Vancouver, BC — By Appointment
Traditional Japanese Tattooing
Wabori, irezumi and horimono — bodysuits, backpieces and sleeves, hand-drawn and composed to flow with the body.
Featured on TheBestVancouver.com as one of the best tattoo shops in Vancouver
Interviewed by Inked Vice Magazine
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The Studio
Meet the Artists
Two resident artists, each with their own focus and their own availability.
Horiryu II (Marcus)
Owner & Lead Artist
Traditional Japanese — wabori, irezumi & horimono
Currently taking large-scale projects only, by waitlist. Minimum size is a half sleeve.
Kamy Cao
Resident Artist
Japanese, Asian-inspired, anime & manga
Currently accepting new projects — from large sleeves and backpieces down to smaller standalone pieces.
和彫り
What is Wabori?
Wabori is the Japanese word for Japanese-style tattooing — the tradition most people outside Japan know as irezumi, and which tattooers themselves often call horimono. All three point to the same craft: large, unified compositions built from a shared visual language that has been refined over centuries.
What separates wabori from a collection of individual tattoos is composition. A piece is designed as a whole — the main subject, the background of wind bars, water, clouds or rock, and the flowers that mark its season all work together and follow the shape of the body. That is why the tradition favours scale: sleeves, backpieces and bodysuits give a design the room it needs to breathe and move.
- Ryu — DragonWisdom, strength and protection.
- Koi — CarpPerseverance; the fish that climbs the waterfall.
- Tora — TigerCourage, and a guard against misfortune.
- HannyaThe mask of jealousy and grief, from Noh theatre.
- Fudo MyooThe immovable protector, wreathed in flame.
- Botan — PeonyBravery and good fortune; a classic companion motif.
How It Works
From first inquiry to finished tattoo — a simple, straightforward process.
01
Submit an Inquiry
Fill out our contact form with your tattoo idea, placement, and any references. We'll get back to you within 1–2 business days.
02
In-Person Consultation
Meet at the studio for sizing, tracings, and design direction. We'll finalize your appointment date and handle paperwork.
03
Tattoo Session
Your custom design is revealed on the day of your appointment. Every client gets the time and attention their piece deserves.
About the Studio
Horiryu II Tattoo Inc. is a traditional Japanese tattoo studio in Vancouver, BC, dedicated to wabori — irezumi and horimono. Bodysuits, backpieces, full and leg sleeves, all hand-drawn and composed for the body. Appointment only.
Featured on TheBestVancouver.com as one of the best tattoo shops in Vancouver. Serving clients across Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and the Lower Mainland.
In the Press
Featured Interview
You actually have to dedicate yourself to one craft and perfect it. If you do anything less, it's not good enough.
Marcus (Horiryu II) — Inked Vice Magazine
Common Questions
How much does a Japanese sleeve tattoo cost in Vancouver?
Our artists charge an hourly rate for all tattoo work. Large-scale Japanese pieces such as sleeves or back pieces are difficult to estimate precisely, as many factors influence session time — including pain tolerance, skin condition, and the level of detail in the design. Rough time and cost estimates are provided during the in-person consultation.
How do I book an appointment?
Consultations are required, as we operate by appointment only. Consultations are free of charge; however, a non-refundable deposit is required to secure your appointment. Submit an inquiry through our contact form to get started.
Will I see the design before my appointment?
Designs are not shown prior to the appointment. The consultation ensures both the artist and client fully understand the requested concept. Minor adjustments can be discussed and agreed upon during the tattoo session.
What styles do you specialize in?
We specialize in traditional Japanese tattooing — wabori, also known as irezumi or horimono — alongside Asian-inspired work. That includes bodysuits, backpieces, full and leg sleeves, frontpieces and chest panels. Horiryu II (Marcus) works exclusively at large scale, with a half sleeve as his minimum; Kamy Cao also takes smaller standalone pieces. Every design is custom-drawn for the client.
Follow Us
Serving Vancouver & the Lower Mainland
Located at 3165 Kingsway in Vancouver, BC — serving Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, New Westminster, North and West Vancouver, Delta, Langley, Maple Ridge and beyond. We also welcome clients travelling from across Canada and the Pacific Northwest for multi-session projects.
For Tattoo Artists
Looking to join the team, guest spot in Vancouver, or rent a booth? Here's what we offer.
Private Studio Space
Work in a clean, professional, private environment. No open-floor chaos — just you and your client.
Appointment-Based
No walk-in traffic. The studio runs on appointments only, so you can focus on your work without interruptions.
Your Own Space
A dedicated booth that's yours for the duration of your rental. Set up your station the way you like it.
Prime Vancouver Location
Located on Kingsway — easy access for clients across Vancouver, Burnaby, and the Lower Mainland. Plenty of street parking.
Flexible Rates
Day, weekly, and monthly booth rental options. Whether you're passing through or settling in — we've got a rate that works.
We're Hiring
Looking for talented artists to join the team long-term. Reach out to set up an interview — we'd love to see your work.