![]() ![]() ![]() In all but the most rural areas, public baths are segregated by gender. A regular bathhouse will have tap water heated in a boiler. Some homes transfer the hot bath water to a clothes-washing machine.īathtubs are increasingly common in modern Japanese homes however, in cities there are still many small and old apartments that do not have bathtubs, so public bathhouses called sentō are common. Typically one or both parents will bathe with babies and toddlers, and even as children grow older they may still bathe with one of their parents. In homes with larger tubs, it is not uncommon for family members to bathe together. If there are guests in the home, they will be given priority. In homes with small tubs, family members bathe one by one in order of seniority, traditionally starting with the oldest male or the oldest person in the household. Many ryokan close the ofuro for several hours every day so the room can be cleaned and aired, and some require guests to sign up for specific soak times. Because the ofuro is meant for a relaxing private soak, yet serves numerous people, the bather needs to be careful not to indulge too long. A scoop is provided so the bather can douse their head with the tub water. In a home or small inn, a traditional tub is square and deep enough that the water covers the bather's shoulders, but its length and width are small so the bather sits with the knees drawn up. Usually there is a basket in which to place used towels and wash cloths. Ryokan baths have a small anteroom for undressing before entering the bathing room. Water heaters also continue to maintain the temperature. Any hair or debris is scooped from the water after the bath, and a lid is placed over the tub to maintain the water temperature and prevent evaporation. It is very important that no soap residue be transferred to the ofuro because the heated water is not drained after each person's use, and several hours (and the expense of a considerable amount of water) are required to heat fresh water. Soap, a wash cloth, and shampoo are provided and the bather is expected to wash and rinse thoroughly twice before stepping into the ofuro. This is done in the same room as the tub, while seated on a small stool and using a hand-held shower. Therefore, the body must be cleaned and scrubbed before entering the bathtub or ofuro. Bathing is an important part of the daily routine in Japan, where bath tubs are for relaxing, not cleaning the body. ![]()
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