While many tourists know about “onsen” (hot springs), fewer are familiar with “sento,” Japan’s traditional public bathhouses.
A sento is not just a place to wash; it’s a window into everyday Japanese life and a fantastic way to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to enjoy your first sento experience.
What’s the Difference Between Sento and Onsen?
The main difference lies in the water.
- Onsen (温泉): Uses naturally hot, geothermally heated water with specific mineral content. Often found in volcanic regions and resort towns.
- Sento (銭湯): Uses heated tap water. They are neighborhood bathhouses found in residential areas, serving the local community.
What to Bring
You can prepare these items yourself, or often buy or rent them at the sento.
- Large Towel: For drying off after your bath.
- Small Towel: For washing your body and for modesty when walking around the bathing area.
- Soap/Body Wash and Shampoo: Some sentos provide them, but it’s good to have your own.
- Change of Clothes: Something comfortable to wear after your bath.
- Cash: For the entrance fee (typically 500-800 yen) and for renting towels or buying a cold drink afterward.
Pro-Tip: Many sentos offer a “tebura set” (手ぶらセット), which means an “empty-handed set” that includes a towel, soap, and shampoo for a small fee.
How to Sento: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps for a smooth and respectful experience.
Step 1: Arriving and Paying
At the entrance, you’ll pay at a front desk (“bandai”) or a vending machine.
Be sure to enter the correct changing room: 男 (otoko) for men and 女 (onna) for women.
Step 2: The Changing Room (Datsuijo)
Find a locker, undress completely, and place your clothes and large towel inside.
You only take your small towel and washing supplies into the bathing area.
Step 3: The Washing Area (Araiba)
This is the most important step.
Before entering the bath, you must wash your body thoroughly.
Find an empty washing station (a stool and a faucet/shower), sit down, and scrub clean.
This keeps the bathwater clean for everyone.
Step 4: Soaking in the Tubs
Now it’s time to relax.
Enter the baths slowly as they can be very hot.
You can try different tubs with various temperatures or features.
Important: Your small towel should never go into the bathwater. You can place it on your head (a classic sento look!) or on the side of the tub.
Step 5: After the Bath
Before re-entering the changing room, use your small towel to wipe off most of the water from your body.
Dry off completely with your large towel in the changing room.
Key Sento Etiquette
- Photography is strictly forbidden in changing and bathing areas.
- Keep your voice down. A sento is a place for quiet relaxation.
- Do not swim or splash in the tubs.
- Regarding Tattoos: While many onsen prohibit tattoos, sentos are often more lenient. However, policies vary. It’s best to check their website or look for signs. Many tattoo-friendly sentos are listed on sites like Tokyo Sento Map.
Visiting a sento is a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture and feel like a local. Give it a try!
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