Bathroom Design
10 Japanese Soaking Tubs for Bathing Bliss
Get all of the serenity with none of the chemicals in an original all-natural hot tub
In Japan bathing rituals are an ancient and important part of life. Traditionally you clean yourself in a shower or seated hand bath and then step into an ofuro filled with clean, steaming water for a nice, hot soak.
Think of the ofuro soaking tub as the prototype of the modern-day hot tub, only cleaner, without chemicals and with fresh water every time. Originally these deep (about 27 inches) soaking tubs are made of hinoki wood, but as these examples show, they now come in all sorts of materials — from steel to concrete — and are made to fit any design style.
Think of the ofuro soaking tub as the prototype of the modern-day hot tub, only cleaner, without chemicals and with fresh water every time. Originally these deep (about 27 inches) soaking tubs are made of hinoki wood, but as these examples show, they now come in all sorts of materials — from steel to concrete — and are made to fit any design style.
Setting this tub into the floor allowed for a floor-to-ceiling view without any obstruction. Perfect for this long, narrow space.
Wooden Ofuros
A traditional wooden box-style ofuro. This bathroom is a real-deal personal spa, complete with sauna.
Shop wooden tubs on Houzz
A traditional wooden box-style ofuro. This bathroom is a real-deal personal spa, complete with sauna.
Shop wooden tubs on Houzz
This deep wooden tub has a more familiar rectangle shape. I love the look of this warm wood tub next to the more intricately patterned tiles. Look for similar custom and standard wooden tubs here.
Another deep wooden tub. It's like a piece of art.
Step-Up Tubs
Raised tubs with small stairs leading up to them almost have a throne-like feel. This one has a wooden frame with an insert. Depending on what style surround you decide on, this is generally the more economical way to go. Many mainstream manufacturers make similar tubs.
Raised tubs with small stairs leading up to them almost have a throne-like feel. This one has a wooden frame with an insert. Depending on what style surround you decide on, this is generally the more economical way to go. Many mainstream manufacturers make similar tubs.
Another insert with a wooden frame around it. The room has a very modern Japanese feel but is not overly theme-y.
A tiled ofuro with built-in storage. The look does not have to be Japanese even if the idea is.
This stark blue glass-tile bathroom with a built-in soaking tub has a clinical look, as if you can actually get healthier by bathing here.
Companies like Kohler make porcelain soaking tubs like this. The material for the surround is up to you.
Find a bathroom remodeler to add a soaking tub to your space
Find a bathroom remodeler to add a soaking tub to your space
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There is something so luxurious and spa-like about stepping down into a tub flush with the floor. This tub is large enough for a small group, but many ofuros are just big enough for one. Notice the hand shower on the left.