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    Onizuka Tattoo

    4.6 (85 reviews)
    PriceyTattoo

    By appointment only

    Services - Onizuka Tattoo

    Tattooing

    Onizuka Tattoo Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - Onizuka Tattoo

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    Omid T.

    Horichuy is a tattoo artist god!!! My pursuit of the perfect artist led me to Onizuka tattoo. I was looking for someone skilled to complete a Japanese style tattoo while covering my old tribal piece. I received a face lift that exceeded my expectations. Through observing him in action, you quickly see his passionate and dedication show through his art. He has so much knowledge and constantly strives to push his creativity to elevated levels. He is patient, somewhat soft spoken, and very accommodating. I completed sixteen sessions over the course of ten months. I gave Horichuy the initial concept and let him come up with Masterpiece. Hands down I will come back for more work and recommend him to anyone that asks. https://www.instagram.com/p/BjJoMZkAdR9/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=cu17k7nmrgrz

    Full sleeve by Hori Chuy

    Booked a full day for every session and I couldn't be happier with the results. I'm fully healed now for over a year and going back this month for my second sleeve. Highly recommend Onizuka Tattoo.

    Jakoh-san's work
    Sean D.

    The only spot in California or the US for that matter that I would trust my body with... Ok - you know how some people go to Sushi Bars and have this incredible life-changing experience...and other people come in, and come out never wanting to return? Well, often times - it has to do with what you bring to the table - in your energy, expectations and attitude. Onizuka staff can look like badass bikers but they're very traditional, polite and etiquette driven Japanese. So if you can ignore their "look" for a sec - focus on the fact that you need to understand a little bit of respectful behavior by their standards - that is, the standards of master Japanese artists and artisans. And they are masters. Couple suggestions: 1. Call in advance, speak to reception. Then email some visuals of what you're after 2. When you arrive for a consultation, come EARLY. Do not show up late. 3. Be respectful of the fact that the artists are likely tattooing some other client and need quiet/concentration to focus, so when you enter, keep the noise level to a minimum There are 4 artists working at Onizuka, 3 of which I am familiar with. Each one has a special style and skill set. They are all different, and ALL excellent. In general, they specialize in traditional Japanese tattoo style (and techniques like tebori) but certainly produce un-traditional results. The difference between going here, and to some non-Japanese artist to get a "Japanese-style" tattoo is like...to borrow a sushi analogy again...eating a Sushi-Pop (they exist!) vs Omakase at Kimagure or Mako. You don't just get what you pay for...you get what you deserve. And those who put the time and energy into their research for the perfect tattoo artist - particularly in the realm of traditional Irezumi art...WILL...MUST come here. Cost: Reasonable but as this will take longer than your usual "flash-tattoo" based-spot, it will be a financial investment for many. Talent level: Incredible. See the pic I posted and tell me where you can find that skill level anywhere but Japan. Pain: Each artist is different but I would not expect that a large back or chest piece is going to be a lot of fun from a pain perspective. Be prepared. On the other hand, after about 15 min, you usually tune out a bit - what the Japanese call "MU" or nothingness ...try it, you'll love it lol They are booked up for a couple months at least so make sure to get your name on a waiting list. Sometimes there are open spots so check back often. In general, you will end up with a better result if you allow your artist to take the lead and create something based on your desires but not exactly created by you. If you want that, suggest you check out the 100's of other spots that will put anything you like on your body. Onizuka will turn you into art and reflect the best within you - your spirit - on your body. What else could you ask for?

    Kat I.

    All stars goes to Frankie. The drive and parking fee's a bitch but all worth it in the end. I had 3 chinese characters ink'd on my back, and Frankie was ridiculously patient and helpful. He confirmed with the Japanese/Chinese assistant there to make sure all of the characters carried the right meaning (take spanglish for example: "That girl's hot" and "That chica's muy caliente" ... doesn't translate very well does it). I can't stretch my neck that far back to see the characters, but I've been told by my chinese friends that the characters are extremely hard to draw, and especially as neat as they appear. I received even more compliments by random people walking around on college campus. When it came to doodling on my kitty, Frankie went ahead and grabbed a bunch of screens to maintain my dignity, and some napkins for himself so that he ONLY sees the specific space I want ink'd. Very sweet and professional. It's not cheap, but if you're gonna have something permanently stained on your body, better safe than sorry.

    Pink peony done by Chuy (@horichuy on Instagram)
    Criselda F.

    I got my first tattoo here by Chuy (on 3/30/17) and it was a great experience. I, first, made an appointment online through email. Marc replied quickly and I was able to get a session in with Chuy just a month later. There were availabilities much sooner, but I was not able to make it due to my work schedule. The shop itself is really cool and clean, and they have a parking lot, which is convenient. They play good music, which made the time go by quicker. Marc, the receptionist was really cool too! Since I was just getting a tattoo of a peony on my thigh, I was able to just come in on my appointment date and get the tattoo done that day. Chuy is a really nice guy and his work is amazing. His style is exactly what I wanted and the tattoo came out amazing. I'm beyond happy. I will definitely be coming back for my next tattoo. I really do recommend this shop and Chuy as your next artist!

    Tattoo by Jiro at Onizuka tattoo in Gardena
    Mad O.

