Japanese Wood Bathtub – An Onsen at Your Home

Who decides bathtubs are only for cleansing? With a Japanese wood bathtub, you are in for full body therapy. Imagine coming home after a chaotic day, and  taking a long relaxing soak in this wood bathtub. Instantly feel that fatigue fly away from your body as a sense of relief embraces you. So, if you are a fan of traditional bathtubs with a modern touch, you are in luck. Japanese wood tubs are not just aesthetically pleasing, there are a plethora of benefits that come along with them.

Even though it is true that Japanese wood bathtubs are more expensive than other counterparts, it is worth spending on a wood bathtub, considering the health benefits it offers. Who wouldn’t love a bathtub that looks straight out of an anime, right? There is something about these Japanese wood bathtubs that emits a traditional and calming energy. Let’s dive deeper into the Japanese wood bathtub to see why they are so special.

What Is a Japanese wood bathtub?

A Japanese wood bathtub is a small, deep, and traditional standalone soaking tub in which we can sit in and soak, rather than lying down. It is commonly known as “ofuro,” which means a bath or bathroom in Japan. Generally, it is used for soaking and relaxing, rather than taking a bath in it. 

The physical structure is much different than that of  western bathtubs, as it is mostly meant for soaking. For providing extra comfort it also includes an extra seat inside the tub, so that you can have a long stress relieving soak. It is available in a variety of materials, like Mahogany, natural teak, and white teak.

The Best 2  Japanese wood bathtubs:

• 59" Dunken Handcrafted Natural Wood Japanese Soaking Tub
• 39" Hurley Handcrafted Natural Wood Japanese Soaking Tub

1. 59" Dunken Handcrafted Natural Wood Japanese Soaking Tub

The main difference between a Japanese wood bathtub and a normal freestanding tub is that it is comparatively shorter length wise, and has a greater depth. It retains heat longer than a cast iron tub.  The physical dimension of the bathtub is 59" L x 29 1/2" W (Front to Back) x 33 1/2" H (± 1/2"), and has a mammoth water capacity of 160 gallons. 

As this tub is handmade, in addition to the choice of material, you can also customize the size according to your liking.

You also have the option to add a tub stool, and tub shelf in the same material as your order. Coming to the maintenance part, it requires proper and regular maintenance to keep it free from fungus formation, and help it last longer. Additionally, it comes with an integral seat inside the tub, which is ideal for soaking. As it is made of natural wood, it tends to patina with time. To prevent this, we recommend you to use furniture wax to retain that semi gloss finish. 

Usage of abrasive cleaning materials is a strict no for this tub, as it could ruin the finish. 

The best part is that you can customize the material of the bathtub according to your preference, like whitewash teak, Mahogany, or natural teak.  Lastly, you may have to reinforce the floor on which you are going to install the tub, as wood bathtubs are generally on the heavier side.

2. 39" Hurley Handcrafted Natural Wood Japanese Soaking Tub

Want to install a perfect wood bathtub but worried about space constraints? If that’s the case, this Hurley handcrafted Japanese wood bathtub is the perfect choice for you. This bathtub has an impressive water capacity of 95 gallons and the physical dimensions are 39 3/8" L x 27 1/2" W (Front to Back) x 33 1/2" H (± 1/2"). 

Like the other wood tub, you have the option to choose from a variety of materials, like natural teak, whitewash teak, or Mahogany. The bathtub tub has a smooth finish throughout to give you a safe and comfortable experience. Even though it is made with great quality wood, it is natural for it to form a patina over time. Regular cleaning should help avoid this mess. While, we are at cleaning, using abrasive cleaning ingredients should be avoided at any cost, as they can damage the semi glossy look of the tub. 

With the help of furniture wax, you can preserve the attractive look of the tub for a longer period of time because it acts as an extra layer of protection. 

The Benefits of a Japanese Wood Bathtub

These wood bathtubs have been used in Japanese households for a very long time. With the health benefits it offers, we have no choice but to agree that Japanese wood bathtubs are, indeed, a great way, not just to take bath, but also to detoxify the entire body. Here are a few reasons why you might want to choose a Japanese wood bathtub over a regular bathtub.

Get a Deep Soak:

Compared to western style tubs, Japanese wood tubs are deeper, giving you more space to soak your entire body. As these are designed for you to soak in a sitting position, you can have a relaxing hot water soak up to your shoulders.

Save Space:

Japanese wood tubs are generally smaller in size, making them easy to fit into a small space where regular tubs won’t fit.

Retains Heat Longer:

As the tub is deeper, the heat retainment is longer than a regular bathtub. You have more time to soak, and rejuvenate after a long day. 

Therapeutic:

Japanese wood bathtubs are good for maintaining posture, so it helps relieve stress and headaches. That’s not all, it also helps detoxify your body, relieve pain, and the effects of stress, as well as exfoliates your dead skin cells. 

Eco Friendly Option:

Taking a bath in a Japanese wood bathtub is different in many ways. Unlike other bathtubs, you don’t shower in this, instead you cleanse yourself before getting into this soak tub. As these ofuros are deep, it retains heat for a longer period of time, and the best part is, you don’t have to refill the water every time someone else gets in.

Add More Beauty to Your Bathroom:

Once you install a Japanese wood bathtub, it becomes the center of attention in your bathroom. As it is a freestanding tub, you can place it anywhere you want to match the aesthetics of your bathroom. 

Customizable:

It’s always a good idea to add a personal touch to your bathtub. Why settle for a regular tub when you can customize the bathtub according to your liking. You can personalize the size and type of material of your bathtub in a way that fits your needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do wooden bathtubs last?

Wooden tubs are naturally more durable than acrylic, or most of its other counterparts. So, if taken care of properly, it can easily last up to 20 years.

2. How do you maintain a Japanese soaking tub?

Make sure to drain the water down after every use for the bathtub to last longer. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could potentially damage the surface of the bathtub. Using furniture wax to maintain that semi glossy look of the tub for a longer period.

3. What are the benefits of a Japanese wood bathtub?

As the Japanese wood bathtubs are smaller in size, they are space saving without having to compromise on comfort. In addition to the comfort, it also provides amazing health benefits, like relieving stress and body pains, as well as improved blood circulation.

4. Can 2 people fit in a Japanese soaking tub?

Yes, two people can fit in a Japanese soaking tub. Most Japanese soaking tubs are deeper, and wider than normal soaking tubs, which makes them perfect for couples to submerge themselves comfortably and enjoy their soaking sessions. That said, it is recommended to go with a Japanese soaking tub with 59” in length or more to fit two people comfortably.

Closing Thoughts

Who wouldn't love a stress relieving therapy session, or a trip to a spa to put yourself back on track? 

However, not everyone gets a chance to take a break from our hectic lifestyles, and go to an expensive spa. This is where a Japanese wood bathtub comes into play. 

Considering the longevity, durability, and wide range of health benefits it has to offer, a  Japanese wood bathtub is a worthy investment. Check out our available options for Japanese wood bathtubs here. We hope this article helps you give a better understanding about the best Japanese wood bathtub, and their benefits.