Is a Japanese Soaking Tub Worth It? | 11 Pros & Cons + Product Picks

 

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Japanese soaking tubs are expensive, starting at around $5,000 per tub. However, this type of tub can be worth the expense both because of its many health benefits and because it will add value to your home. The style of the tub is flexible, so you can find a tub in the format that will best suit the space in your bathroom.

In this article, find out everything you need to know about these soaking tubs and why they’re so great for stress relief.

Is a Japanese Soaking Tub Worth It?

I discovered the wonders of a Japanese soaking tub a few years ago during a trip to Japan. I stayed in a monastery at the top of a mountain. It was freezing cold outside.

The first afternoon I stayed in the unheated monastery, I shivered as I padded down the long hallway in my robe and slippers to the bathing room, where I soaked up to my neck in a wooden, steamy Japanese tub called an “ofuro.”

Honestly, my life changed in those 20 minutes as I realized the power of water to heal.

It’s no wonder that the traditional Japanese soaking tub plays an important part in Japanese culture. For generations, the Japanese have enjoyed the country’s deep soaking and cleansing rituals, indoors in the soaking tubs and outdoors in the hot springs.

Today, many Westerners embrace the Japanese soaking tub, as well as other aspects of Japanese culture, as a way to relieve the stresses and strains of modern-day living. Read on to discover what a Japanese soaker tub costs, how one differs from western style bathtubs and why you might want to get one for your home.

Cost

Buying a Japanese soaking tub can be a costly investment – but one that can increase the value of your home. You’ll need to factor in the cost of the tub itself, installation, and the faucet (also called a “filler”).

Tub

The price of the tub will be determined by the size and tub material. For example:

• A freestanding hydro system soaker tub with an acrylic finish can cost $2251.76 for a standard tub.  
• A copper soaking tub designed to fit 2 people will cost around $5,732.00.
• A small cedar Ofuro intended for a single person can start at $6,865.00 for a basic tub. Additionals like water jets will cost extra. (source)

Installation

You’ll also need to consider the cost of installing the tub which can run as high as the tub itself, depending on how heavy the bathtub is to transport and if you’ll need additional floor supports. If you’re installing the soaking tub on an upper deck or second floor, it’s likely you will.

According to Fixr.com, homeowners spend an average of $2750 to install a 6-foot freestanding tub. But installing a stone Japanese soaking tub along with the freestanding faucet can cost up to $18,000.

Faucets

Japanese soaking tubs may come with a deck-mounted faucet. Or, they may require the purchase of a separate freestanding bathtub filler or a wall-mounted faucet. 

Read about bathtub faucet types here and get my recommendations for the best freestanding waterfall tub fillers. Be aware that the most durable tub fillers have a ceramic cartridge inside rather than plastic. 

 

11 Pros and Cons

There are so many great advantages of having a Japanese soaking tub in your home. But being aware of the few drawbacks will ensure you make an informed decision. So let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

 

Pros

The advantages of these tubs definitely outweigh the disadvantages. But let’s take a look:

 

1. These are Deep Soaking Tubs

A standard Japanese soaking tub is typically steep-sided, deep, and small. The standard size is about 27 inches (68.5cm) deep, but customized tubs range from 28 – 37 inches (71 – 94cm).

The size and depth of each tub is determined by the style and your requirements.

The bather can control the depth of the water in the tub, allowing for deeper water to soak the entire body or shallower water when required.

 

2. They Save Space

Traditional tubs are generally a standard size and length, taking up the bulk of the space in the bathroom. Not so with Japanese soaking tubs. These tubs are upright and can be custom designed according to the space available. These are great soaking tubs for small bathrooms.

 

3. Beautiful and Stylish

 This tub can easily become the focal point in your bathroom. As a freestanding tub, you can design the bathroom around the tub by placing it in the center of the room and adding the rest of the décor to match.

You can install a traditional Japanese cedarwood soaking tub in any area, inside or outside, adding your own personal style to the space.

 

 4. Japanese Soaking Tubs Are Customizable

Modern homes generally have smaller bathrooms. A Japanese soaking tub is ideal for a smaller bathroom as it is designed for height and not length.

These tubs are easily customizable from many different types of material and can be tailored to suit your space. While traditional Japanese tubs are made of hinoki wood or cedar, today you can find them in a range of materials from copper to stainless steel to stone resin

As long as the area has waterlines and adequate floor support, installing a Japanese soaking tub is easy. (For a modern jetted version of the tub, you’ll also need access to a power outlet.)

 

5. These Tubs Are Therapeutic

Japanese soaking tubs are specifically made for soaking, and sitting upright in a tub is better for your posture than lying down. Good posture has many health benefits, from reducing headaches to more energy.

