10 Japanese Soaking Tubs for Bathing Bliss
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.
Step-Down Tubs
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.
A traditional wooden box-style ofuro. This bathroom is a real-deal personal spa, complete with sauna.
10 Japanese Soaking Tubs for Bathing Bliss
