Interesting Facts!! #36

36. Public Baths and Hot Springs~

In the past, many homes in Japan were not equipped with a bathtub. To fill this void, the neighborhood public bath (銭湯, sentō, lit. "coin hot water") was a place where the locals could go to wash themselves, soak in a tub and socialize with neighbors.





Nowadays, as most households have their own bath, the number of traditional public baths has decreased, but they can still be found in many of the more old-fashioned city neighborhoods. In addition, a new type of public bath has emerged in recent decades. Much larger than the traditional sento, these bathing complexes features a range of pools, saunas and fitness facilities. Some of the largest resemble small theme parks and offer various dining, entertainment and relaxation services.

Public baths are segregated by gender, and swimsuits are not worn. Some sento, typically in hot spring resort towns, utilize natural hot spring water for their baths. More commonly, however, public baths simply use heated tap water instead. Public baths can be found throughout Japan and typically cost 200 to 2000 yen ($2-$20). Some larger ones - mainly in larger cities - are open 24 hours and could be considered as budget accommodation.

Taking a bath at a public sentō requires at a bare minimum a small towel and some soap/shampoo. Attendants usually sell these items for 100-200 yen($1-$2). Many people bring two towels; a handtowel for drying and a handtowel or washcloth for washing.

Some public baths have signs refusing entry for people with tattoos. However, one may be allowed in if the tattoos are not too obvious. If one ventures to a public bathing place that is publicly owned, this should not present a problem as they have a duty to let all tax-paying citizens in. The original reason behind the ban was to keep out the yakuza.

Another type of Japanese public bath is onsen (温泉) i, which uses hot water from a natural hot spring. Natural hot springs (onsen)are numerous and highly popular across Japan. Every region of the country has its share of hot springs and resort towns, which come with them. 

There are many types of hot springs, distinguished by the minerals dissolved in the water. Different minerals provide different health benefits, and all hot springs are supposed to have a relaxing effect on your body and mind. At a hot springs, many people do not rinse off the water after getting out of the bath from the skin, to increase exposure to the minerals. In a regular sentō,people usually rinse off at the faucets.

Hot spring baths come in many varieties, indoors and outdoors, gender separated and mixed, developed and undeveloped. Many hot spring baths belong to a ryokan, while others are public bath houses. An overnight stay at a hot spring ryokan is a highly recommended experience to any visitor of Japan.

Ryokan are Japanese style inns found throughout the country, especially in hot spring resorts. More than just a place to sleep, ryokan are an opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle and hospitality, incorporating elements such as tatami floors, futon beds, Japanese style baths and local cuisine, making them popular. There are many different kinds of ryokan, varying greatly in terms of size, cost and style. Some ryokan are small, family run establishments with just a few rooms, while others are large, hotel-like facilities with hundreds of rooms. Ryokan also range from no-frills, budget varieties to costly establishments catering to the very wealthy.


While extremes exist, the average cost of a ryokan stay is between 15,000 and 25,000 yen ($150.00 - $250.00) per person, per night. While this may be too expensive to stay at everyday, it is well worth indulging on one special night during your travels.  Also keep in mind that ryokan stays usually include an elaborate dinner in the evening, followed by breakfast the next morning. Meals are typically kaiseki ryori (Japanese cuisine) that feature local and seasonal specialties.

So if you get to stay at a Ryokan, do so! Because of their emphasis on traditional style and atmosphere, ryokan may appear rigid and intimidating but don't let that stop you from experiencing something so special and relaxing.

If you visit Japan explore and have a good experience by going to a public bath, hot springs or a ryokan at least one time.

-The more you know~