Public bath experience
Try this arty public bath house 銭湯 (sento) is located on the tiny island of Naoshima, about 2.5 hrs by train and ferry from Osaka. Jims Japan regularly takes travelers to this art-themed island. Bathing is segregated by gender, however a statue of an elephant is perched on top of the dividing wall, overlooking both sides. Try a public bath and you can learn about one of the important features of Japanese culture.
Rules for use of the bath
- Please refrain from taking a bath if you fall under any of the following provisions.
A person who has infectious diseases that may infect from person to person through the bathing.
A person who has diarrhea
A person who has been drinking too much.
A member of organized crime groups. - Smoking and taking photos inside the building are prohibited.
- Bathing suits may not be worn in the baths.
- Please remove your clothes before entering the bathrooms (lockers are provided).
- Please wash your body with soap before entering a tub.
- Towels cannot be borrowed from the bathhouse, and no soap or shampoo is provided. Visitors may bring their own, or purchase what they need at the attendant’s desk.
- Please do not soak towels in a bath. Please do not wash your hair and body in the bathtub.
Throw aside the inhibitions
The public bath house is an institution in Japan. As a foreigners you may wonder what is the attraction, however once you actually put aside any inhibitions and concerns you may have and give it a go you will be hooked.
A social occasion in the bath
In the bath you can converse with total strangers. Who or what you are does not matter, and the heat is great for soothing tired muscles and warding off the cold (if it is cold outside).
Links
Naoshima: http://benesse-artsite.jp/en/