While a regular tub is great for bathing and cleansing, a total-immersion soak in a hot bath benefits your mind and your body by:

•         Detoxifying the body
•         Relieving aches and pains in stiff muscles
•         Reducing the effects of stress
•         Cleaning and exfoliating the skin
•         Improving cardiovascular performance and improving digestion

 

6. Ideal for Families

While some tubs are designed for a single bather, traditionally, Japanese soaking tubs were designed for families to bathe together.

The only rule is for each family member to clean themselves with soap in a shower to get rid of the day’s grime before entering the tub.

Some modern tubs are designed for two bathers with two built-in seats and dual headrests.

Parents and children can soak together in a Japanese soaking tub, creating memories.

A deep soaking tub is also ideal for seniors. A relaxing soak works wonders on sore joints and muscles.  

 

7. Eco-Friendly

There are several reasons why using a Japanese soaking tub is a good choice for the environment. First, unlike with a regular bath, you don’t soak to get clean. Instead, you soak to relax and commune with others. 

Because you shower before you get into the Japanese tub, you don’t need to drain the water after each use. Instead, you cover the “ofuro” to retain the heat, and then use the same water again, as you would with a hot tub.

Water used in the tub is generally around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) which is considered the optimal temperature for relaxing and keeping the body warm.

Modern tubs have temperature control to allow the bather to maintain the correct temperature.

As the Japanese soaking tub is deeper than a regular tub, there is less surface area to cool down the water, so you don’t need to top up as often!

Also, these deep soaking tubs are often made from eco-friendly recyclable materials like copper, stone resin, or hinoki wood.

 

8. Add Value to Your Home

Most homes have a master bathroom and a second bathroom. Quite often, the master bathroom is for the homeowner’s exclusive use and offers a peaceful sanctuary at the end of the day.

A freestanding tub is a popular master bathroom feature and will add value to the resale value of your home simply because of its impact on the bathroom space.

A deep soaking tub can provide a focal point for a luxury bathroom. According to realtors in upscale markets, a freestanding tub in the primary bathroom is a must!

Cons

While there aren’t many disadvantages to list, any one of these could be a deal-breaker for you, depending on your objective for getting a soaking tub:

 

 1.  Not Made for Cleaning the Body

Many homeowners install a shower alongside the soaking tub for bathers to wash outside of the tub before soaking in the tub – a great way to preserve the wood of the soaking tub but an additional expense.

While regular tubs are multi-functional, traditionally, soaking tubs are generally only used for soaking, relaxing, and meditating.

If your tub is made from wood, soap and shampoo should not be allowed in the tub as they will stain the wood.

Most modern homes don’t have enough space for a bathtub and a soaking tub, so if you plan to use the tub for dual-purpose bathing and relaxing tub, consider getting an acrylic version that can handle soap. 

Also, if you get a jetted Japanese soaking tub, you’ll only be able to use bath salts and oils specifically made for a jetted tub.

 

2. Japanese Soaking Tubs Are Expensive

The actual cost of the tub will depend on the size, shape, and materials used to construct the tub.

The biggest expense will be in the installation of the tub and, in the long run, the running costs of the tub.

Installation costs could include a bathroom remodel to accommodate the tub and additional plumbing and power outlets. Most installations require the service of a professional contractor.

A deep soaking tub might use more water per soak than a regular tub, and the costs to heat the water will be more than with a regular tub.

While deep soaking tubs use a regular water heater to heat the water, some styles require an additional electric spa heater to heat the water.

 

3. You May Need to Get Used to Upright Position

Traditionally, when soaking in a regular tub, bathers lay down in the water along the full length of the tub. 

While this position can be super relaxing for most Westerners, a soaking tub has a completely different bathing style. If you’ve spent you’re whole life lying down in the tub, transitioning to a Japanese soaking tub could take some getting used to.

How to Choose the Perfect Japanese Soaking Tub

Before you choose a tub, consider these points:

• The size of the space. Measure the area in the room before ordering your tub. Make sure that you measure correctly to get the right-sized tub.
• The style and shape of the tub. Decide if the tub will be freestanding, sunken, under-mounted, or inset. Each style requires different installation methods. For example, a freestanding tub might need a deck with steps leading to the top of the deck to enter the tub safely.
• Are you soaking alone or with company? The size of the tub should suit your needs.
• Is the tub comfortable? Consider how big the tub should be for your comfort.  
• What conveniences do you need? Do you need grip rails on the sides for senior family members? Should you include a bathroom remodel?
• What capacity should the tub be? Deep soaking tubs are smaller than western style tubs, but they are deeper, using more water. From an environmental and a cost point of view, this could be a game-changer for you – consider adapting the outlet to recycle the grey water in your garden, thereby conserving the water you use.

