Japanese Soaking Tub: Transform Your Bathroom Into A Health Spa

A Japanese soaking tub offers an unforgettable bathing experience. Unlike Western tubs, they’re made with a deeper construction. Also, the tub’s sides are square instead of sloped.

Japanese soaking tub

If you’re considering buying a Japanese soaking tub for your home, but you don’t know enough about the tub, we can help. Here, we’ll show you why the tub is unique. After that, we’ll show you tub design ideas for inspiration to help you decide if a Japanese tub is right for your home.

The first tub designs were made of wood. Today, they’re made of plastic, stainless steel, and copper. Some tubs are also made of acrylic. The bathtub comes in many different styles, yet they deliver the same comfort.

What Is A Japanese Soaking Tub?

What Is A Japanese Soaking Tub?
Japanese tubs aren’t new, although many people in the US aren’t familiar with them. The tub style emerged in Japan in 1964. Since then, they’ve been a mainstay of Japanese culture and are becoming in fashion worldwide.

Unlike Western tubs, the soaking tub is designed for one person. The beauty of the tub is how it offers therapeutic relief in a way that others don’t.

Best Japanese Soaking Tubs

Now that you know about the bathtubs, here are the latest modern Japanese soaking tub designs.

Classic Soaking Tub

Rustic wooden outdoor bathtub

Japanese tubs have a sleek design and come in a rectangular shape. Their shape makes it easy to install them just about anywhere. With a square shape, the tub can be installed in just about any bathroom. High-end models feature a re-circulation system that filters and re-heats the water.

The deep soaking tubs are shorter than the other models, however, they don’t have the low construction of Western-style tubs.

Modern Soaking Tub

Rustic wooden outdoor bathtub

The white, acrylic square tub is ideal for smaller bathroom spaces. The tubs allow room for one person to sit comfortably while bathing. Notice the open shelving above that holds bathing products like soap and shampoo, which aren’t allowed in the tubs.

Spa Soaking Tub

Rustic wooden outdoor bathtub

Japanese Style Soaking Bathtub

Rustic wooden outdoor bathtub

Japanese tubs are also known as ofuros. They can be square or rectangular and are typically crafted of wood. Traditionally, the wood of choice is hinoki but other more durable options can also be used.

Acrylic And Wood Soaking Tub

Rustic wooden outdoor bathtub

The tubs have different styles yet they’re the same in many ways. This bathtub design features an acrylic bathtub in a wooden shell. Small wooden steps allow you to climb in and out of the bathtub with ease.

Ultimate Soaking Bathtub

Rustic wooden outdoor bathtub

This layout might the best one on the list. Soaking tubs are either rectangular or oval. This shape stretches the oval design to give a hot tub appearance. With the large window view, this design stands in a class by itself.

Japanese Soaking Bathtub

Rustic wooden outdoor bathtub

If you’re looking for a description of Zen bathroom décor, this would be it. There are three differences between the ofuro and the Western-style tub. The Japanese bathtub style is for relaxation and meditation. Soap and shampoos are not allowed as they can stain the wood.

Ofuro Bathtub

Rustic wooden outdoor bathtub

This is the Ofuro bathtub. The design does not have a water overflow system, which means excess water goes right to the floor. If you have the space and plenty of natural light, you won’t run out of ideas for this type of bathtub.

Soaking Tub For Small Bathrooms

Rustic wooden outdoor bathtub

This tub design is about as simple as it gets. A tiny footstool allows you to get in an out of the tub safely. A wooden cover helps trap humidity which keeps the wood fresh.

The tub’s cover also helps the water stay heated. The small step stool means you don’t have to jump in the tub and instead you can climb in and out of it with ease.

Ultimate Outdoor Spa

Rustic wooden outdoor bathtub

There isn’t a rule that says a soaking tub can only be installed indoors. Among Japanese bathers, outdoor bathing is a tradition they enjoy to this day. Western bathers haven’t been as inspired to take it outside, but maybe that’s changing.

Unless you have the bathroom space, this tub is not the right size for most average bathrooms. The tub comes with a top cover so it’s protected from direct sunlight and bad weather.

You can continue with the Asian influence or you can create a décor with an organic and zen feel using materials like stone and wood. Luxury Japanese tubs are made of expensive wood and they can be fitted with Western-style fittings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

How To Get Into A Japanese Soaking Tub?

Japanese soaking tubs are different, so they require a different approach than Western style tubs. Instead of lying down, you can bath sitting upright. When bathing, your feet should remain below your waist. Keep your back straight. The tub’s special design takes the pressure off your shoulders and neck unlike a traditional tub.

How Much Does A Japanese Soaking Tub Cost?

A soaking tub costs between $5,000 to $10,000. Before you buy one, make sure it comes with a guarantee.

Do You Leave Water In A Japanese Soaking Tub?

When you leave water inside a tub it can cause stains and a water-line. It is advised to leave a bassinet with water and leave it inside the tub. If your tub is covered, it will trap humidity, which will keep the wood hydrated.

Can You Shower In A Japanese Soaking Tub?

Japanese soaking tubs are built into a shower-like, waterproof space with a drain. The area allows you to wash, rinse, and soak in one place without splashing water anywhere else. However, they can also be used as standalone units similar to an American style bathtub.

Do Modern Japanese Soaking Tubs Use More Water?

Deep soaking tubs take less water to fill than conventional baths. Although they are deeper than ordinary baths, they are also much shorter.

Japanese Soaking Tub Conclusion

A Japanese soaking tub can transform your bathroom into a relaxing space. It’s a gorgeous tub that allows you to sit while you take a bath in the comfort of your own home. Among the latest trends in bathroom design, the Japanese tub has become more popular in recent years.

Although the modern soaking tub design emerged in the 60s, the tub style has been around for centuries in Japan. Bathing holds a significant place in Japanese culture. Cleansing and purifying the body and soul is what bathing means in Japan. It seems Western culture is opening up to that notion.

Regardless of category, a soaking bathtub is perfect for many reasons. When heated, the tubs provide a bathing experience where you’re sitting straight up instead of in a reclined position.