Exciting Public Bath Experience -

10th of October is the day of Sento.

Hello from Japan! This is Haruka. I heard that some of you are interested in trying a sento (public bath) on your next trip to Japan. Although the number of sento is declining, many people still enjoy visiting them today. If you’ve tried an onsen before and want to experience something more local, here’s some information about the world of sento.

Retro Style Sento

The Difference Between Sento and Onsen Onsen (Hot Spring) • Natural: Hot water springing from the mountains • Full of minerals: Different smells, colors, and textures

Sento (Public Bath) • Artificial hot water: Tap water heated up • A community space: Easy to go near your home • Perfect for daily refreshment!

In general, "An onsen" is a special place you want to visit on a trip. ”A sento is “a relaxing place you can go in everyday life.”

Sento Fees • Adults: Around 500 yen • Children: Around 200 yen • Sauna (optional): Around +100 yen

* Many people bring their own towels and shampoo, but you can also buy or rent them.

Sento Manners At a Japanese sento, being considerate of “others around you” is very important.

1. Changing room (where you take off your clothes) • Put your clothes, underwear and belongings into a locker. × Mobile phones and cameras are strictly not allowed. ●Take hand towel to the bath area
   

2. Washing area (where you wash your body) • Sit down while using the shower so water and foam don’t splash others. • After finishing, rinse and clean your space including a chair and a bucket. • Lightly wipe your body with a towel before entering the bath.

   

   
   

3. Before entering the bath • Rinse your body with hot water (kakeyu) before soaking.

   
   

4. Towels and hair • If you have long hair, tie it up. • Keep towels away from the bath water.
   

5. Inside the bath • Keep minimum noise to respect calm and relaxing atmosphere for everyone

   x Avoid shouting, singing, diving, or swimming
   

6. Before leaving • Wipe off excess water before going back into the changing room.
   

5 Tips to Enjoy Sento More

1. “Totono-u” (Refresh & Balance) • Hot bath → Cold bath → Rest • Repeat a few times and you’ll feel refreshed both in body and mind!
   

2. Try different types of baths • Carbonated bath, jet bath, medicinal bath, electric bath, etc.
   

3. Drinks after bathing • Flavoured milk and ramune soda are classics! • Recently, having craft beer🍻has also became popular.
   

4. Talk with the locals • Start with a light greeting like “Hello・こんにちは” or “Good work today・おつかれさまです.” • They might share their favorite ways to enjoy the sento!
   

5. Use your favorite bath items • Bring your favorite towel or shampoo—it makes the experience even better♪
   

♨️How I Enjoy Sento I also love sento, and I go there from time to time. I enjoy soaking in the big baths, but I also like experiencing the atmosphere of the old buildings. Here are my personal recommendations.

Best Times to Visit Sento On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, sento can be crowded. If you prefer quieter times, it’s better to go on weekdays, right after opening or just before closing.

3 Things I Enjoy at Sento

① Unique Baths There are many kinds of baths. For example: • Jet bath (with moving water) • Electric bath (denkiburo) • “Daily special baths” with bath additives One time, I tried a wine bath! It’s a bath with wine, but since it’s not alcoholic, children can also enter. It’s said to help with stiff shoulders, sensitivity to cold, and skin care. It was very relaxing and made both my body and mind feel refreshed!

What is an Electric Bath? An electric bath gives you a mild electric stimulation in the water. It’s not the whole bath, but one-person spaces with electric current. It feels like a “tingling” sensation, and is said to improve blood circulation. When I was a child, I went in without knowing and was shocked, so I’m a little afraid of it. But when I see both kids and adults looking so comfortable in it, I think, “Maybe I should try again.” Still… it’s a little scary for me.

② Sauna By repeating “hot sauna → cold bath,”you can refresh yourself greatly!I recommend giving it a try.

③ The Homely Atmosphere What I love most is the warm atmosphere. At old sento, there are many regular visitors. People enjoy not only the bath, but also conversations with the staff and others. Even though I only go occasionally, they always welcome me kindly. At sento, you can feel the human connection in Japan. If you visit Japan, I hope you also enjoy the atmosphere of a sento!

Sento is more than just a place to bath. You can enjoy different types of baths, relax your body and mind, and feel connected to other people. It’s a wonderful place where you can experience the spirit of Japan! Looking for a place to learn Japanese before next trip to Japan? Come and join our conversational Japanese course! All levels are available both online and in person. Enrolment open now!: https://www.brisbanejapaneseschool.com/enrolment

Japanese conversation courses for life long learning！