Atelier Hannibal · Macher Studios
Euskirchen
This is where it all began. The first Atelier, right in the centre of Euskirchen.
- Address
- Hochstraße 34a, 53879 Euskirchen
- Tue to Satt
- 10:00 to 17:30
- Services
- Tattoo
JAPANESE TATTOOS IN EUSKIRCHEN, HÜRTH AND ERFTSTADT
Japanese. Conceived on a large scale, tattooed in flowing lines.
Koi, dragon, Hannya, peony, carried by wind and waves that follow your body. In a free consultation we plan your design and the route there, session by session.
5.0 from over 600 Google reviews, plus 3 Artists for this style
Free consultationYour Artist sets the priceAt the Atelier or via video call
Real work from our Ateliers
Cover-up
Fantasy · Japanese
Fantasy · JapaneseGood to know
Why is the background so important in Japanese tattoos?
Because it is what turns the motif into a tattoo. Wind, water, clouds, rocks and petals connect the koi or dragon to the body, give it direction and movement, and fill the area so that the piece reads as a whole from a distance. A koi without water just sits on the skin. A koi in water swims up the arm. The background is usually black and grey, the main motifs in colour, which creates the typical contrast. If you want the classic effect, plan the background from the start, even if it is tattooed in a later session.
What do the classic motifs mean?
Every motif carries a meaning you should know before you wear it. The koi stands for perseverance and rising up, the dragon for wisdom and protection, the Hannya mask for jealousy and transformation, the peony for prosperity, the cherry blossom for transience, the tiger for courage, the foo dog for protection. Motifs are often combined by season, cherry blossoms in spring, maple in autumn. Our Artists advise you on which combinations work together and which contradict each other in the tradition. It doesn't have to become a textbook, but a motif with a fitting meaning is easier to wear.
How does a large Japanese project work?
In stages. First comes the design for the whole area, for example the arm from the shoulder joint to the wrist, or the back. Then the sessions follow in a set order: lines, shading of the background, colour of the main motifs, details. Between appointments the skin heals for a few weeks. A sleeve or back piece therefore takes months, not days, and that is normal for this style. After the first session you already see the complete composition in lines. If you would rather start smaller, begin with a motif that can be extended later, such as a koi on the forearm that the water later carries up to the shoulder.
How do I prepare references, and what about colour?
Bring references for mood and motif, but don't expect a copy. Japanese work depends on the Artist drawing the motif for your area, with movement that suits the musculature. With colour, less but more saturated is the rule. Red, orange, blue and green in large areas last for decades, and the black and grey background ages more gracefully than any other element of a tattoo. A pure Black & Grey version is possible and has a calmer effect. What matters is the body flow: the composition follows the lines of your body, not the other way round. We clarify this in the consultation, directly on the spot.
What the price depends on
With Japanese work, the area is the main factor in the effort, along with the background, the share of colour and the density of detail. Large projects are done over several sessions, each charged separately, so the process stays easy to plan. A single motif on the forearm is finished much sooner than a back piece. Your Artist sets the price after the free consultation.
More in the price guide: How much does a tattoo cost?Wanna-dos
Ready-made motifs
Ready-made Japanese designs by our Artists, from a single koi to a Hannya, each tattooed only once and at the Artist's price.
Wannado · one of a kind
Abstract / Brushstroke
Abstract / BrushstrokeWannado · one of a kind
Faces · Abstract / Brushstroke
Faces · Abstract / BrushstrokeWannado · one of a kind
Blackwork
BlackworkWannado · one of a kind
Abstract / Brushstroke
Abstract / BrushstrokeAvailable at
Your Ateliers and Artists
Artists for this style, across all Ateliers:
Atelier Hannibal · Macher Studios
Hürth
15 minutes from Cologne. Tattoo and piercing under one roof.
- Address
- Kaulardstraße 21, 50354 Hürth-Efferen
- Tue to Frii
- 11:00 to 18:00
- Satt
- 11:00 to 17:00
- Services
- Tattoo and piercing
Operated by Major.ttts, owner Mario Krampf
Erftstadt
Mario's Atelier, just behind the market square in Lechenich.
- Address
- Franz-Busbach-Straße 3a, 50374 Erftstadt-Lechenich
- Appointments
- by arrangement
- Services
- Tattoo
How it works
How you get to your tattoo.
- 01EnquiryTell us what you have in mind. Motif, size and placement can still be open.
- 02Free consultationAt the Atelier or by video call. We introduce you to Artists who suit your idea.
- 03AppointmentYou agree the design, price and appointment directly with your Artist.
What remains is on the skin.
Fineline★★★★★
“I'm so thrilled with the result. The service and the effort you put in is really awesome. This was definitely not my last tattoo from you. Thank you. (Translated from German)”
Mara H.October 2026Hürthtattooed by Camila
Google review · photo shared with permission
★★★★★
“Many other tattoo studios turned down my wish for a cover-up with ‘That's not possible.’ […] Asaf created the cover-up over a longer process, took a lot of time for my wishes and comments and kept adjusting the sketch until I was happy. (Translated from German)”
Michèle B.May 2026Hürthtattooed by Asaf
Google review · photo shared with permission
★★★★★
“From the first consultation to the last needle stroke, it was simply perfect. The team is so warm, and visiting the studio now feels like coming home for me. (Translated from German)”
Euskirchentattooed by Hannibal
Lorena · Customer reviewFrequently asked questions
Which placements are typical for Japanese?
Arm, leg, back and chest, because the style loves large, continuous areas. Ribs and sternum are more sensitive than the upper arm and thigh. Guide values are on our body placement pages.
How many sessions does a Japanese sleeve take?
That depends on the area, the colour and your skin, usually several sessions over a few months. Your Artist will give you a realistic number for your project in the consultation.
Can I incorporate or cover existing tattoos?
Often, yes. A dark background of wind and water covers old motifs well and joins existing tattoos into one area. Send us photos and we will tell you what can be incorporated.
Is the consultation available via video call, and are payment in instalments possible?
Yes to both. The free consultation is available in Euskirchen, Hürth and Erftstadt or via video call. Some of our Artists offer payment in instalments, usually via PayPal or Klarna. Whether they do, on what terms and over what period is decided by the Artist, who will tell you in the consultation. The studio is not involved. To prepare for long sessions, the preparation guide will help.
Free consultation