Top 4 Sento, aka Public Baths (Notes from Under the Tatami Mats–78 … My Adventures in Japan)

The Japanese have taken the art of bathing to a whole new level; transcendence.

Years ago, most Japanese homes did not have any bathing facilities, let alone a bathtub or a shower. When people needed to bathe, they would go to the local bathhouse.

These neighborhood bathhouses consisted of not much more than 10–20 shower stalls and a central hot tub. Simple but effective.    _{(Image source)}

Modern convenience

Today, many old neighborhoods still have small bathhouses, often located down some narrow side street. Those old baths still have only a handful of shower stalls and one hot tub, with maybe a small steam sauna in the corner.

Nothing fancy, but many of them remain in business. However, with the modern convenience of a shower in every home, those old bathhouses attract fewer and fewer clients.    _{(Image source)}

For your pleasure. Your ultimate pleasure.

Nevertheless, the Japanese have not abandoned the art of bathing. Instead, they’ve improved it, and taken it to a whole new level. 

Over the past few decades, a number of large, ultra-modern bathing complexes have opened in most Japanese cities.

These sparkling new facilities might have 50 or more shower stalls, several hot tubs of various temperatures, a cold tub, a Jacuzzi, a jet bath, an outdoor bath or two, a tea bath, an herbal bath, an electrical bath (Yep, an electrical bath. Zap!), a steam sauna, a dry sauna … and maybe even a waterfall bath.

All for your pleasure and relaxation. And mine.    _{(Image source)}

Note re the aforementioned “shower stalls”: When taking a shower, the Japanese sit on small stools.  

Which makes a lot of sense.
See my comment in Tatami Note #12 re "perfection" .

   Introduction to – “Notes from Under the Tatami Mats”  _{(right-click on title)}

Top 2 Misspellings of My Name by Japanese People

Top 6 Nicknames for Yours Truly

Top 3 Meanings of “Koorin” When Written in Kanji

... and more

Links to my Other Series …

      Introduction – "Intro to Vocab-ability"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Guide – "Guide to Entries"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Index– "Index" to all Chapters and Sections   _{(right-click on title)}

      Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 1"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 2"   <sub>(right-click on title)

Images sourced from Google Images, unless otherwise indicated or unless my own.</sub>