MIRA HP

Japanese love of Bathing and Public Baths
Japanese people love to take baths. It is normal for many Japanese to soak in the bathtub every day.
However, there are some countries which have no bathtubs in their houses or have one, but primarily use
the shower.
It is said that the custom of taking a bath has started in the 6th century, when
Buddhism was introduced to Japan. Taking a bath was considered not only to clean up
one’s body but also to promote health and happiness. There was even an ancientsaying about taking a bath that went: “Prevent seven diseases and receive 7 kinds ofhappiness instead”. Even the people who only take showers in summer would soak in bathtubs with hotwater to warm their bodies when chilly fall and snowy winter arrives. In this article, we will introduce
Japanese traditional public bath “Sentō”, where you can enjoy a large bath easily in your neighborhood,and manners and customs to follow when you use the public bath.

Recommendation of the Public Bath (“Sentō”) ♨If you think it too much trouble to go to a full-scale hot spring located far away butlittle bored with the tiny “Ofuro” (bathtub) in your house or apartment, we recommend
you to go to a public bath (“Sentō”). You can soak in a large bathtub at a location
close to where you live, and feel as if you are in a real hot spring (“Onsen”). InMorioka, there are different kinds of Sentōs; some are well-established ones with aunique atmosphere, and the others are large ones with outside baths, saunas and even swimming pools.
Recently newer, larger, well-equipped ones are sometimes called “Super-Sentōs”.

We would like tointroduce two of them to you. Why don’t you visit some public baths in Morioka, especially with theweather growing colder and colder?

Nagamachi Ume no Yu
Address：〒020-0062 Iwate prefecture, Morioka city, Nagata cho 2-26 (2nd Floor)
Tel：019-652-8800
Opening hours：１４：００〜２１：５０（Opening hours are subject to change on public holidays）
Closed: One irregular holiday a month
Fee:

Adult（Over 12 years old）４３０yen/ Child（６〜１２ years old）１５０yen/ Infant（Under 6 years old）７０yen
Buildings close by：Morioka Station, Sakuragi Elementary School、Iwate High School
Carpark: Yes
Main Facilities: Bath / Sauna / Water bath
Tattoo：Yes

Yupiasu (http://www.yupiasu.com/)
Address：〒020-0102 Iwate prefecture, Morioka city, Ueda Kotorizawa 148−103
Tel：019-662-1414
Opening hours：１０：００〜２０：００
Closed：Second Tuesday of a month
Fee：Adult ４００yen/ High School Student ２５０yen/ Elementary・Junior High School Student１５０yen
Please refer to the homepage for coupon and concession information
Building close by：Morioka Clean Center
Carpark: Yes
Main Facilities：Japanese style bath・Regular public bath・Outdoor bath・Sauna
Note：Pool、Arena、Exercise Room
Tattoo：No※If the tattoo is covered by a lash guard or a swimsuit, it is permitted to enter the pool area.

Proper Manners and Important Things to Know about Public Baths (“Sentōs”)
A Sentō is public bathing for a lot of people. So please pay attention to cleanliness while using one.

If

you are not accustomed to taking a bath for a long time, leave the bath at the first signs of dizziness andcool down.

Before taking a bath… You should tie long hair up so as to not make the bath water dirty with loosehair. Put your clothes or towels into the place designated by the facility or into basket (usually supplied byfacility). Leave your valuables in a safe space. You usually can put them into a locker provided in thechanging room (some cost a small amount money).

Kakeyu (Pouring hot water on yourself) …”Kakeyu” means pouring hot water on
yourself andwashing your body with soap or liquid body wash before soaking in thebathtub. It reduces the amount of hair or dead skin cells in the hot water.
done so everyone can use the bath cleanly and comfortably.

This isIn addition, if thedifference between temperature of your body and the water is too large, it will become a physical burden
and affect your blood pressure.

Pour hot water on your extremities such as hands and feet first to

familiarize your body with the temperature of the water.

Be careful bathing after drinking alcohol …If you take a bath right after drinking alcohol, it isdangerous because it can make your blood pressure unstable. It is better to take a bath after
sobering up a bit and relaxing.

Tattoos …There are many Sentōs refuse entry to people with tattoos. If there is noposted policy about tattoos, it is better to ask about it at the reception desk of the facility.

Changing room …The changing room is also a public space, so pay attention
cleanliness while using it.

Please dry your body thoroughly with your towel after leaving

the bath and then entering the changing room. In addition, be careful about where you
put your wet towel.

After you bathe …Please rinse the stool and wash-basin before you return them to theplace you got them from in the bathing area.

Hydration and Rehydration …Do not forget to drink water both before and after
taking a bath! People who are not accustomed to soaking in a bath tend to become
dizzy while you are bathing. Try to prevent of dizziness by resting often or putting
a cool and wet towel on your heed while you are bathing.

Taking a bath not only cleanses your body clean but facilitates relaxation. It is said that it can reducemuscular and shoulder pain and promotes better blood circulation.
Warm your body and soul in a “Sentō” while combating Morioka’s cold winter climate.