Instructions for using the sento public bath in Japan
Public bathhouses in Japan, also known as sento, are an integral part of Japanese culture and daily life. Sentos are considered social spaces and areas for relaxation in the community. The sento's traditional architecture includes separate bathrooms for men and women, bathing and shampooing areas.
Currently, the public bathhouses have been upgraded with modernization, including steam rooms, private baths and soaking rooms. Services such as restaurants, eateries and shopping areas are also integrated in sento to bring convenience and comfort to visitors.
Before using a public bath, there are a few things to keep in mind. Before entering the public bath, you should shower and dry yourself before entering the changing room. In addition, towels should not be placed in public baths to maintain hygiene and order.
Fees to use public baths in Japan are quite common and average around 400 yen for an adult. However, fees can vary depending on the province and city, and super bathhouses can have higher service fees, ranging from 500 to 2500 yen for adults.
When using public bathrooms, there are rules to follow to ensure hygiene and order. You should put personal belongings neatly and do not splash water around. Before leaving the bathroom, make sure to put everything back in its proper place and clean the tub to keep the next person clean. If the public bath provides items such as soap, shampoo, shower gel, and towels, prepare them yourself or buy them at the counter.
After bathing, Japanese people often use saunas and stone saunas. Before entering the sauna, you should dry your body and wash off your sweat with cold water to close your pores. In the stone sauna, keep order and avoid interrupting others. It should also be noted that do not fall asleep in the stone sauna and always maintain general hygiene.
However, there are certain situations where public baths should not be used, including during menstruation and when there is an open wound and bleeding. In this case, it is advisable to find out the specific regulations of each public bath to ensure comfort and respect.
The above information is for general purposes only and is subject to change depending on the specific public bath. Therefore, when using sento, follow the instructions and rules of that bathhouse for the best experience.
