sento

Japanese bath

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The sento is a Japanese public bathhouse, a common facility throughout Japan. In a sento, bathers wash themselves thoroughly before entering a communal soaking pool, which is separate from the washing area. The water in the tub is typically heated to around 110°F (43.3°C) or hotter. This practice of hot-water soaking, with its distinct separation of washing and bathing, has influenced bathing customs in other countries.1

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2 Britannica Sources

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bath

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…a public bathhouse, called a sento, is common throughout Japan. It has its counterparts in youth hostels, hotels, dormitories, and inns. An attendant sells tickets at the entrance. Having paid, the bather enters the public dressing room for the appropriate sex. Clothing goes into lockers or into plastic or rattan…
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…a public bathhouse, called a sento, is common throughout Japan. It has its counterparts in youth hostels, hotels, dormitories, and inns. An attendant sells tickets at the entrance. Having paid, the bather enters the public dressing room for the appropriate sex. Clothing goes into lockers or into plastic or rattan…
Read More