Sento was popular in Tokyo about 400 years ago.
Tokyo was called Edo at that time.
Old Japanese house were made by wood.
Therefore fires is often.
It had been prohibited that make a fire in each home for bath.
For that reason,except for some wealthy,everyone was using a Sento.
Sento was indispensable for the life of ordinary people.
Sento is closely related to the life of ordinary people still.
It has also the role of the social meeting place.
They make the exchange of information in the region.
Let me introduce some of the features of the Sento.
●Picture is drawn on the wall.
The wall of the Sento is tiled.
The dynamic painting is depicted in this wall.
For example, a picture of Mount Fuji.
If Japanese imagine Sento,many people would think of a wall painting of Mount Fuji was drawn.
But,There are only few artisans who can painting this picture now.
You visit Sento and you meet a great picture written by craftsmen,it is very lucky.
●Some manners.
When you use the Sento, you must be observed manners.
For example,
- Enter the bathtub after washing your body.
- Do not make noise.
- Not run.
- Do not dye your hair in washing place.
- Do not wash the clothes in the washing place.
etc...
Manners are not forced,but It's meant for users be comfortable each other.
●Let drink the milk after bath.
Various drinks are sold in the Sento.
Drink to symbolize the Sento is milk.
There is also a milk flavor of coffee and fruit.
Its taste is probably peculiar to Japan.
Recently, super Sento is increasing,it's Sento highly entertaining。
It has a sauna and bathtub of many types,and you can enjoy a play or meal.
Super Sento's amusement park that can be long stay.
At the end,I tell you.
Many Sento facilities prohibits the intrusiveness of the people with a tattoo.
Tattoo was a symbol of the outlaw in old Japan.
Even in modern Japan, tattoo does not give a good impression to people.
Even if it is fashion.
