After arrival: shoe locker → ticket machine → front desk More and more facilities are now accepting cashless payments (transportation IC cards, credit cards, QR codes) at the front desk for bathing fees and amenities, but ticket machines, drink vending machines, and other facilities may only accept cash. In particular, hair dryers are mostly coin-operated, […]
First-Time Sauna & Cold Bath Guide｜Full Translation First, the Conclusion Keeping each cycle short and pleasant—“sauna → cold bath → rest”—is the fastest way to a successful experience.For beginners, aim for 6–8 minutes in the sauna → rinse → 30–60 seconds in the cold bath → 5–10 minutes of rest as one set.Do 2–3 sets […]
Conclusion｜“Bring Only the Essentials” + “Check the Signs and Ask at the Front Desk” Is the Smartest Approach Point: Amenities and payment methods vary by sento, so checking the price board and payment icons at the entrance, then asking the front desk if something is unclear, is the most reliable method. Dryers and massage chairs […]
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, […]