Public baths in Adachi cut weekend prices to combat plunge in visitors

Public baths in Adachi cut weekend prices to combat plunge in visitors

Public baths in Tokyo's Adachi Ward have lowered their weekend prices for children and accompanying adults in a bid to combat a decline in customers.

A campaign running until February lowers the admission fee for elementary school students to 100 yen on Saturdays and Sundays, down from 180 yen. The price for accompanying adults is 330 yen (down from 450 yen), while infants get in for free, instead of the regular 80 yen. There are also quizzes and prizes for younger children.

"We encourage parents and children to come and relax and soak in the baths," said the operator of one public bath participating in the campaign.

The number of public baths in Tokyo peaked in 1968, when there were over 2,600 baths. However, due to management difficulties and a lack of successors the figure has since dwindled to about 850. In Adachi Ward, which has retained a bath-going culture, there are still 53 public baths. The baths are varied, some with outdoor bathing spots and some with baths designed specifically for children, and the Adachi branch of the Tokyo Sento (public bath) Association is pouring effort into attracting families to halt the decline in users caused by the aging population and declining birth rate.

The weekend discounts are covered by a Tokyo Metropolitan Government subsidy, with children who bring stickers distributed at elementary schools entitled to discounts. In addition, people who correctly answer a quiz in the autumn edition of the quarterly publication "Sento to Ieba Adachi," distributed free at public baths and libraries, go in a draw to win puzzle games and shampoo. The deadline for entries is Dec. 6.

Satoko Funahashi, who edits "Sento to Ieba Adachi," often visits public baths with her two children.

"Our local public bath heats up well water, and it takes away your tiredness. After an autumn outing, it feels good to take a hot bath," she says.

(Mainichi Japan) October 18, 2009