Public Baths: People Gather to Wash Their Troubles Away

Sento, or bathhouses, were built in Kyoto to cater to the large student and artisan population who lived in lodgings without baths. Many are worthy of historic note. One has been operating for 1,300 years; another is part of a temple complex. Some have splendid decors or interesting baths. Today they remain lively social hubs of their communities. A young manager strives to create a sento young people frequent. Discover the allure of sento where people gather to relieve the stress of the day.