For those living in homes that lack bathing facilities, a sento (public bath house) traditionally provides the necessary washing space. A need that has understandably been declining over the years, although there are a surprising number of people who still have to use them, along with many others who simply choose to. Yet despite this, it’s nowhere near the figure required to halt continued closures, and even for those that do survive, times are increasingly tough. So tough in fact that some are occasionally being used as music venues, which helps the the sento financially, as well as providing a bit of much needed publicity. An innovative move that not only highlights the precarious position such establishments are in, but also their on-going importance in certain communities.
A sento (like the one on the left), however, isn’t the only option when it comes to a daily scrub. For those who aren’t fond of communal bathing, or simply want to save time, there are also coin-operated showers. Some of which — despite their slightly surreal nature in a supposedly ultra-modern and high-tech country — appear perfectly fine, whereas others, quite plainly, don’t.
john says
There seems a potential market for singing shower artist(e)s, although they might have to work ‘unplugged’.
Lee says
Haha, maybe!
winnie says
I saw a couple of sento somewhere along Togoshi-Ginza. I think they are still operating .
It is so interesting that sento used as Music venue. I have not seen before!
I did try the coin- operated shower booth once . The time is about 15 min for (forgot how much).
I don’t think I will try again.
Lee says
Yeah, it’s a great idea, isn’t it? There’s also one in Nezu that has been converted into a gallery. It makes for a really unique space.
Interesting to hear you have actually used such a shower. Never thought about a time limit, but it makes total sense. There are some in a coin laundry near a friend’s place and they look ok. A lot better than these that’s for sure…
Hans ter Horst says
Pretty shabby! 🙂 Even though I have seen working sento, I never used them in a town, the closest I came was when I visited Yunohira Onsen Town (湯平温泉 — between Oita and Yufuin) and ran into lots of locals in the different baths we visited who told me that they didn’t have a bath at home but all used the local onsen. It was a very nice atmosphere, not the usual quiet, almost grim atmosphere you usually get in a male onsen. (man I love visiting onsen!) 🙂
Lee says
I see quite a few when out and about. Obviously there are nowhere the numbers there once there, but they are clearly still a long way from totally disappearing.
Same here, I’ve never used one. Only onsen. I’m tempted to give the one in Asakusa a go though, as it’s supposed to be quite a place. Tattoos ad boozing galore by all accounts!