studio opens in the evening, from 18:00 to 1:00. As a private studio, it gives you the room number when you contact it.
- Address
- Minami 14-jo Nishi 15-chome 1-5, Chuo-ku, Sapporo (room number given when you inquire)
- Access
- 30 seconds' walk from the Nishi-sen 14-jo streetcar stop; 10 minutes from Horohirabashi Station (Namboku Line). Parking available
- Hours
- 18:00–1:00
- Phone
- 011-562-3117
- Prices
- ¥500-coin size from ¥6,000; cigarette-pack size from ¥14,000; postcard size from ¥33,000; designs bigger than B4 ¥7,000 per hour (as of January 2025)
- Website
- syousui.com
- @syousui14tattoo
(Address and hours source: Tattooing Shosui website, July 2026, archived, in Japanese)
Note: on October 25, 2026, the studio's website was down for maintenance. Check prices and availability by phone or Instagram.
Wink TATTOO
Wink TATTOO is a studio in Susukino, Sapporo's nightlife district. Its website describes it as a tattoo studio where only female artists work. It belongs to the ROCKSTOCK TATTOO group, which runs studios in Sapporo and Asahikawa, and shares a floor with ROCKSTOCK TATTOO. (Source: Wink TATTOO official page, in Japanese)
The site introduces four artists: Ump (delicate work), Akari (pop, cute designs and lettering), Utu (subculture-inspired work) and Edo Miyako (dark, black work).
Book through the online form or by sending a DM to an artist on Instagram. The site warns that dates in the near future may already be booked, but the group's FAQ says walk-ins can be handled in most cases because several artists are on site. (Source: ROCKSTOCK TATTOO group FAQ, in Japanese)
- Address
- Studio 2, B1F President Susukino, Minami 7-jo Nishi 5-chome 289-54, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Hours
- 13:00–20:00, irregular days off (ask about mornings or later times)
- Prices (tax included)
- ¥500-coin size from ¥11,000; cigarette-pack size from ¥25,000; postcard size around ¥50,000; A4 size from ¥88,000
- Booking
- Online form, or Instagram DM to an artist
- Website
- tattoo-team.com/wink
- @tattoo_wink
ROCKSTOCK TATTOO
ROCKSTOCK TATTOO is in Susukino, in the same building as Wink TATTOO. The group's website says its owner, Fumihiko Haga, loves Japanese-style and traditional Japanese designs such as dragons, phoenixes, koi, flowers and deities. (Source: ROCKSTOCK TATTOO group website, in Japanese)
The studio takes on anything from a small one-point piece to a full-body suit. It says all consumables are single-use, invites first-timers to come and look around before deciding, and is open on weekends and public holidays. (Source: ROCKSTOCK TATTOO official site, in Japanese)
- Address
- B1F President Susukino, Minami 7-jo Nishi 5-chome 289-54, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Reception hours
- 13:00–20:00, open weekends and holidays
- Phone
- 080-1876-8555
- Prices
- Fist size ¥20,000–30,000 (1–2 hours); palm size from ¥40,000 (2–3 hours); larger work ¥10,000 per hour
- Booking
- Official LINE account or phone; Instagram DMs are also accepted
- Website
- rockstocktattoo.com
- @fumihikohaga
Shodai Horiyou
Shodai Horiyou (初代彫雄, Horiyou I) is a studio in Shiroishi Ward that specializes in traditional Japanese tattooing. It also does Western work and cover-ups, and its gallery text names motifs such as dragons, tigers, kirin, oiran (courtesans) and hannya masks. (Source: Shodai Horiyou official site, in Japanese)
The website has a short English notice: "We welcome foreign customers." It adds that the studio can only speak Japanese and takes English inquiries through its contact form only. Female staff work at the studio, and the site invites women to get in touch.
