Hot Spring Public Baths in Japan

While Onsens are natural hot springs, Hot Spring Public Baths in Japan is known as Sent?s. Many springs are developed, having an associated outdoor bath and/or indoor bath.

Japanese believed in 'naked communion' for breaking down barriers and getting to know each other in the relaxed homely atmosphere of an onsen inn. The hot spring public baths in Japan is a type of Japanese communal bathhouse where customers pay for entrance.

History of the Sent?

The Japanese bathing culture in general can be traced to the Buddhist temples in India, from where it spread to China and finally to Japan during the Nara period (710 to 784).

Sent? layout and architectural features

The general Layout of a Sent? or hot spring public baths in Japan includes:

- Entrance area
- Changing room
- Bathing area
- Boiler room
- Sauna

The Basic Procedure to Use a Sent?

There are some basic procedures to use a Sent? or hot spring public baths in Japan, especially for the foreigners. These include:

Equipments you need to bring:

- Small towel
- Some soap/shampoo
- Pumice stone
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shaving equipment
- Combs
- Shower caps
- pomade
- make up products
- powder
- creams

Some customers also bring their own bucket. You may also bring some drinks, or a small toy for your children.

Entering and undressing:

- Shoes are removed and kept in a shoe locker before entering the bathing area in a Sent?
- Afterwards bathers go through one of the two doors depending on their gender.
- After entering, the fee is paid
- After selecting an empty locker for your clothes and undressing, you should take the small towel, soap, shampoo, and perhaps more bathing products, and head to the bathing area.

Bathing area:

- In the bathing area, pick up a bucket and stool, and select a free set of faucets
- Carefully wash yourself at the faucet. Use the towel to scrub your back and soap and shampoo.
- When you are done showering, store your equipment in the bucket and head towards the bathtub.

Getting dressed and leaving:

- In the changing room, you can purchase a drink or some ice cream, have a cigarette (if smoking is allowed), look at the garden, and get dressed.
- Commonly there are some coin-operated massage chairs as well.
- After getting dressed, check that you didn't forget anything, go to put on your shoes, and leave. (After getting dressed, check that you didn't forget anything, put on your shoes, and leave)

There is a risk of voyeurism at Sent? or hot spring public baths in Japan. The bathhouse owners do their utmost to prohibit voyeurism and protect their business.

Sent? or hot spring public baths in Japan are major tourist attractions drawing Japanese couples, families or company groups who want to get away from the hectic life of the city to relax.

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