Japanese Sento Experience - More Than Just Being Nude

Many tourists feel hesitant about bathing nude in public places, but in reality, when stepping into sento, no one pays attention to your body.

Japanese Sento Experience - More Than Just Being Nude

Bathing nude in public is not a cultural aspect many tourists readily embrace upon arriving in Japan. Admitting to feeling awkward without a piece of fabric to cover up, they enter communal baths with strangers.

However, for the locals, visiting sento (public bathhouses) is a cherished form of relaxation after long days of work. It's not just about undressing and getting in the water; there are several rituals involved.

Firstly, you must enter the designated section. Public bathhouses in Japan often have separate areas for men and women, but they are positioned next to each other.

When entering the designated area, it is necessary to undress completely and shampoo 'onshore' before descending into the pool. While bathing, it is advisable to sit on the stool to avoid splashing water onto neighboring individuals.

For women with long hair, it is recommended to tie it neatly to prevent hair from falling and dirtying the water in the soaking tub. When in a group, avoid talking loudly or making disruptive noise to avoid disturbing those around you. And most importantly, do not be overly self-conscious or fearful about your body when nude because in sento, hardly anyone pays attention or peeks at your physique. Everyone has their own business to attend to.

Most sento in Japan are wary and unwelcoming towards customers with tattoos. Some places even prohibit them, as many Japanese people still associate tattoos with the yakuza, the organized crime syndicate.

According to the regulations of the Tokyo Sento Association, the entrance fee for public bathhouses is 460 yen (over 90,000 VND) for anyone aged 12 and above. Children must purchase tickets at 180 yen (36,000 VND), and those under 5 years old will have a ticket price of 80 yen (16,000 VND).

The bathing water in sento is not always crystal clear. Many older sento in Tokyo use water pumped up from deep underground, resulting in natural colors like yellow or black, depending on the area. Some places may have water with a reddish hue or small black spots. You don't need to worry too much about the water color, as it is clean and contains minerals beneficial for the skin.

For most Japanese people, sento evokes memories of the past when homes were built without private baths. Therefore, people often gather at local public bathhouses to shampoo, soak in hot baths, reminiscent of days gone by.

As of September 1, 1923, Tokyo boasted a total of 2,800 sento, but just two days later, a devastating earthquake struck, leaving only around 400 public bathhouses standing, CNN reports.

Today, this number has risen to 1,200 in the Tokyo metropolitan area and 7,000 across the country.

CNN highly recommends some sento for travelers visiting Japan, such as Takara-yu, Daikoku-yu (often featured in national television programs), Rokuryu Kosen (known for its amber-colored water, great for the skin), and more.

According to Anh Minh/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour