Are you planning on installing a new bathtub in your home? If so, it’s important to understand that you have many options from which to choose. Familiarizing yourself with the different types of tubs on the market is key to finding one that’s ideal for your needs and tastes.
For example, western style tubs come in many shapes and sizes. However, they tend to have one factor in common: western style tubs are designed for you to lie back in. That’s not the only type of soaking tub you can install in your own home. Instead, you might be drawn to a Japanese tub. Keep reading to learn more about this topic. This guide explains what a Japanese soaking tub is and why you may choose to install one in your bathroom.
What Are Japanese Soaking Tubs?
A Japanese copper soaking tub is often a circular freestanding tub. Traditional Japanese soaking tubs were made with wood.
That’s no longer the case. A modern Japanese tub does not need to be a wooden tub. Instead, it will be a deep freestanding tub that has a seat. Unlike western style tubs, which you lie back in, Japanese soaking tubs are designed for sitting upright. Because this style is often a particular deep soaking tub, it may allow you to sit in hot water that reaches as far up as the tops of your shoulders. Thus, such tubs offer deep relaxation for your entire body.
Initially, the design of modern Japanese soaking tubs may surprise those who are accustomed to western tubs. However, a Japanese tub is essentially like an indoor hot tub. Thinking of Japanese tubs in this way could help someone grow more comfortable with the idea of installing one in their home.
What Are the Benefits of Modern Japanese Soaking Tubs?
It’s important to understand that there is no single type of soaking bathtub that’s ideal for all homeowners. It’s always wise to account for your own personal tastes when deciding which type of soaking bathtub to install in your own home.
That said, Japanese soaking tubs do offer a range of benefits which you should be aware of. They include the following:
Comfort
Japanese style soaking allows you to soak more deeply than you could in a regular bathtub. This means they may offer greater comfort. This is an important factor for anyone who wishes to relax in a comfortable bath whenever they wish. It may be particularly attractive to those who exercise frequently or otherwise experience sore muscles on a regular basis.
Soaking baths offer many health benefits. Easing muscle soreness is one such benefit. If you have a deep soaking tub in your bathroom, you could theoretically take a pain-relieving relaxing soak any time your muscles feel sore.
Space
Your bathroom space is naturally a factor you must account for when looking into soaking tubs for your home. A gorgeous tub that might be impressive in a large space may not be the right fit for a smaller bathroom. Japanese soaking tubs come in a range of sizes. It’s possible to find one that fits a small bathroom if that’s what you’re looking for.
However, it’s not uncommon for a Japanese soaking tub to be relatively large. This is an advantage that may appeal to you if you’re planning to install a bathtub that offers enough space for more than one person to sit comfortably in the tub.
(Tip: If you have a small bathroom that can’t accommodate a Japanese soaking tub, you may nevertheless consider installing one in your backyard. Japanese soaking tubs are often ideal for outdoor bathing.)
Attractiveness
Like any homeowner, you want your bathroom decor and overall interior design to be attractive. This isn’t merely because the look of your bathroom will affect your own mood when you bathe.
For instance, maybe you plan on selling your home one day. If so, the bathroom decor may influence how valuable your home looks to potential buyers. Of course, your bathroom’s interior design will also affect how guests view your home.
A regular tub is a bathroom fixture that’s easily overlooked. On the other hand, a Japanese soaking tub is a unique feature that stands out. Because you have the freedom to install it in various spaces throughout your bathroom (as long as you ensure the tub has access to plumbing), you can install it so that the tub serves as an attractive focal point. Its presence will therefore enhance the overall look of this relaxing space.
Versatility
Once more, Japanese tubs come in many sizes. Japanese soaking tubs may also be constructed with a range of materials. They therefore offer a degree of versatility that not all tubs can deliver. When choosing a Japanese soaking tub, you can explore numerous options, finding one that’s a perfect fit for your space needs, budget, and personal preferences.
Even the shape of a Japanese soaking tub can vary. While traditional Japanese soaking tubs are circular, it’s now possible to find ones that are square. They offer the same benefits as traditional tubs, such as letting you sit comfortably in a deep tub that relaxes your entire body, while blending in more effectively with modern bathroom designs.
Japanese tubs are eco-friendly
When bathing in a traditional American style bathtub, one of your primary goals may be to cleanse your body. That’s not necessarily the case when using a Japanese soaking tub.
The purpose of Japanese soaking tubs is to promote relaxation. Many who own this style of soaking tub actually have separate showers which they use before bathing. The shower serves to clean your body, while the soaking tub serves to help you indulge in comfort. Thus, unlike a traditional tub in the west, in which you might drain the water after every use, with a Japanese soaking tub, you have the option of covering the tub after using it.
This serves two purposes. One, it allows the water in the tub to retain its heat. Two, it gives you the option to use the same water next time you bathe in your soaking tub. Using less water when bathing is good for the environment. It’s also good for your bank account. If you reuse bathing water multiple times before draining it instead of using new water every time you bathe, over time, you’ll reduce your bills. Along with adding value to your home, this is another reason why opting to install a Japanese soaking tub could be a smart financial decision.
Owning a Japanese Soaking Tub: Important Tips
The above are just a few reasons you may strongly consider upgrading to a Japanese soaking tub. If you do install one, these tips will help you make the most out of your purchase:
Consider installing steps
One of the many benefits of a Japanese soaking tub is its high sides. This type of soaking tub gives you the opportunity to relax in deep warm water in a way that you couldn’t in a standard tub. However, because the sides of these soaking tubs are high, stepping into the tub may be more difficult than you’re accustomed to. Knowing this, consider installing steps near your Japanese soaking tub. This will allow you to enter and exit the tub safely.
Be ready to dry the area around the tub
Japanese tubs can hold a lot of water. They can also accommodate multiple people if they offer enough room. If two people step into a tub with a lot of water, splashing water can possibly get onto the floor. Be prepared to dry it off quickly by always having towels on hand. You might even want to install a slip resistant floor to maximize your safety.
Invest in additional bathroom decor
A Japanese soaking tub is a gorgeous focal point in any bathroom. Take full advantage of this quality by purchasing additional decor, such as vanity art, which can complement the tub’s attractiveness.
Japanese Soaking Tubs: An Increasingly Popular Choice
Don’t limit yourself to “standard” options when deciding which type of new bathtub is right for your home. Japanese soaking bathtubs are growing increasingly popular with homeowners throughout the world thanks to their beauty, functionality, and practicality. These tubs are perfect for both large and small bathrooms, they add value to a home, and most of all, they’re very comfortable. Consider making the switch if you’re installing a new tub or replacing an old one.