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It's been well over a year now since my first trip to a sento, but I can still recall the traumatic experience. At the time I was completely ignorant of the few simple but vitally important rules that one should obey when within the walls of these steamy places...

Japanese Tales: Japanese Sentos and Onsens: A User's Guide

Joseph Tame
2006-06-30 12:04:35

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The rituals of Japanese Sentos

It's been well over a year now since my first trip to a sento, but I can still recall the traumatic experience. At the time I was completely ignorant of the few simple but vitally important rules that one should obey when within the walls of these steamy places. Using some rare photographs taken inside a sento (cameras are strictly not permitted for obvious reasons - this particular sento however was on board a very quiet ship), I shall guide you through the Sento Experience.

What is a sento and what should I do there?

A sento is a basically a public bathroom. It is important to make sure that you are using the correct entrance as they are always segregated (men/women). The first room is of course the changing room which will often be equipped with hair dryers, shaving points, weighing scales and perhaps electronic massage chairs. You should also find a load of old Manga comics. Undress completely - you should have a small towel with you for scrubbing yourself clean - if you're feeling modest you can hide your bits with it!

Leaving the changing room you will go into the main tiled bathroom. There you will find lots of little plastic stools and bowls, in front of a row of taps, shower heads, soap and shampoo (as pictured right). Pick a place, and scrub yourself from head to foot. If there are children in there they will no doubt stare at you as in some parts of Japan to see a gaijin (foreigner) is quite a novelty, let alone a completely naked gaijin! Before moving from your seat make sure that you have rinsed off all the soap, as contaminating the big bath with it is one of the greatest sins!

My first sento experience was in Hokkaido, in a remote community centre. I had no idea that I was supposed to wash myself before getting in the tub and was quite bemused when the five Sumo-sized ...