• glossary

    Definition of Denkiburo

    Electric elements on opposite sides of the denkiburo send an eletrical current through the water. When the bather sits between the two elements the current will tighten the muscles where it hits the body. This is meant to stimulate bloodflow through the muscles and is thought to have a positive effect on chronic pains. Be careful because if used in an improper way the denkiburo will do more harm then good.

  • glossary

    Definition of Bandai

    The platform between the entrance doors to the otokoyu and onnayu where the attendant sits. This way only one attendant is required for both sides of the sento. A bandai is traditionally found in smaller neighborhood sento. Larger establishments will generally have a front desk instead.

  • glossary

    Definition of Ashiyu

    Ashiyu means footbath. They are commonly found at larger sento, often in the bathing area, or right outside the building of many onsen. The ashiyu is only meant for feet, and trying to sit down in the fairly shallow water might result in stares. When found outside the building of an onsen the ashiyu can be used by any passer-by and bathers only need to take off their shoes and sit down with their feet in the water.

  • glossary

    Definition of Onnayu

    The female side of the bath house. The entrance to the onnayu is generally marked with a traditional Japanese curtain (noren – 暖簾) that amongst various other decorations contains the Japanese letter 女. The 女 sign means female.

  • glossary

    Definition of Sento

    The Japanese term for a public bath house. The water in a sento is, unlike an Onsen, not geothermally heated. Instead tap water is heated for use in the baths. Some sento however do use hot spring water to fill one bath. In such a case the word Onsen will often appear in the name of the sento.

  • glossary

    Definition of Datsuijo

    The changing area. This area is usually equiped with lockers for the bathers to store their clothing in while they take a bath. One wall of the daitsuijo is usually lined with mirrors and hairdryers. Generally there are a drink vending machine and a few chairs placed in the daitsuijo as well. In many smaller sento the daitsuijo also contains a massage chair.