7 Reasons Why Your Bathroom Needs a Japanese Soaking Tub

Japanese soaking tubs have become a hot trend in American homes, but this isn’t strictly about style. There are a lot of benefits to having a Japanese soaking tub and many more design options than people realize. And yes, they also look pretty amazing in any bathroom.

Why do you need to add a Japanese soaking tub to your bathroom and move away from western tub designs? Let’s count the ways, and explore the benefits of adding this feature to your space.

1. They Don't Take up a Lot of Space

Japanese soaking tubs are designed to take up as little floor space as possible. That means you can have all the benefits and joy of a long soak whenever you want, without making your bathroom feel small and cramped. They're specifically made not for laying down but for sitting, so these tubs are designed in more circular or square shapes, rather than the longer rectangle-like shapes of American tubs. What Japanese soaking tubs lack in length, they make up for in height. You get more floor space and you still get a lot of water in the tub.

2. They Have a Unique Look

Most American bathtubs have a pretty standard look. Even the larger Jacuzzi tubs are pretty typical, looks-wise. They're generally long rectangles or ovals, and typically they're white, off-white, pink, or black in color. But Japanese soaking tubs are more customizable. Japanese tubs are shorter than typical American tubs, and they can be made in a variety of styles, colors, and shapes. These tubs come in perfect circles, ovals, and even custom shapes. This gives you lots of options for adding a great element to your space and creating a truly custom bathroom design.

3. They're Made from Many Different Materials

Many modern American tubs are made out of fiberglass, acrylic, porcelain, or enamel. And for the most part, all these materials look pretty similar. Japanese soaking tubs are made in a huge variety of materials, including copper, stainless steel, and wood in addition to the usual fiberglass and more standard options.

4. They Have Cool Features

Often made with sleek lines in clean designs, Japanese soaking tubs are deceptively simple-looking. They're actually made with some seriously cool features. Japanese soaking tubs are typically designed with built-in seats that can accommodate multiple bathers at once, and grab bars to assist with climbing in and out.

5. They Let you Have a Deep Soak

Japanese soaking tubs are made specifically for soaking. They're traditionally 27 inches deep, which means when you sit in the water, it will come up to your chin. That's a pretty good soak—much deeper than you'll get with a standard American tub. The water can get to every muscle and give you a true all-over dip.

6. They Provide Different Mounting Options

In most traditional bathroom designs, the bathtub sits against one wall. But Japanese soaking tubs provide a host of different mounting options. A soaking tub can be installed under the shower, in the middle of the room, or against the wall.

7. They Save Water

Most Japanese soaking tubs consume less water than a traditional American bathtub. Over time, you will use less water and actually save on your water bill.

Bathing Japanese Style

Compact and sleek, Japanese soaking tubs become an instant focal point for any bathroom. They’re still pretty unique in American home designs, and they offer so many different material and style options that you can find one that’s just perfect for your room. These tubs provide a different style of bathing, to be sure, but you may find that you enjoy the deeper water and sitting pose.

You can also find Japanese soaking tubs with jets added, so you don’t have to sacrifice little luxuries and amenities to add one of these beauties to your bathroom. The compact design is a great way to maximize your bathroom space and still add lots of style to the room. Add one of these tubs to your bathroom, and you’ll probably find a few of your own reasons to add to this list.