Entering a sento: shoe locker to payment

Step by step

1. 01

   Shoe locker

   Put your shoes in the locker by the entrance and keep the wooden tag or key. Some take a returnable 10-yen coin.

2. 02

   Pay at reception

   Pay the bathing fee at the front desk or the bandai. Public-bath fees are set by the local government. Towels and soap can usually be rented for a small fee.

   Buy entry

   大人一人です

   Otona hitori desu

   One adult, please.

3. 03

   Pick the right curtain

   Men's is usually a blue curtain marked 男, women's a red curtain marked 女. Check the character before you go in.

4. 04

   Into the changing room

   Use a locker or basket. Put valuables in a locked locker or at the front. Tattoos are not allowed at some baths — check ahead to be safe.

Next, you might wonder

• Checking in at a hotel in Japan