Sleeping and bathing in Japan

When I first saw the set up, I wondered, would I be able to sleep.  But sleep I did.  I lay down and that was it.  I was asleep.  That doesn't happen to me here.  

Shoes are left at the door.  When we step up  onto the sleeping area, we do so leaving the day behind us.  If you need to go out a again, to the bathing area, the toilets, you put your shoes on again to leave the room.   When there is no one in the room, the door is locked.

This is the area where we showered prior to entering the public bath (ladies only) There were a few standing stalls, but they were like the ones you see above, open, only the walls separated you from your fellow bather.

You can see the bath is a good size.  The water was kept at a very nice warm temperature, I actually found that taking the extra step of going into the bath, dropped the body  temperature so that the heat & humidity of the environment, was more palatable.

No clothing permitted beyond the door leading into the shower and bath area.  This is where we changed.  You can see individual wicker basket there for clothes, keys, brushes etc.

This was the area, for brushing one's teeth, doing your hair etc.  It is all very organized and well laid out.  Prior to my visit, I had not idea what to expect, now I do.

This is the area where shoes and slippers are left prior to entering the bathing area.  On days when there is a full house,all the floor area, and the shelves are full of footwear.

This was a little sitting area where we could get cold water or a drink from the ever present vending machines.  It was all new to me, a wonderful experience  that has filled my head and heart with warm loving memories.  A truly amazing experience that I will cherish always.