Iwa-buro (Rock baths) | ||
![]() Iwa-buro | The history of sento is almost the same as that of the bath itself ('Furo' in Japanese). It is said that the word 'furo' is derived from 'muro', meaning a cellar or cave. Ancient 'Iwa-buro', natural caves that have vaporized sea water sprinkled on heated rocks or plants, are to be found in various parts of the country. Bathing during the ancient Japanese periods from the Asuka to Heian eras (early seventh to the thirteenth century) simply involved these kinds of steam baths. | |
![]() Iwa-buro | ||
![]() Kama-buro |