Usually you meet for a consultation first and get tattooed on a later day, but the FAQ says same-day tattooing is sometimes possible, depending on the design and size. (Source: Shodai Horiyou FAQ, in Japanese)
Needles and ink are single-use, and other equipment is sterilized in a medical autoclave. To book, you need ID and a deposit: ¥5,000 for pieces up to ¥10,000 and ¥10,000 for anything bigger, taken off the bill on the day. The deposit is not returned if you cancel the session, but changing the date with notice is free. (Source: Shodai Horiyou process page, in Japanese)
The studio does not reply to Instagram DMs, so use the phone or the contact form.
- Address
- Heiwa-dori 2-chome, Shiroishi-ku, Sapporo
- Access
- 5-minute walk from JR Shiroishi Station; coin parking nearby
- Hours
- 11:00–23:00
- Phone
- 011-866-3446
- Prices
- One-point from ¥10,000; ¥10,000 per hour
- Deposit
- ¥5,000 or ¥10,000, taken off the bill on the day
- Website
- horiyou.com
- @syodai_horiyou
(Access source: Shodai Horiyou access page, in Japanese)
SHU TATTOO
SHU TATTOO is a private studio three minutes' walk from Kita-24-jo Station on the Namboku Line. Its artist, SHU, worked in the Netherlands before returning to Japan and opened the studio in Kita Ward in 2022. (Source: SHU TATTOO artist page, in Japanese)
Every design is drawn from scratch, and the studio also does cover-ups and touch-ups. Its blog features many portrait and realism pieces. (Source: SHU TATTOO official site)
The studio works by appointment only, starting with a consultation. To book a session, you need photo ID, a signed consent form and contract, and a ¥10,000 deposit. About a month after your session, it checks how the tattoo has healed and does any touch-ups for free. Payment is cash only. (Source: SHU TATTOO process page, in Japanese)
- Address
- 1F, Kita 23-jo Nishi 6-chome 1-43, Kita-ku, Sapporo
- Access
- About 3 minutes' walk from Exit 4 of Kita-24-jo Station (Namboku Line)
- Reception hours
- 12:00–21:00 (appointment only)
- Phone
- 090-4762-4552
- Prices
- Cigarette-pack size about ¥30,000–50,000; CD-case size about ¥60,000–80,000; large work that takes more than a day from ¥15,000 per hour
- Deposit
- ¥10,000, taken off the bill on the day
- Website
- shu-tattoo.net
- @syutattoo
(Sources: studio page; booking page, in Japanese)
makoto tattoo
makoto tattoo is an appointment-only studio in Kita 23-jo, Kita Ward. Its website announces that a female artist joined in April 2022, and it shows one-point pieces and design sketches. (Source: makoto tattoo official site, in Japanese)
You're tattooed on a bed, and the lights and bed are wrapped in disposable plastic first. Needles, ink, gloves and razors are single-use, and reused tools go through an autoclave and an ultrasonic cleaner. (Source: makoto tattoo hygiene page, in Japanese)
The website says it does not tattoo anyone under 20 (its Instagram says no bookings for those 20 and under). The studio has parking and is closed on Mondays. Prices aren't listed, so ask for a quote. (Source: makoto tattoo contact page, in Japanese)
- Address
- Room 201, Kita 23-jo Nishi 8-chome 3-19, Kita-ku, Sapporo
- Access
- 10-minute walk from Kita-24-jo Station; parking available
- Hours
- 11:00–22:00, closed Mondays (appointment only)
- Phone
- 011-313-1826
- Website
- makototattoo.com
- @makototattoo42
Sapporo Studios for Female Artists, Small Tattoos and Walk-Ins
Here is what each studio's own website says about women-friendly options and walk-ins:
| Studio | For women | Walk-ins |
|---|---|---|
| Tattooing Shosui | Not mentioned | Not mentioned |
| Wink TATTOO | Female artists only | Most cases (FAQ) |
| ROCKSTOCK TATTOO | Not mentioned | Most cases (FAQ) |
| Shodai Horiyou | Female staff | Same day possible |
| SHU TATTOO | Not mentioned | Appointment only |
| makoto tattoo | Female artist (2022) | Appointment only |
The walk-in answers for Wink TATTOO and ROCKSTOCK TATTOO come from the group's FAQ, which also says it depends on bookings. Send a DM or call before you go.