    Best of the best tattoo shop in town with quality of workmanship and seriousness and passion and knowledge of the art is tattoo by Jiro, Chuy and Masa. Too five Japanese tattoo artist in the USA - Jiro-San take his trade serious so be lucky if you can get a tattoo by him...but the wait is about 6 months to 1 year away so patience is the key.....and well worth it bcuz a tattoo is forever. Keep up the great job Jiro-San and team Onizuka in Gardena and arigato for my work...:)

    Cheyenne G.

    I got my first tattoo here and I swear I'll never go anywhere else. Jiro made me feel right at home despite me being a tattoo virgin, and he totally exceeded my expectations with his artwork. He took a bland picture of a gold shachihoko statue and turned it into a masterpiece. Worth the wait and the price, the quality of the tattoo is just stunning. I'm so proud I get to wear Jiro's masterpiece for the rest of my life. 本当にありがとう!

    I'm only smiling because it was my last session. Lol
    Jennifer G.

    I had four sessions with Jiro last year, and I can't WAIT to go back - I just need to decide what I want to have done next. For years, I've searched for the right tattoo artist to trust my skin with, and now that I've found him, I'll never go anywhere else. Jiro has great visions and I trust him completely. While most tattoos begin with a sketch on paper then transfer via stencil to your body, he sketched my tattoo right on my skin - because of the placement on my body. It's fits me absolutely perfect. If you want to book with him, you're going to have to sign up early and don't bitch about how far in advance you have to make your appointment - he is worth the wait. I waited three or four months for my first appointment. Also, don't forget to TIP HIM. Sure, you're forking out dough for your tattoo, but you can't get his expertise anywhere - so respect the art and him with a TIP!

    fresh ink by Jakoh!
    Tesia K.

    Had to reschedule like 3 times to save up for the big day but the scheduler was pretty cool and never gave me any problems. Cash only. Jakoh gave me a lion tatt on the inside of my arm. Emailed him a photo and he added his own artistic shading so it wasn't a straight line, more fading into appearance. Looks like someone got graphite and sketched onto my arm. He said a good tip for tattooing is to practice to extend the lead in a mechanical pencil really long and draw without breaking the lead. Had a really light touch, no scarring at all in the entire area. Truly an artiste.

    Peony half sleeve by Jiro
    Kato M.

    Onizuka Tattoo is THE BEST place for an authentic, traditional Japanese work of art. I live several states away and have been making the trip since 2010, but the travel is completely worth it. In the end, the masterpiece I get to wear every day is of unrivaled quality. Due to the high demand of this studio, it may take you a few months to be seen. But getting a tattoo at Onizuka is like dining at a four star restaurant, you cant expect to just walk in and be served- and I personally cant stress how worth the wait it is. The artists at Onizuka also happen to be fantastic people. While masters of their craft, they are also friendly and without pretense. Do a little homework on these guys and you'll find their credentials and reputation impeccable. It is a genuine honor and joy to work with them! I cant recommend Onizuka Tattoo enough!!

    Richard B.

    The ultimate in Japanese style tattoos. Jiro Yaguchi has done all of my work and all free hand. The guy is a genius though really hard to book. Check out his site as a picture is worth a whole lotta smack talking. R

    Green Dragon by Hori Taka , in progress still, outline done by machine & color done by tebori.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Onizuka Tattoo

    Do you do cover ups?

    All three tattooers at Onizuka most certainly will do cover-ups. I'm told a lot of customers who come in have old tattoos that need to be covered. You should talk to whichever artist you like and show them what you have, and that could affect… Read more

    Does Onizuka take credit cards?

    Nope

    How much is a full forearm tattoo?

    You would need to go in for a consultation. Every tattoo is different.

    I'm hapa, and i want a tattoo to represent my culture. How much would a small tattoo cost?

    Small is relative. Just go in an chat with them.

    View All 5 Questions

    Review Highlights - Onizuka Tattoo

    Hori Chuy, Mark, and Jiro made sure that everything was taken care of beforehand and everything went smoothly.

    Mentioned in 36 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Blue World Ink

    Blue World Ink

    4.7(16 reviews)
    1.6 miHarbor Gateway
    Locally owned & operated
    6 years in business

    Had a last minute appointment with Mason! He was amazing,…read moredid exactly what I asked for, very accommodating & was able to book me in the same day. Super nice, clean working area. Made both of my ideas come to life & permanently on my skin!!! Definitely recommend! Book an appointment ASAP.

    I had been searching for a new tattoo artist since I hadn't gotten any ink since 2018. I was…read moreinitially referred to someone who does great work, but to my surprise (and not my wallet's!), he was charging over $700 for what I was looking to get done. So I turned to Yelp -- which definitely came in handy as an Elite member -- and that's how I found Mason. From the very beginning, the communication was easy and comfortable. He listened to my preferences, understood that it had been years since my last tattoo, and made sure I felt at ease the entire time. Not once did I feel uncomfortable. Mason not only has a light hand (which I truly appreciated!), but he also went the extra mile and even played my song music request during the session lol. I was able to capture a few photos and videos, and overall the experience was just great. We've completed session one and have one more session to go -- and I'm already looking forward to it. Mason, thank you for your easy communication, professionalism, and the comfort you provide. You rock, and you'll definitely be my artist moving forward!

    Photos
    Blue World Ink
    Blue World Ink
    Blue World Ink - Skull coverup

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    Skull coverup

    Onizuka Tattoo - tattoo - Updated May 2026

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