Japanese Soaking Tubs: Perfect Bath Ritual

Japanese Soaking Tubs: Perfect Bath Ritual

Bathub With Mountain View.
Bathub With Mountain View.

Image: Bill Timmerman for Luxe

I’ve long been fascinated by the unusual size and shape of the traditional Japanese soaking tub. When recently consulting a friend who had been thinking about adding a hot bathtub to his back yard, I mentioned that I’d rather have an outdoor jacuzzi instead – and my interest resurfaced once again. I went on the hunt for some great examples and thought I’d share the results with you.

Form Follows Function.

It is said that this type of tub – much deeper and typically not as long as a traditional Western bathtub, making it easier to sit upright while soaking up to your neck – came about in order to bring the experience of soaking in natural hot springs home. The tubs are traditionally made of (or clad in) wood, often cedar or other aromatic types of wood that provide an olfactory relaxation experience (the example above is teak). Japanese bath can make a statement in many styles of homes, both indoor and outdoor.

Japanese bathtub.
Japanese bathtub.

Image: Dwell

Sunken Soaking.

If the idea of having such a tall tub doesn’t sit well, you can always have it installed in an area where it can be partially sunk below floor level. The example above, like many soaking tubs, is surrounded by an area of stones – adding to the traditional feel and providing drainage for any overflow.

Japanese Style.
Japanese Style.

Image: Architizer

In And Out.

While this feels like an outdoor setting, it is a covered deck area, which allows for a sense of being more connected with nature than a completely indoor space. Adding plants helps with that feeling, too.

 Steel Japanese Tub.
Steel Japanese Tub.

Image: Terra Ferma Landscapes

Made Of Steel.

Wood is not the only material you can use for a Japanese soaking tub. While it’s the most traditional, why not use elements that work with your décor and personality? This outdoor steel tub is very inviting – the kind of thing I might decide to add to my own deck some day.

Do you have a Japanese soaking tub?

Source: interiorcollective.com

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