Japanese Tattoos in Jacksonville Florida
One of tattooing's richest and most demanding traditions, executed with the depth and precision it deserves. Mister Tattoo on Baymeadows Road has been producing Japanese work at the highest level since we opened.
What Makes Japanese Tattooing Distinctive
The tradition known as irezumi has roots stretching back centuries in Japan, evolving from cultural practice into one of the most recognized tattoo styles in the world. When Japanese tattooing entered the Western vocabulary in the 20th century, it brought an entire symbolic vocabulary with it — each motif carrying meaning, each compositional choice rooted in centuries of artistic tradition.
The motifs that define the style are not decorative choices. Koi represent perseverance and transformation. Dragons embody wisdom and protection. Tigers signify courage. Hannya masks tell stories of obsession and transformation. Peonies, chrysanthemums, and cherry blossoms provide the floral context that grounds larger compositions. Foo dogs, cranes, waves, and phoenixes each carry their own weight within the visual language of the style.
What separates great Japanese tattooing from lesser work is composition. Japanese pieces are designed to cover and work with the body — a sleeve is not a series of images stacked together, it is a single cohesive piece that flows with the arm's shape. This requires planning, technical skill, and a thorough understanding of how the elements of the style interact. At Mister Tattoo, that understanding informs every Japanese piece we produce.
Japanese Tattoos at Mister Tattoo Jacksonville
Our artists bring deep experience working in Japanese style across the full range of scale and complexity. Smaller traditional Japanese motifs — a single koi, a hannya head, a crane in flight — are well suited to walk-in sessions on the weekend. Larger compositions, including half sleeves, full sleeves, chest panels, and back pieces, require consultation to plan properly. The time spent planning before the needle touches skin is what separates a great large-scale Japanese piece from one that falls short.
Jacksonville's long history as a military city — with NAS Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport — connects the area to the sailor traditions that first brought Japanese tattooing to American shores. That heritage is part of the culture Mister Tattoo operates within.
We work in both the bold, saturated color palette associated with traditional Japanese tattooing and the more subdued blackwork interpretations that have grown in popularity. Whatever direction suits your vision, the compositional and technical standards remain the same.
Getting Your Japanese Tattoo in Jacksonville
Walk-ins are welcome every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 7pm. For smaller Japanese motifs, a weekend walk-in is entirely appropriate — come by, discuss the design with the first available artist, and leave with new work the same day. For anything larger or more involved, stopping in on the weekend is the right first step toward a consultation. Talking through a large Japanese piece in person is the only way to plan it properly.
Reference material helps but isn't required. If you have imagery you've collected, bring it. If you're coming in with a concept but no specific reference, our artists are experienced at translating ideas into the visual language of the style.
Aftercare for Japanese tattooing — particularly larger pieces with significant color saturation — requires close attention during healing. Visit our tattoo aftercare page for complete guidance.
See Why We’re Jacksonville’s
Best-Rated Tattoo Shop
With more than 60 years combined experience, and proficiency in most styles, we are going to make you something you will love forever. We believe we are simply the best tattoo shop in Jacksonville Florida. But don’t just take our word for it, check out our portfolios and decide for yourself.
ALL WORK GUARANTEED NO MORE THAN 10 DAYS AFTER YOUR BURIAL
Jacksonville's best tattoo parlor, creating custom tattoos and accepting walk-ins daily
CALL OR STOP BY
(904) 551-6683 • 3857 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, FL 32217
a panther/rose morph made by @travisalantattoo. reach out to him directly for booking or just call the shop. we would be happy to help ya with your next tattoo.
Hot stuff Marine Corps devil tattooed by @julissayaselintattoo , Julissa works Thursday-Mondays. If you would like to get a tattoo by her, feel free to stop by the shop or shoot her a message.
#jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist #traditionaltattoos #hotstuffdeviltattoo
A snake wrapping around the back of the calf done by @zwestcott in black and grey. If you would like to get on Zach’s books, feel free to stop by the shop or shoot him a DM. He works Saturday-Tuesday.
#jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
tattooed by our very own @timshafertattoos DM him directly for availability.
A black and grey knight piercing a skull, tattooed by @travisalantattoo. If you would like to book with Travis, feel free to stop by the shop Monday-Friday.
#jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Lord of the rings tattoo done by @julissayaselintattoo Julissa works Thursday-Monday. If you would like to book with her feel free to reach out to her directly or stop by the shop!
#jacksonvilletattoo #duvaltattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Bold and bright tattoo done by @zwestcott if you would like to book with him feel free to stop by the shop or message him directly. He is in the shop Saturday-Tuesday.
#jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattoo by @timshafertattoos. If you live in Jacksonville, Florida and you are looking for the cleanest/brightest tattooing; look no further. Line for line, you can tell the difference in our work. You only have one skin, get the best.
Tattooed by @travisalantattoo hit him up for availability
Dog portrait tattooed by @julissayaselintattoo Julissa works Thursday-Monday, if you would like to book with her feel free to message her directly or stop by the shop for a consultation. We are open 11-7 everyday. #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
A puffer fish in color tattooed by @zwestcott on the side of the calf. Zach is booking Saturday-Tuesday. If you would like to book with him, feel free to stop by the shop or shoot him a message directly to his Instagram.
#jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Classic traditional imagery of a rose and dagger done in color by @timshafertattoos If you would like to book with Tim, reach out to him directly through his Instagram or simply stop by the shop. We are open 11am-7pm everyday.
Classic imagery of a swallow and horseshoe tattooed by @travisalantattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
A bull tattooed by @julissayaselintattoo in black and grey. If you would like to book with her, stop by the shop or message her directly.
#jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
A gator tattooed on the top of the forearm by @crytat2 Clayton is working by appointment only, and his working days are Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. If you would like to book with him reach out to him directly through his Instagram.
A chickadee bird tattooed in a frame by @zwestcott Zach works Saturday-Wednesday and loves doing custom work. Stop by the shop or DM him to set an appointment up. Our consultations are always free. The shop is open 11am-7pm everyday.
#jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
A wolf in sheep’s clothing tattooed by @timshafertattoos #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattoos
A pin up magician girl tattooed by @travisalantattoo Travis works Tuesday-Friday, if you would like to book with him shoot a message to his account or stop by the shop!
#jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
A pirate girl pin up tattooed by @julissayaselintattoo if you would like to book with her feel free to shoot her a message or stop by the shop. Julissa works Thursday-Monday. #jacksonvilletattooartist #jacksonvilletattoos
A crawling gator on the side of the elbow by @crytat2 Clayton works Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays by appointment. If you would like to book with him, simply reach out to his Instagram.
#jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist
A shrimp boat special made by @zwestcott Zach works Saturday-Wednesday, if you would like to book with him simply stop by the shop or send him a message.
Creature from the black lagoon tattooed by @timshafertattoos if you would like to get tattooed by him, feel free to reach out to him personally or stop by the shop to chat. Tim works Wednesday-Saturday. Consultations are always free.
#jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
A rabbit tattooed by @travisalantattoo if you would like to book with him, feel free to stop by the shop anytime. His schedule is Monday-Friday.
#jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist #traditionaltattoos
Our friend @0perfect.blue0 will be tattooing with us for a few days while he is in town. Message him directly for availability.
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#jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist #traditionaltattoo #americantraditional #tattoo #jacksonvillefl #jacksonvilletattooshop #floridaman
Here is a little dancing frog by our very own @ivytontattoo. She has a style and approach to traditional that just can’t be duplicated. If you would like to book an appointment with her, just reach out directly or come by the shop.
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#jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist #traditionaltattoo #americantraditional #tattoo #jacksonvillefl #jacksonvilletattooshop #floridaman
Florida gator tattooed by our very own @julissayaselintattoo.
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#jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist #traditionaltattoo #americantraditional #tattoo #jacksonvillefl #jacksonvilletattooshop #floridaman
A reaper tattoo done by @crytat2 if you would like to book with Clayton he works Mondays and Tuesdays exclusively by appointment only. Call the shop or shoot him a DM to get on his schedule. #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist
If you are looking to start a back piece tattoo, look no further. @zwestcott has the eye for it. You can reach out to him directly or come by to visit the shop. If you want your tattoo done right, do it at Mister Tattoo. .
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#jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist #traditionaltattoo #americantraditional #tattoo #jacksonvillefl #jacksonvilletattooshop #floridaman
Made by our very own @timshafertattoos if you would like to book with Tim, reach out to him directly or just stop by the shop when he is working. Whatever is most convenient for you. #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist
A bold bear head tattooed on the chest by @travisalantattoo if you would like to get tattooed by Travis, feel free to call or stop by the shop.
#jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
A black and grey baga yaga by @julissayaselintattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
A black and grey wolf tattooed by @crytat2 , Clayton is taking appointments every Monday and Tuesday. If you would like to book with him, shoot him a DM or simply call the shop. #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist #traditionaltattoo
This tattoo was made by @zwestcott. If you are looking for American traditional tattoo but with a contemporary vibe, Zach makes custom drawings from scratch. If you want to make sure your tattooing is truly 1 of 1 hit him up.
Tattoo made by @timshafertattoos. Come stop by the shop for walk ins or make an appointment for large custom work. #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist
Hot stuff devil tattooed by @travisalantattoo right here in Jacksonville Florida. #jacksonvilleartist #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattoo
A vulture tattooed by @julissayaselintattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
@crytat2 is working by appointment at the shop. And every other Saturday taking walk ins. If you are looking for some of the cleanest traditional tattoos in Jacksonville Florida, look no further. You found it. #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist
Made by @travisalantattoo. If you want to book with him, just call the shop or send a DM. #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist #jacksonvilletattoo
Shoutout to @zwestcott for this awesome tattoo done in Jacksonville, Fl. #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist
A pin up tattooed by @julissayaselintattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
A love leopard tattooed on the knee by @timshafertattoos #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
‼️BREAKING‼️ @travisalantattoo is taking appointments and walk ins Monday- Friday. #jacksonvilletattooartist #jacksonvilletattoos
Knight tattooed by @zwestcott #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
@julissayaselintattoo does nice tattoos, don’t you think? You can book with her on Thursdays, fridays and Mondays. Or walk-in and get tattooed by her on Saturday and Sunday. #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist
Pinky yun style tiger made by @timshafertattoos. You can message his personal account for booking info. Either that, come by the shop to meet in person. #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist
Skellyman made by @travisalantattoo. Follow him for more. If you would like to schedule an appointment, just come by the shop at your convenience. Every Monday-Friday. #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist
Classic Tony Polito cowboy skull tattooed by @julissayaselintattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @crytat2 #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @timshafertattoos #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
This eagle/dragon tattoo is brought to you by @travisalantattoo. If you are into this style of work, DM him directly for booking at appointment. He works Monday-Friday. #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist
Panther and Rose made by @zwestcott #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist
Laugh now, cry later masks tattooed by @ivytontattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
A lovely black and grey sacred heart tattooed by @crytat2 #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tiger by @timshafertattoos. If you want something like this, hit him up on his Instagram. #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @travisalantattoo. He works Monday-Friday. If you would like to book an appointment come by the shop and talk in person. He is always happy to take on new projects. #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @zwestcott #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Pin up tattooed by @julissayaselintattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Bright and bold Godzilla tattooed by @timshafertattoos #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist #godzillatattoo
A tiger tattoo made right here at Mr. Tattoo by @travisalantattoo. Check out his page and give a follow if you like bright and bold tattooing. #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @zwestcott #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @julissayaselintattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @timshafertattoos #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattoo made by @travisalantattoo. Travis has now been tattooing for 18 years.
Tattooed by @zwestcott #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @julissayaselintattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @timshafertattoos #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @travisalantattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @zwestcott -Jaguars season is close at hand. And if you want a jag head that is bright, bold, and unique for the 2024 season and beyond, Then come to us here at Mister Tattoo.
Tattooed by @julissayaselintattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @crytat2 #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @timshafertattoos #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @travisalantattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @zwestcott #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @julissayaselintattoo /// looking for a tattoo for a deal? She has a few she is running… go to her page and DM her, together you can combat the rising inflation with a tattoo that won’t break the bank.
@alexblackwelltattoo will be with us July 23rd-29th. DM him directly for his availability, and get something cool while he’s here.
Tattooed by @crytat2 #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @timshafertattoos #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @travisalantattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattoo, made to fit the spot, by @zwestcott #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by our apprentice @julissayaselintattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist #tattooapprentice
Tattooed by @crytat2 #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @timshafertattoos #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
No gimmicks. Just business as usual. Come by if today is your day!!
Tattooed by @travisalantattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @zwestcott #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @timshafertattoos #jacksonvilletattoo #jackosnvilletattooartist
Tattoo by @travisalantattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @zwestcott #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by our apprentice @julissayaselintattoo #jacksonvilletattoos #jacksonvilletattooartist #tattooapprentice
Tattooed by @crytat2 #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @timshafertattoos #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @travisalantattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @zwestcott #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @timshafertattoos #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @travisalantattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @zwestcott #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by the newest member of our shop @julissayaselintattoo. She is an up and coming tattoo apprentice. She will be posting designs on her page that she will be doing for a very friendly price while she holds the title of apprentice. With that said, don’t let the title apprentice fool you, she takes her application seriously and the quality shows. #jacksonvilletattooartist #jacksonvilletattoos
Tattooed by @timshafertattoos #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
Tattooed by @travisalantattoo #jacksonvilletattoo #jacksonvilletattooartist
