1. Origins: From Temple Bath Halls and Charity Bathing to Communal Bath Culture
The roots of sento lie in temple bath halls (yokudō) and charitable bathing (seyoku) that were offered to the public.
From the Nara to Heian periods, bathing served both religious training and acts of compassion, gradually spreading from temples to the general population, especially in urban centers.
By the Edo period, town-based public bathhouses called yuya emerged and bathing became part of daily life.
In wooden towns prone to fire, it was difficult for ordinary homes to have private baths, making public bathhouses a rational choice for hygiene and safety.
A yuya served not only as a place to cleanse the body but also as a social hub for conversation and information exchange — an early form of “bath as a community hub.”
2. Sento in Shinjuku: Postwar Recovery to the Height of Economic Growth
After the war, housing shortages and population concentration led to numerous sento built within walking distance in many Tokyo neighborhoods.
Shinjuku was no exception — for residents of wooden apartments and row houses, the sento functioned as the “living room of the town.”
During Japan’s rapid economic growth (1960s), Tokyo’s public bathhouses reached their peak.
In 1968 (Showa 43), the city counted roughly 2,700 sento.
Architectural features like shrine-style facades, painted Mt. Fuji murals, and large chimneys became iconic and deeply rooted in local culture.
3. The Era of Decline: Private Baths and Urban Redevelopment
From the 1970s onward, private bathrooms became standard in homes, and the number of sento gradually declined.
Improved home facilities, rising fuel costs, aging buildings, and redevelopment all contributed to long-term reduction.
However, a new lifestyle trend emerged: even people with baths at home chose to visit public bathhouses.
Sento shifted from a “necessity” to a “preference.”
4. Today: A Smaller but Stronger Network — New Reasons to Visit
In present-day Shinjuku, the number of sento is smaller, yet each continues to function as an important local anchor.
Clear information on hours, amenities, and multilingual guidance make them accessible even for first-time visitors.
Upgrades such as modern boilers, improved lighting and circulation in dressing rooms, and barrier-free renovations help balance comfort with sustainability.
With an increase in tourists and international visitors, sento now play a new role as warm, cross-cultural spaces connecting Shinjuku with the world.
5. The Essence of Shinjuku: Connecting the “Temperature Layers” of a Multilayered City
Shinjuku is a mosaic of offices, residences, eateries, nightlife, and tourism.
In this layered urban landscape, sento act as reset spots — a place to unwind between work, study, or evening plans.
These baths welcome a wide range of people, creating a relaxed, communal atmosphere where differences in age and background dissolve through shared experience.
The openness of bathing together eases the anonymity of big-city life, fostering a gentle sense of connection.
6. The Future: Preserving Heritage While Embracing Modern Updates
Traditional features like shrine-style exteriors and painted bath murals are cultural assets that should be preserved.
At the same time, modern updates — environmental efficiency, cashless payment options, enhanced saunas and lounge spaces — are increasingly essential.
By working with local communities to ensure clear guidance and comfortable environments for children, seniors, and travelers alike,
sento can continue to thrive as “the living room of the city.