Bathing Etiquette in Sento
Do you know the word "SENTO"?
SENTO is Japanese style public bathhouse.
This sign means bath or bathing facilities.
When you head to Sento, it's a good idea to try to find this sign.
In general, Sento does not allow that male and female take a bath together.
( children under 10 are excepted )
You want to enjoy Sento comfotably, don't you?
Here are some bathing etiquette that you should keep in your mind.
First of all, you must take off your clothes.
You are not allowed to wear the swimming suit or the underwear.
Don't hesitate to be naked !!
Before getting into the bathtub,
please wash out the sweat of your body slightly with a pailful of hot water.
When you get in the bathtub,
please do not soak your towel in it.
It's OK to put your towel on the head like this monkey.
If you have long hair, you should do up your hair with rubber band, towel, or shower cap.
Otherwise, it gets insanitary that the hair is floating in the bathtub.
In Japan, you are supposed to wash yourselves outside the bathtub.
When you take a shower,
pay attention not to splash water on other people.
You are not supposed to do the laundry in Sento.
Also, you are not supposed to swim or dive in the bathtub.
Please don't forget to dry yourselves on a towel before returning to the dressing room,
Otherwise, the floor of the dressing room gets soaked by water.
It becomes slippery, and there's a risk of tumble.
One more thing to tell you.
Almost all Sento don't allow people with tatoo to enter.
People who got drunk are not allowed to enter as well.
Now, you have knowledge of bathing etiquette.
Enjoy Sento in Japan !!