Small electric heaters are available in many stores, and most air conditioners are able either to heat or cool the home. The tub is rectangular, and is filled with hot water. Before getting into the tub, one washes with soap and rinses off while sitting on a small stool next to the bath. Because each person enters the bath clean, the whole family can use the same tub of water. A traditional farmhouse and a modern city apartment building provide a contrast between two sides of Japanese life.
Most people today live in apartments like the buildings on the right.
A tatami room can be used as a bedroom at night and a living room during the day. Relaxing in the ofuro is a great way to end the day. Shoes are left in the genkan . In chilly seasons, the kotatsu is the center of family life. Food and Drink Fresh ingredients are very important in traditional Japanese cooking.