What is a Japanese Style Bathtub?

Ryan M. Grambart
Founder & CEO - CopperSmith
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Ryan M. Grambart

japanese style tub

If you're on the hunt for a unique and luxurious bathing experience, a Japanese bathtub might be exactly what you’re looking for. These tubs are designed to elevate your self-care routine with an immersive soak that leaves you feeling completely relaxed.

What Are Japanese Soaking Tubs?

relaxing tub

A Japanese-style soaking bathtub is a deep, freestanding tub that has a seat. Traditional Japanese bathtubs were often circular and made of wood. That’s no longer the case. While some modern Japanese bathtubs are still made of wood, many are made with metal, acrylic, and other bathtub materials

Unlike Western-style tubs, which you lie back in, Japanese soaking tubs are designed for sitting upright. Because this style is made for deep soaking, it allows you to sit in hot water that reaches as far up as the tops of your shoulders. A soaker tub can offer deep relaxation for your entire body.

What Are the Benefits of Modern Japanese Soaking Tubs?

comfortable tub

It’s important to understand that there is no single type of soaking bathtub that’s ideal for every homeowner. 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.

Comfort

Japanese-style bathtubs allow 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 bathtub 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 can take a pain-relieving, muscle-relaxing soak any time you wish.

Space

Your bathroom space is an important 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. I

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 soaking bathtub that offers enough space for more than one person to sit comfortably. However, it’s possible to find one that fits a small bathroom if that’s what you’re looking for.

If you have a small bathroom that can’t accommodate a full-size Japanese bathtub, you could consider installing one in your backyard. Japanese soaking tubs are ideal for outdoor bathing.

Attractiveness

Like any homeowner, you want your bathroom decor and overall interior design to be attractive. A regular tub is a bathroom fixture that can be easily overlooked. A Japanese soaking tub, on the other hand, is a unique feature that stands out. Because you have the freedom to install it in various spaces throughout your bathroom (as long as the tub has access to plumbing), the tub can serve as an attractive focal point. 

Additionally, if you plan on selling your home one day, your bathroom setup will surely influence how valuable your home looks to potential buyers. A modern Japanese bathtub can add a unique bathroom aesthetic that many find

Efficiency

When bathing in a Western-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 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 Western tub, where you 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 between uses. 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 replacing it, over time, you can reduce your water bill. 

Tips for Owning a Japanese-Style Soaking Tub

If you consider upgrading to a Japanese bathtub, here are a few tips that 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 allows you 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.

Dry the Area Around the Tub

Japanese tubs can hold a lot of water. They can also accommodate multiple people if they are built with enough room. If two people step into a tub with a lot of water, water can splash onto the floor. Be prepared to dry it off 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 products and decor, such as new bathroom sinks or vanity art, which can complement the tub’s attractiveness.

premium hammered tub

Japanese Soaking Tubs Are 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, best of all, they’re very comfortable. Consider making the switch if you’re installing a new tub or replacing an old one.

World CopperSmith offers a wide range of metal soaking bathtubs, including highly customizable options for bathtub material and finish. Our copper bathtubs are known for their beauty and unique handmade quality. 

Get a quote today on a stunning Japanese bathtub for your new or remodeled bathroom. 

 

 

August 26, 2025