We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Japanese Bathtub?

By T. L. Childree
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,944
Share

A Japanese bathtub is a very large tub typically utilized for relaxing and revitalizing. A Japanese bathtub is usually filled with very warm or hot water to relax muscles and increase circulation. This tub is used by every family member after normal bathing. Many modern versions of this tub feature a digital control panel to adjust water flow and temperature. Although commonplace in many Japanese households, these tubs are seldom found in other parts of the world.

The Japanese bathtub is used for relaxation and rejuvenation at the end of the day. It is commonly referred to as Ofuru in most Japanese households. This type of tub is believed to have evolved from an ancient Japanese volcanic bath called Onsen. It is much deeper than an ordinary bathtub and often has a built-in seat at one end. The Japanese bathtub typically provides complete immersion to the neck area when filled with water.

This bathtub variant is usually filled with very warm or hot water prior to entering. The warmth of the water is intended to relax tense muscles and increase blood circulation throughout the entire body. Immersion in the hot water can have an invigorating effect upon the body and provide a sense of relaxation and well-being. Essential oils are sometimes added to the water for aromatherapy purposes.

Relaxing in this tub is a part of the daily bathing ritual for many Japanese families. This tub is often placed in the bathroom as a type of centerpiece. A separate bathtub or shower unit is also located in the bathroom for daily hygiene. The Japanese bathtub is entered only after normal bathing or showering has taken place; the water is not changed between each user.

In terms of configuration, this tub may be square, rectangular, or oval and typically occupies about the same amount of floor space as a regular bathtub. Modern versions of the Japanese bathtub are often equipped with a digital control panel to adjust the water flow and temperature. This control panel is typically mounted to a wall outside of the tub. Many tubs are equipped with a timer mechanism to allow for automatic filling at a certain time each day. Some models also have massaging water jets that can be activated and directed from inside the tub.

These tubs are commonplace in Japan and found in many homes. They are generally not used by people in other parts of the world. Spas and hot tubs offer similar benefits to the Japanese bathtub and are much more common in the U.S. and Europe. These tubs must typically be imported for use in countries other than Japan.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-japanese-bathtub.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.