October 10th is celebrated as Sento Day, a tradition established in 1991 by the Tokyo Sento Association. If you haven’t had the chance to try a sento yet, why not take this opportunity to experience and enjoy Japan’s unique bath culture? It’s a perfect way to relax and immerse yourself in a centuries-old tradition.
If you’re interested in exploring more about Japanese culture and traditions, please take a look at below.
In Japan, a “sento” is a public bathhouse where people can relax and clean themselves. If it’s your first time in Japan, you might wonder about the differences between onsen, sento, and super sento. Here are the basic definitions:
Onsen:
Sento:
Super Sento:
Source: 江戸川区浴場組合
If you are visiting a sento, make sure to check these important rules before you experience one:
By following these simple guidelines, you’ll have a more enjoyable and respectful experience at the bathhouse.
Source: Tokyo Sento Association
Here are the basic steps you can follow to take a bath in a sento: