Japanese Tattoos in Melbourne
Bold line, rich colour and timeless imagery. Irezumi and neo-Japanese work by Fitzroy's award-winning artists.
Japanese work from the Umbra studio
Large-scale, bold, and built to last a lifetime. Healed and photographed in our Fitzroy studio.
Why book your Japanese tattoo at Umbra
01
Large-scale specialists
Sleeves, back pieces and body suits need artists who think in flow and composition. That is our craft.
02
Respect for the tradition
Japanese tattooing carries deep symbolism. We design imagery that is meaningful and authentic to you.
03
A studio built for the long game
A bright, loft-style gallery in the heart of Fitzroy, comfortable for the longer sessions big work needs.
04
A true collaboration
A large piece is a journey. We plan yours from the first consult through to the final session.
YOUR JAPANESE ARTISTS
Inko
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BOOKING YOUR TATTOO IS SIMPLE
1
Tell us your idea
Book a consult online or send an enquiry with a photo and rough size.
2
We design it
Your artist creates a custom piece and confirms placement, size and a fixed quote.
3
Secure your spot
A small deposit locks in your date (and comes off your final price).
4
Your sessions
Sleeves and large pieces run across multiple sittings. We map the timeline with you up front.
JAPANESE TATTOO PRICING
PER HOUR
$150–$250+
HALF SLEEVE
$700–$1,500+
FULL SLEEVE
$1,500–$3,000+
Large-scale work is a project, priced by time and staged across sessions. You will always get a clear project quote and session plan at your consult with no surprises. A deposit reserves your artist and comes off the final price.
FAQs
Do I need a consultation first?
For larger Japanese and neo-Japanese pieces, yes. A consult lets us plan imagery, flow and scale properly. Smaller pieces can often be booked directly.
How long does a sleeve take?
Most sleeves run across several sessions over a few months. We will map a realistic timeline at your consult so you know exactly what to expect.
Is this a good choice for my first tattoo?
Absolutely, fine line, small and script pieces are the most popular first tattoos, and our studio is set up to make first-timers feel completely at ease.
Can I mix traditional Japanese imagery with my own ideas?
Yes. We honour the traditional symbolism while making the piece personal to you. Bring your ideas and references.
Colour or black and grey?
Both work beautifully in this style. Bold colour is classic Irezumi; black and grey gives a more subdued, timeless look. Your artist will guide you.
How should I budget for a big piece?
Think of it as a project across sessions rather than one price. We are upfront with hourly rates and an estimated total at your consult so you can plan.
Do I need a deposit?
Yes, a deposit reserves your artist and sessions, and is deducted from your final price.
Where are you?
We're in Fitzroy, Melbourne, a bright gallery studio near Johnston and Brunswick Streets.
Ready for your Japanese tattoo?
Book a consult, or tell us your idea and we will plan it with you.