Kakeyu かけ湯 Warm water meant for bathers to rinse themselves with before entering the baths. The kakeyu is usually found in a small basin close

Water from a geothermally heated spring that is directed into a bath. Traditionally these baths were outdoors, but these days onsen are often incorporated in

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salt sauna. The temperature in the shiosauna is usually around 60°C and in the middle sits a large bucket with salt. The bather rubs the

The female side of the bath house. The entrance to the otokoyu is generally marked with a traditional Japanese curtain (noren – 暖簾) that amongst