2. Japanese Dragon Sleeve Tattoos 

Carry a symbol of good fortune on your shoulder with a Japanese dragon sleeve tattoo. The elongated curve of this mythical creature lends itself perfectly to the cylindrical shape of your arm.

If you’re thinking about a smaller piece, have your tattoo artist wrap a smaller dragon around your forearm, for it’s not the size of the dragon that counts. Regardless of its size, a dragon tattoo design still looks fierce.

A good tattoo idea is to incorporate other images from Japanese mythology or decorate the rest of the space with more contemporary designs. The koi fish is a frequent companion of dragons, as both are considered symbols of good fortune and prosperity.

3. Japanese Dragon Chest Tattoos 

Let the dragon face things first with a Japanese dragon tattoo on the chest. Wear the dragon head over your heart as the rest of it extends onto the shoulder and down your arm.

Or spread the creature across your pectorals.

An impressive tattoo design is to take the head and expand it over your heart. Snake its long and winding body down your own. Or use the chest as the main stage for a theatrical depiction that spreads across your two arms.

4. Linework Japanese Dragon Tattoos 

For a more intricate yet simple choice, consider a linework tattoo. While Japanese dragon tattoos often come drenched in a myriad of colors, your tattoo artist can create a ghostly effect by focusing on a black ink outline.

Incorporate a sketchy technique to give the appearance of a spirit of the wind. Or indulge in geometric patterns to give your Japanese dragon additional dimensions.

Since Japanese dragon tattoos are so intricate and labor intensive for both the artist and the recipient, they require multiple sessions, so the artist will do all the linework first. Some of the pieces shown below are works in progress, but even in stages, the Japanese dragon tattoo design always looks fantastic.