Best Japanese Soaking Tubs

Traditional Japanese soaking tubs are made from cedar wood and there’s just nothing like the earthy Zen feel of soaking in one. But if you want a modern twist on your tub – one equipped with massaging jets – then you can certainly find models that incorporate elements of western style tubs, too. Here are some of my favorite models:

 

1. Most Customizable Japanese Soaking Tub

The international design team at Aquatica created this tub to accomplish the ultimate soak for bathers of all heights. Plus, this tub will easily fit through a standard 32-inch doorway, while offering an impressively deep interior of 27 inches soaking depth.

You can customize this modern Japanese soaking tub with hydromassage jets or chromotherapy. This tub is also available in a range of sizes and color combinations.

The solid surface material is double-layered for maximum heat retention. It contains an antimicrobial solution that means you don’t need to worry about mildew or mold. It’s also eco-friendly and hypoallergenic.

Visit the Aquatica website by clicking the button above. Ask any questions in the chat in the lower right of the website. Then use coupon code SHANA10 to get 10% off your purchase of any Aquatica tub.

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2. Best Wood Ofuro Wooden Soaking Tub

 

The customizable Ofuro Wooden Soaking Tub is an elegant, classic Japanese-styled soaking tub made from Turkish cedar wood (or iroko wood, if you prefer) using a combination of traditional style and modern methods.

The standard square tub measures 51.18 x 28.3 x 27.2-inches (130 x 69.1 x 72cm), but as the tub is handmade, the artisans will size the tub to fit your bathroom plan!

This tub does not have a built-in bench or seat, but a bottom waste drain is included.

To keep the tub in tip-top condition, simply treat the wood with oil every 6 months.

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3. Best Japanese Tub with Whirlpool Jets 

The Empava Whirlpool Tub is a freestanding hydrotherapy spa tub. Inspired by the Japanese ofuru, it comes with integral seating to allow you to sit comfortably and relax.

The jets are the real showstopper of the tub since they’re adjustable and user-friendly. This tub comes with 6 water jets (2 jets in the lumbar region, 4 jets in the body region), a water-resistant pillow,  and a movable shower head. One of the great features of the jets is the 60-minute auto shut-off protection technology to prevent pump failures.

This glossy white freestanding oval tub will complement your bathroom décor and is pre-fitted with the drain, knobs, faucet, showerhead, and jets, allowing for easy installation by a contractor.

The tub requires a power connection, water inputs, and a drain and includes a 5-year limited parts warranty.

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Japanese Soaking Tubs vs. Regular Soaking Tubs

Japanese soaking tubs are quite different from regular soaking tubs in many ways.

	Japanese soaking tub	Regular soaking tub
Bathing style	Seated	Lying down
Materials	Cedarwood, copper, acrylic	Fiberglass, copper, stainless steel
Depth	26 – 37 inches (66.0 – 94cm)	27 – 37 inches (68.5 – 94cm)
Tub shape	Typically round or cylindrical	Typically oval
Water usage	Around 100 gallons (454.60 liters)	Around 30 gallons (136.38 liters)
Air tub/whirlpool	Yes, optional extra	Yes, generally, standard
Heated water	Yes	Yes
Cost	From $5,000.00 per tub	From $600.00 per tub

Traditional Japanese Soaking Tubs

Traditional Japanese soaking tubs called “Ofuro” were made from Hinoki wood, an ancient cypress wood native to central Japan. Modern Japanese soaking tubs are made from cedar and teak, acrylic, fiberglass, stainless steel, and copper.

Watch the video above to discover how to use a Japanese soaking bath the traditional way!

Click the button below to see gorgeous free standing tubs with an Asian influence that will cover you with more than one foot of water provided by a western style bathtub.

 

So, Is a Japanese Soaking Tub Worth It?

A Japanese soaking tub is worth it because of its many benefits. Ergonomically designed for comfort, these tubs offer a deeper soaking experience.

There is nothing that compares to the luxury of a Japanese soaking tub for an unforgettable bathing and relaxing experience!

The sheer beauty of a Japanese soaking tub makes it a beautiful addition to any space, whether indoors or outdoors.

I have discovered the wonders of the Japanese soaking tub. Read my article 3 Japanese Baths That Will Change Your Life, and learn how to rediscover your zen by soaking away your cares!

Note: If you’re remodeling a bathroom, I can send you designer hacks to help you save thousands of dollars. Sign up for my newsletter below and I’ll send you the free PDF.

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