(another photo of my new zoo-crush, Farsi the baby hippo in Switzerland)

Ahhhhhhhh Bathtime.

One of THE BEST things about Japan is the bath culture. Seriously. There is bath etiquette that can be a little intimidating at first, and you can't be shy. But if you can deal with those two factors, there is almost nothing better than a bath at a Japanese onsen or even at a local city bathhouse called a SENTO. I will save the fancy onsen resort post for another time-- this one is going to be about those local city bath-houses.

There is one of these little oasis about 6 mins walk from my apartment. for 300-400 yen or about $4, you can go in, lather up and get cleaner than is ever possible in a plain old shower at home, and then relaaaaxxxx in a mini-pool sized hot hot hot bath. It takes away all the stress, all the aches and pains, all the tension.

When you finally climb out and dry off and meander back home, sleep will come easier than you can imagine.

Here is a 101 lesson, so that when you come over to visit me in Japan you will be all ready for your bath experience.

The baths are (with rare exception) segregated. When you come in the front door, there will be an attendant (more often than not a little old lady) behind a window-booth in the entry way. You pay her your coins, and then go to the door with the curtain that has the symbol for your gender.

Behind that curtain, the wonders of the local bath-house await. First you will find yourself in a little locker room. Go ahead, get naked, stash your stuff and bring your bath gear into the next room. (most japanese don't wrap in a big towel, but only bring a small one with them) There is not a high store set on modesty from here on out.

Next you grab a little plastic bucket stool, and pull up in front of a low row of mini faucets and shower heads. Get wet, suds up, and clean yourself everywhere! The more suds the better. The room is brightly lit and super clean, so this is a great spot for shaving, shampoo, you do it all! Ladies make sure to put your hair up when you are done.

THEN and ONLY THEN, do you head over to the big, super hot, glorious baths! You wash first, get it... the tubs are for soaking. (like hot tubs but waaaayyyy better) There are usually multiple types, cold, mid range hot, and volcano. There are also usually jaquizzi type set ups with jets of water. Sometimes there are herbal baths, with big aromatic tea-bag like things floating around.

I find that keeping a cold washcloth with you, usually on your head, helps you stay in a bit longer when the water is pretty hot.

This is one of the most everyday-- totally relaxing things in the world. A long hot soak. ahhhhhhh

Then, when you are totally pruney- get out, and dry off. Normally you don't need to bring to much stuff with you. They often have hairdryers, etc. in the main locker room. Often there is a massage chair out there too, for a 100 yen coin you get about a 5 min. massage.

Here's one of the best parts-- since this bath house is right in your neighborhood- and since this is common and normal behavior-- you don't want to put back on dirty clothes, so get this... you can put your pajamas on and walk home! Seriously-- I see people do this all the time. Leave the bath house in your jammies and go home and crash.

Bath culture-- ur doin it pritty darn gr8 akshully!

Read more about Japanese bathing, etiquitte etc.;

Wikipedia

More information in this (minus the heath risk part!) great video!
Gotta love those monkeys! And the health risk seems to be 100% with elderly Japanese. (so no stopping the bath for me)

See you at the Sento!
(pt 2 about ONSENS coming soon)