Japanese Bathtubs
It may come as a surprise to many to learn that a Japanese bathtub is not similar to a typical bathtub. The size is different. The construction is different. Even the purpose for the use of the Japanese bathtub is different. In fact, Japanese bathtubs are even labeled with a different title; they are referred to as the Ofuro.
How a Japanese Bathtub is Different
At first look, the Japanese bathtub will vary greatly than a typical standard bathtub. In the United States, our bathtubs are fashioned to accommodate soaking by lying down, or lounging, in the tub. Standard tubs are typically around five feet in length to allow for stretching out. Japanese bathtubs are suitable for sitting. Most feature some type of bench, and if not, a stool or bench is placed inside the tub. The Japanese bathtub is very deep so that almost full body soaking can be achieved, all the way up to the chin.
Soaking in a Japanese bathtub is done with hot water that is much warmer than what we typically use here. The Japanese use this time for relaxation and relieving muscle tension and by using hot water, this can easily be accomplished.
The Purpose of the Japanese Bathtub
The method for using the Japanese bathtubs varies greatly as well. In that part of the country, the whole family using the same bath water. Because they do not use that bathtub for cleansing, each individual first showers. Once clean, they then take advantage of the Japanese bathtub for relaxing and taking advantage of hydrotherapy. When finished, the next person does the same thing.
Most Japanese bathtubs are constructed from a warp and rot resistant wood that makes for a great bathtub material. Many models have been constructed from other materials such as metal, tile, and even fiberglass and polypropylene. Modern models of Japanese bathtubs have additional features such as a digital temperature control center that regulates the temperature of the water. Some even have a timer that is built in so that the bath is ready for the user at any given time.
Cost Of Japanese Bathtubs
It is difficult to obtain a true Japanese bathtub in the United States as most of them have to be imported into the country, which adds considerable cost. There are some manufacturers of bathtubs that produce a style of bathtub resembling the Japanese tub. These can be acquired at a lower cost than true Japanese bathtubs and are usually constructed of acrylic, but the overall effect for achieving ultimate relaxation is the same as a true Japanese bathtub.
Japanese bathtubs are very different from our typical standard bathtubs, but they are also used for different reasons. Because the Japanese do not use their bathtubs for cleansing, but for hydrotherapy and relaxation instead, their bathtubs are created in a fashion to encourage this practice. They would simply have no use for a long, shallow bathtub resembling the ones we are familiar with. Cleansing is done in the shower; relaxing is done in the Japanese bathtub.
