A Japanese style soaking tub is the new 'must-have' when it comes to bathroom fixtures. These small, deep tubs give you an alternative way of bathing, and yet it's something that has been used in Japan for generations. You will find that these tubs also come with a bench inside to allow you to sit there in comfort rather than the method that we are more used to with lying down in the bathtub.
Often handmade, there is something modern about a Japanese style soaking tub. It offers you the opportunity to really relax as much as possible. Climb in, sit down, and just enjoy the feeling of being largely submerged in the water for as long as you are able to keep the water nice and warm.
This is not about lying down and having rubber ducks floating around. It's about soaking in the tub and just allowing all of your stresses and worries to effectively seep away into the water. Add in some soft music and you will have a highly pleasurable experience.
Available in a range of depths, you should be looking at a minimum of 20 inches even though the rest of the tub can vary in size. Easy to plumb in and less expensive than you may have been expecting, if you want to have something different in your bathroom that will give you a real spa experience, then a Japanese style soaking tub is going to be the answer to your prayers. Check out the different styles and options to see which one appeals to you.
Most contemporary Japanese style soaking tubs are made out of glossy acrylic material that's reinforced with resin or fibreglass in order to adequately handle hot water temperatures. Jessica Davis suggests that if you want a more traditional Japanese style soaking tub you should opt for one with cedar wood panelled sides for an authentic Asian spa look. There is also Japanese style soaking tubs made out of stainless steel with a shiny metal finish. You will also find metal and hammered copper soaking tubs which provide an antibacterial and antimicrobial spa experience that's truly cleansing. Any Japanese style soaking tub hardware, such as the drain, faucet, and showerhead, may be made out of polished chrome, stainless steel, brass, or nickel.
For a moderately sized Japanese style soaking tub that you can comfortably relax in, 59 inches long by 30 inches wide and 28 inches tall makes for a deeply therapeutic soak. Nicole Hollis suggests that if you want to sit in a position with your legs all the way out and your chest mostly immersed in water, a Japanese style soaking tub that measures 50 inches long by 27 inches wide and 26 inches tall works nicely. A round Japanese style soaking tub that measures 45 inches in diameter by 30 inches deep will allow you to completely soak and cleanse yourself all the way up to your shoulders.
Alyssa Kapito notes that an authentic Japanese style soaking tub is designed for comfort and true aquatic restoration, so it should be deep enough to be fully immersed in water up to your chest and shoulders. Most often they're easy to install freestanding bathtub structures with steep sides and can be oval, round, square, or rectangular in shape. Japanese style soaking tubs are designed for therapeutic bathing rituals, so a seamless look that's simplistic and relaxing with a non-slip tub bottom for safety is usually key. Some modern designs feature an integrated seat or pedestal to make the soaking experience that much more relaxing.
For those looking to combine a ritualistic cleansing experience with a more traditional bath, there are lots of modern Japanese style soaking tubs that come with a faucet and showerhead with soothing spray settings. Dan Fink recommends that you find a tub that comes with a drain assembly kit and an overflow drain to ensure that the water can appropriately leave the tub when your soaking bath is done. A few contemporary amenities you might find to make your Japanese style soaking tub experience truly relaxing are water jets that are helpful for sore muscles and interior lights for a little ambience. For those that are getting older, you might consider a walk-in style Japanese style soaking tub with a door.
