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Sentou
Sentou are public bathhouses with a large bath, the size of a pool. They first appeared in the Edo Period (1603-1867). Sentou bloomed as a necessary public facility due to growing populations, and as popular places to socialize. Sentou are often portrayed in "Ukiyoe" of the Edo Period.
Even after modernization, sentou were necessary and a lot of people used them. However, after the period of high economic growth, most houses and apartments had a bath, then the number of sentou suddenly decreased. Today, the style of sentou has been changing with installment of saunas, spas and health equipment to attract people.
Either sentou or at home, the Japanese wash and rinse themselves before soaking in the bathtubs. Click here to learn how to use Japanese-style bath.
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