Of all the crazy unique things Japan is home for, one of the most interesting and cultural activities to do is to enjoy a Japanese Sento. This is otherwise known as a Public bathhouse.
The Sento has existed for over 400 years in Japan. In modern day Japan, houses are now built with bathing facilities and running water, making the Sentos a smaller commodity. Numbers of Sentos are dwindling as Japanese citizens can afford baths or showers in their personal homes.
If you are a Sento virgin, you might want to pay close attention. If you're ready to take the plunge and you're not an average shy tourist, read ahead.
You must remove your shoes, which is the first thing you do when entering a Japanese private place anyway. After purchasing your ticket, you will enter the section based on your sex- Male or Female.
Once you put your belongings away, you are now ready for the Sento. There are two parts: where you wash and where you relax. Do not mix up the two. You will bathe every inchof your body before relaxing.
Finally, time to unwind and enjoy the Sento. These may vary. Some might have scented bath oils, or will just have plain hot water. Remember, Sentos are respected areas. This is not a place to canoodle or cause a ruckus. Sit back and relax.
I'm ready to book a flight to Japan just to experience this one!
Would you or have you visited a Japanese Sento?
Of all the crazy unique things Japan is home for, one of the most interesting and cultural activities to do is to enjoy a Japanese Sento. This is otherwise known as a Public bathhouse.
Comments (27)
I have visited them more than once. The facilites can be very different and so can the atmosphere depending on what city you are in. I had a lot more fun at a small town bath where everyone pretty much knew each other than at the big city one.
it wouldn't hurt to try one at least once. seems pretty interesting.
Taiwan also has a few public bathhouses, but nothing as complex as the Sentos in Japan.
I'd like to try one in a traditional, private setting.
I would love to visit a sento! It sounds so relaxing.
P.S. I've received two Traveler magazines so far--thank you! They're lovely.
Haha yeah.
It's funny if your'e in a group with coworkers or something, because people almost always pull perverted stuff :P
i went backpacking in japan a few years ago, and a 'hot spring' was one of the "must dos" while in japan. but i was a bit, how do i put it, shy and conservative about being completely naked! i have read some people going extra early or extra late to avoid any crowds. i know its nothing to be embarrassed about..i guess its a personal issue more than anything. but i heard nothing but positive feedback about those that have been!
I went to one in Taipei (one of the top four natural hot springs or something)
and it was nice.
But to ruin it for you all (well, the hygienic folks) . . . its got lots of dead skin floatin' around in it.. XD
TIP: Try not to look at the water too much.
hmm.. not so sure on this one.. I haven't even tried the jimjilbang yet... which is similar to a sento in some ways..
when in rome. lol unfortunately i think most sento's still have the rule: no tattoos.. so ppl like myself get shafted (only in japan though).
@lot223@xanga - All aboard the shafted train!
They definately wouldn't let me in.
@HoneyandSaliva@xanga - it's okay, i'm sure no regrets. anyways, if i wanted to get naked in a pool full of likewise naked strangers, they'd all better be the opposite sex, right? LOL
@lot223@xanga - Hah! Good point.
Idk though... I think I'd really rather like being in a pool full of naked women. ;D
[In my mind... this would turn out like an anime and they'd all be young and beautiful.]
I would, but i wouldn't book a flight to japan just for this :p
Seems nice and relaxing, but honestly, i wouldn't be able to afford it at the moment and IF i did have the money to be able to do it, i think there are other things i'd rather spend it on :]
That's definitely on my list of things to do already =]
Hmmm... :\ IDK. The relaxing part, I like. But with other strangers? No.
It looks like an amazing experience.
I will definitely go to one someday.
whats the difference with sentos and onsens
I would definitely want to, seems great; however I'm extremely shy about being naked in front of other people. It's a personal thing, and also an American one, I think...if I can get over it, I definitely want to do it =]
Dont you people get naked in the locker rooms when you go to public swimming pools? ;o
I def want to try this someday!
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