If you want a female artist, Wink TATTOO is the obvious first choice, since all of its artists are women. Shodai Horiyou has female staff. makoto tattoo announced a female artist in April 2022, so ask whether she is still there.
For a small piece, Shodai Horiyou starts one-point work at ¥10,000 and Wink TATTOO starts coin-size pieces at ¥11,000 including tax (both checked on their websites in October 2026). For Tattooing Shosui's current prices, ask the studio by phone or on Instagram.
You can also search more widely on Tattoo Japan:
Frequently Asked Questions About Tattoo Studios in Sapporo
Can tourists get a tattoo in Sapporo?
Yes. Tattooing is legal in Japan: in 2020, Japan's Supreme Court ruled that tattooing by an artist who is not a doctor does not count as medical practice under the Medical Practitioners' Act. (Source: Supreme Court of Japan, 2020, in Japanese) Of the studios here, Shodai Horiyou says on its website that it welcomes foreign customers, though it can only speak Japanese and takes English inquiries through its contact form.
How much does a small tattoo cost in Sapporo?
Going by the prices we confirmed in October 2026, Shodai Horiyou starts one-point pieces at ¥10,000, Wink TATTOO starts ¥500-coin-size pieces at ¥11,000, and ROCKSTOCK TATTOO charges ¥20,000–30,000 for a fist-size piece. Tattooing Shosui's January 2025 price list started at ¥6,000, but its current prices need checking. Prices depend on the design and size, so ask for a quote first.
Can I walk in without an appointment?
The ROCKSTOCK TATTOO group, which runs Wink TATTOO and ROCKSTOCK TATTOO, says it can take walk-ins in most cases, depending on bookings. Shodai Horiyou can sometimes tattoo you on the same day, depending on the design and size. SHU TATTOO and makoto tattoo work by appointment only.
Where can I get traditional Japanese tattoos (irezumi) in Sapporo?
Shodai Horiyou specializes in traditional Japanese tattooing. ROCKSTOCK TATTOO's owner, Fumihiko Haga, is described as loving Japanese designs such as dragons, phoenixes and koi, and Tattooing Shosui also does Japanese work. Large pieces are usually charged by the hour, so check the hourly rate and the deposit rules in advance.
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Hokkaido?
At least 18. Article 39 of Hokkaido's youth ordinance (北海道青少年健全育成条例) bans anyone from tattooing a person under 18. (Source: Hokkaido youth ordinance, full text, Hokkaido Government, in Japanese) Some studios are stricter: the ROCKSTOCK TATTOO group needs a consent form signed by a parent for clients under 20, and makoto tattoo does not tattoo anyone under 20. SHU TATTOO checks age with photo ID, so bring your passport.
Can I go to an onsen or sento in Sapporo with a tattoo?
It depends on the bath. Some accept tattoos, some ask you to cover them, and some don't allow them at all. As of October 2026, Tattoo Japan lists 22 sento (public bathhouses) in Sapporo that accept tattoos. With a fresh tattoo, follow your artist's aftercare instructions before soaking in any bath.
Summary: Choosing a Tattoo Studio in Sapporo
Check the artist's portfolio for the style you want, then read the studio's prices, hygiene and booking rules before you book.
For a female artist, try Wink TATTOO. For traditional Japanese work, Shodai Horiyou or ROCKSTOCK TATTOO. For portraits and realism, SHU TATTOO. For both Japanese and Western work, Tattooing Shosui. If you're still working out your budget, these guides can help:
*Based on each studio's official website and Instagram as of October 2026. Prices and hours can change, so check with the studio before you book.
