Tattoos are a much bigger deal in Japan, as they’re usually looked down upon and most jobs won’t hire you, as tattoos have a long history with the yakuza (Japanese mafia)
Even in the states it's similar. You can do a walk-in at some places, but usually you need at least an initial consultation unless it's a really simple piece.
I guess it depends on where you live in the State's. I have 3 tattoos and all of mine were just walk-ins, and no one even mentioned a consultation.
*and I live in the States as well. I guess I should have added that. :-)
From what I heard in japan need to have like a certificate to do tattoo. Like how doctors gets licence and such. Yeah I just heard that from pewdiepie's video when went and got a tattoo in japan :3 (atleast how I understand 'cause I was playing while listening to the the video as a background noice)
In Japan, do you really need to make an appointment with counseling and follow-up to get a tattoo? O.O