1. What is a Sento? Basic Knowledge You Should Know First
What is a Sento?
A Sento is a traditional Japanese public bathhouse where local people gather to relax and rejuvenate both body and mind.
Developed during the Edo period, there were over 18,000 Sentos nationwide during the Showa era. Although the number has decreased due to the spread of home baths, Sentos are once again gaining attention as places where you can enjoy a retro atmosphere and warm community interactions.
• "Experience the luxury of soaking in a large bath."
• "Feel the warmth of the community with close interactions."
These are the charms of a Sento.
Sentos are also becoming increasingly popular among foreign tourists as spots where they can experience Japanese culture firsthand.
2. Things to Know Before Going to a Sento
① Necessary Items
Convenient Items to Bring:
• Towels (small towel & bath towel)
• Shampoo & body soap (many Sentos do not provide these)
• Change of clothes (for after the bath)
• Hair ties (for those with long hair)
• Coins (for the bath fee & lockers)
Items Not Allowed:
• Swimsuits (Sentos are for bathing naked)
• Smartphones & cameras (photography is prohibited in the bath area)
Note: Many Sentos offer rentals and sales, so you can go empty-handed!
② Sento Fees
In Japan, Sento fees are standardized by each municipality.
• Example: Sento fee in Tokyo (as of 2024): 500 yen
• Sentos with saunas often require an additional fee (around 200-500 yen)
You can enjoy Sentos in Tokyo for around 500 yen! It's perfect for relieving travel fatigue.
3. How to Use a Sento (Step-by-Step Guide)
Japanese Sentos have specific bathing rules, so even first-timers can enjoy the experience with confidence. Here’s a step-by-step guide!
① Reception (Bandai or Front Desk)
• Pay the bathing fee at the bandai or front desk
• Bandai-style Sento: In traditional Sentos, the reception area has an attendant or owner sitting at the bandai.
• Front desk-style Sento: Recently, more Sentos have a reception area similar to a hotel front desk.
• Put your shoes in the shoe locker
• Take off your shoes at the entrance and place them in a locker (keep the key if there is one).
Note: You bathe naked in a Sento, so there's no need to wear a swimsuit!
② Preparing in the Changing Room
Enter the changing room and undress:
• Put your belongings in a locker and undress (including underwear).
• Place valuables in the locker (many Sentos have lockers with keys).
Points to check before bathing:
• Bathing naked is the norm (swimsuits are not allowed).
• Take one towel with you to the bath area.
• Tie long hair with a hair tie (to prevent hair from soaking in the water).
③ Entering the Bath Area & Washing Your Body
Perform "kakeyu" (pouring hot water over yourself):
• Before entering the bathtub, rinse your body thoroughly (this is called "kakeyu").
• This step is important to get accustomed to the temperature.
Sit down to wash your body:
• Sit on the provided stool and wash your body (standing while showering is not allowed).
• Use shampoo and body soap to wash your hair and body.
• Be careful not to splash water around!
Note: Japanese Sentos value the culture of conserving hot water, so don't forget to perform "kakeyu"!
④ Entering the Bathtub
Finally, soak in the large bath!
• Enter the bathtub quietly (avoid splashing).
• Do not put your towel in the bathtub (placing it on your head is common).
• Avoid long periods of soaking; take breaks as needed.
Note: The water in Japanese Sentos is usually hot! Enter slowly at first.
⑤ After Bathing & Changing Room
When getting out of the bathtub:
• Lightly wipe off the water from your body before heading to the changing room.
Dry your body with a towel & change clothes:
• Make sure to dry your hair thoroughly before going outside to avoid going out with wet hair.
4. Enjoying After the Bath
Drink Bottled Milk!
In Japanese Sento culture, there is a tradition of drinking "bottled milk" after bathing. The most popular choices are:
• Coffee milk
• Fruit milk
• Regular milk
5. Sento Etiquette (Rules to Follow)
Things you should not do:
• Wash your body in the bathtub
• Let your hair soak in the water
• Run or make noise
• Take photos or videos (for privacy reasons)
Things you should do:
• Wash your body thoroughly before entering the bathtub
• Be considerate of others around you
Summary
Sentos are valuable places where you can experience traditional Japanese culture. Even first-timers and foreign tourists can enjoy them with confidence by knowing the basic rules!
When you visit Japan, be sure to step through the curtain and enjoy the Sento culture!
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