A Japanese bathtub, sometimes called an Ofuro, is usually around twice the size of a standard American style bathtub. It is deeper and often rounder, to allow the bather to sit comfortably with their knees bent. The water, which is kept at a high temperature, is up to the bather's chest. This position is said to aid relaxation and meditation, which makes for a very therapeutic bathing experience.

The Japanese bathtub is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the world. As people become more interested in personal wellbeing and healthy living through homeopathy and natural remedies, the Japanese style of bathing compliments these ideas perfectly. The hot water is said to stimulate blood circulation and have positive effects on the overall health of body and mind.

Another benefit of these unique bath tubs is that they are generally much more compact - deeper, but more upright - and therefore suitable for smaller spaces than the standard size tubs. They can also easily be adapted to become walk-in style tubs for the elderly or infirm.

The original style of Japanese bathtub was always made of wood. The natural wood was said to add to the therapeutic powers of the bath and was particularly favored in hot spring facilities and spas. Nowadays ceramics, porcelain, fiberglass and even stainless steel models are available to suit a range of pockets.

Bathtubs from Japan are traditionally for soaking rather then washing. In fact, actually washing in your tub would be seriously scorned by most Japanese people. Washing, scrubbing and hair washing will take place before entering the bath and soaking for up to one hour in hot water. The body should be clean and pure before bathing as any residual soap or grime will contaminate the waters.

In a Japanese public bathhouse - which are still very popular and well worth a visit if you ever have the opportunity - ritual and tradition can be rather tricky. Do a bit of research before you go and follow the lead of the locals. The overall experience is sure to be blissfully relaxing.

The basic things to remember are that no soap is to be used in the tubs. No outside or 'toilet shoes' (these are for use strictly in the toilet areas, and changed as soon as you depart the area) are to be worn in the bathhouse. Bare feet are not really acceptable as your feet should be clean to bathe. Nudity is expected, and since male and female segregation is the norm this is not an issue for most. Lastly, the water is very hot - enter the waters slowly and be careful.

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A Japanese bathtub, sometimes called an Ofuro, is usually around twice the size of a standard American style bathtub. It is deeper and often rounder, to allow the bather to sit comfortably with their knees bent. The water, which is kept at a high temperature, is up to the bather's chest. This position is said to aid relaxation and meditation, which makes for a very therapeutic bathing experience.

The Japanese bathtub is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the world. As people become more interested in personal wellbeing and healthy living through homeopathy and natural remedies, the Japanese style of bathing compliments these ideas perfectly. The hot water is said to stimulate blood circulation and have positive effects on the overall health of body and mind.

Another benefit of these unique bath tubs is that they are generally much more compact - deeper, but more upright - and therefore suitable for smaller spaces than the standard size tubs. They can also easily be adapted to become walk-in style tubs for the elderly or infirm.

The original style of Japanese bathtub was always made of wood. The natural wood was said to add to the therapeutic powers of the bath and was particularly favored in hot spring facilities and spas. Nowadays ceramics, porcelain, fiberglass and even stainless steel models are available to suit a range of pockets.

Bathtubs from Japan are traditionally for soaking rather then washing. In fact, actually washing in your tub would be seriously scorned by most Japanese people. Washing, scrubbing and hair washing will take place before entering the bath and soaking for up to one hour in hot water. The body should be clean and pure before bathing as any residual soap or grime will contaminate the waters.

In a Japanese public bathhouse - which are still very popular and well worth a visit if you ever have the opportunity - ritual and tradition can be rather tricky. Do a bit of research before you go and follow the lead of the locals. The overall experience is sure to be blissfully relaxing.

The basic things to remember are that no soap is to be used in the tubs. No outside or 'toilet shoes' (these are for use strictly in the toilet areas, and changed as soon as you depart the area) are to be worn in the bathhouse. Bare feet are not really acceptable as your feet should be clean to bathe. Nudity is expected, and since male and female segregation is the norm this is not an issue for most. Lastly, the water is very hot - enter the waters slowly and be careful.

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Japanese Style Bath Tubs

Japan has a much longer history of bathing compared to the west. There are a number of features to the Japanese style bath tub that differs from a western bath tub. First of all they are much smaller and deeper as well as the water temperature is normally considerably hotter to include they are designed to sit with the water up to your neck rather than recline. The Japanese bath tub unlike the western tub is also not for washing yourself in. Washing is done by showering while the bath tub is reserved for soaking after you have cleaned your body by shower.

Since the water is typically hotter than tubs used in the West, this makes for a surprisingly relaxing therapeutic experience especially for tired aching muscles. Japan has numerous bath houses were the public can go to sooth themselves notably the Hakone hot springs located near Mount Fuji or just outside Gotemba.

As mentioned previously traditional Japanese bathing is done by washing oneself in the shower before soaking in the tub. This is a tradition in Japan however does not preclude you from washing in the bath tub.

Within our store you will find Asian designed influenced bath tubs. They are in no way Japanese style bath tubs which can be found in either an above ground configuration or a more traditional below ground configuration.

You have just purchased a home that has everything you like except the bathroom is small. This is a dilemma faced by many people. More often overlooked are corner bath tubs and some claw foot bath tubs with rim mount faucets.

Although corner bath tubs may appear to be out of the traditional since of a bathroom they do indeed lend themselves to being the answer to the small bathroom dilemma. Although most corner bath tubs are the whirlpool variety it is possible to order these tubs without the jets if you’re the type of person who does not desire jets and the electrical work the goes along with installing one of these tubs.

The corner bath tubs have in recent years have become fairly popular due to the space saving attributes they have to offer. The design is such they give you the since of spaciousness and leading to a relaxing feeling when bathing. Another positive point to these types of tubs is that many offer the spaciousness that allow for two people to bath simultaneously.

Because of there size it is not unusual that they could require upwards of 100 gallons of water to fill which is something to consider regarding your water heater capacity

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One of the most popular types of bathtub on the market these days is the Japanese bathtub, as people look to install bathroom fittings that are a little bit different from the ordinary. This is essentially a soaking tub, and most people understand this. However many people do not know how to really use a Japanese bathtub in order to have the proper experience. This article will give some pointers how to really take a Japanese bath and get the most out of your Japanese soaking tub.

The first thing to know is that traditionally it is not used for washing, but is only used for soaking after the person has washed themselves. In a traditional Japanese bathroom floor of the bathroom would be tiled and would have a drain to enable water to drain away while the person walked themselves outside of the bathtub. The usual way of washing was to use bowls of hot water which would be poured over the body, although in modern times the bowls have been replaced by a shower. So if you want to have a real experience the first thing you need to do is forget about having soap in the bathtub and find some way of washing yourself before you get in...

The next thing to know is that water for a traditional Japanese bath should be much hotter than it is in the West. Since the tub is used for soaking, the water should be heated to a temperature that you may find slightly uncomfortable at first, but which really does help to relax tired muscles and also helps to pack the body with heat so that even a cold winter night can feel extremely bearable even when the room is not a particularly warm. The first time you try this you may feel very uncomfortable indeed, but after you have tried it for a few times you'll find it is an extremely relaxing experience...

Finally, for many Japanese one soak is not enough. After soaking for several minutes and getting warm, it is a traditional thing to do to get out of the bath, wash again, and then get back in the bath for an extra soak in order to really relax the muscles. After spending so much time in hot water your body will be so relaxed that you will only need to have a cup of sake with your evening meal and you will be ready to fall asleep... on a futon off course!

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