Imagine yourself returning from a long and stressful working day. You go to the bathroom and fill the tub with hot water. You take off the clothes and go into the bathtub. Your body fully immerses into the water up to the neck and you feel how every body muscle gets relaxed and your mind is free from the down thoughts.
While for many people in the western culture bathing is about getting clean, in Japan it is a part of centuries of culture. Ofuro tub takes an important role in this cleaning tradition. It is about relaxation and comfort. Compared to the standard bathtubs, Ofuro tubs give an absolutely new bathing experience. Many Westerners embrace this way of bathing to relieve the burdens of modern life.
On the market, original Japanese Ofuro tubs cost above $5000 for the plainest model, which is way too expensive for the average user. In this article, we propose worth-to-consider alternatives, which are deep and solid and can give you an experience very similar to the Japanese Ofuro tubs.
| Model | Characteristics |
The deepest model Heatgene square soaking bathtub | Dimensions: 39'' L x 39'' W x 28.74'' H Soaking depth: 21.65'' Material: Acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement - The most solid and long-lasting construction - Goes with overflow drain - Keep the heat for longer than the average bathtub - Have adjustable feet levelers Best for: those who a looking for a deep and compact bathtub |
The best for your health Empava hydrotherapy bathtub | Dimensions: 47.24'' L x 31.49'' W x 30.7'' H Soaking depth: 21 “ Material: Fiberglass - The most comfortable setting that accounts for body shape - Gives a relaxing massage with thousands of heated air bubbles - The easiest installation - Goes with shower head, overflow drain, drain, faucet, knobs - Have adjustable feet levelers Best for: those with joints or chronic pains |
The most spacious Laurel Mountain soaking bathtub | Dimensions: 60” L x 32'' W x 26.6'' H Soaking depth: 18.5” Material: Acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement - You can strengthen the legs and have a deep soak - Comfortable to rest the head on the slope sides - Gives your place a sophisticated look - Goes with overflow - Have adjustable feet levelers Best for: those who want to combine deep soaking with all benefits from lying in the tub |
The most unique design Heatgene round bathtub | Dimensions: 41.14'' L x 41.14'' W x 26.57'' H Soaking depth: 20.3'' Material: Acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement - The most unique design - You can fully immerse yourself into the water - Suitable for the small space - Overflow drain - Keeps water temperature longer due additional insulation - Have adjustable feet levelers Best for: those who want to transform their bathroom into the unique place |
The best to try Ofuro tub Homefilos portable Japanese bathtub | Dimensions: 35” L x 35'' W x 22'' H Soaking depth: 22” Material: Plastic - Multiple ways to drain regardless of position of the train in the shower - You can use Edson salts for bathing - Enough place for people under 6’2” - 6-month warranty - Easy to assemble Best for: those who are uncertain about the purchasing of the Ofuro tub or have too small bathroom. |
What is Ofuro tub?
Ofuro bathtub or a Japanese soaking bathtub is a traditional part of Japanese homes made specifically for relaxation. It is designed to take pressure off the shoulders and neck while sitting upright with a straight back.
Japan has a long history of bathing tradition which is an important part of life. Before entering the bath, all family members take a shower to enter the water clean. Traditionally all of them reuse the same water for bathing. As Ofuro tubs are designed for a long soak of the entire family, it keeps the warm longer than the average western bathtub due to the less water surface area.
Ofuro tubs are steep-sided, short, and deep, which allows the user fully immerse themselves in the hot water. The small size of the tubs gives you flexibility during a bathroom renovation. The most common shape for the Ofuro tub is a square that can suit every bath conner and save place. However, road and oval shapes are also typical.
Healthy benefits from soaking in the Ofuro tub are:
- Improve blood flow
- Relieve chronic joint and back pain
- Soothe sore and tight muscles
- Relieve stress
- Improves healing process
- Treating headache
- Relaxation
Is Ofuro tub right for you: compression of Japanese and western tubs?
Japanese and western bathtub models have major differences in shape, dimensions, and purpose.
Ofuro tub
Western tubBody position Sitting upright Laying down Shape Square and round Oval, rectangular Depth Starts from 27” Starts from 14” Water capacity From 100 gallons Starts from 40 gallons Main purpose Relaxation Get cleaned
Why our review is trustworthy?
To create the reports our team uses a special-developed research technique to select models based on the user experience with the product. To select Ofuro tubs for this rating we:
- Searched 8 marketplaces and selected 20 models according to their rating and soaking depth
- Filter out those models with the low number of reviews and select 9 for further research
- Deeply analyze 200 of both positive and negative reviews to figure out quality criteria important for the users
- Rank selected models according to these criteria and selected only 5 models with the highest scores for this rating.
How to select Ofuro bathtub
Based on our research we selected the top criteria, you need to account for when choosing an Ofuro tub for your home.
💫 Space: Ofuro tubs are short and can complement any bathroom space. As Ofuro tubs are made for soaking in the upright position, their length doesn’t exceed 40- 50”. That gives you enough space to place the legs and the body comfortably and doesn’t cramp the place. Still. It is better to know the dimension of the area you plan to install the bathtub.
🚿 Installation: the original Ofuro tubs from wood or stone are heavy and hard to install. For example, installation of stone Ofuro with a freestanding faucet can cost up to $18 000. Fortunately, for all selected models in our rating users admitted an easy installation, so you don’t need to worry about the hard process and expensive cost. Still, you need to account for buying the faucet, shower, and drain hardware if needed.
⬇️ Depth: the traditional Ofuro hot tubs are very deep, usually at least 27”. Unfortunately, these models are expensive and most of them are made on request, so it is hard to find them online. Japan-inspired deep soaking tubs are around 20”, which also can propose a good soaking experience.
💖 Material: Classical Ofuro is made of Hinoki wood. Modern Japanese tubs are acrylic or fiberglass. Acryl tubs are long-lasting and resistant to scratches and color loss, while fiberglass ones are cheaper. A high-end model can be made of stone or copper.
🛀 Comfort: If you have never tried to take the bath in the upright position, Ofuro will bring you an absolutely new experience. If you are afraid of getting uncomfortable in the new tub, we recommend trying a portable model of the Japanese soaking bathtub.
❄️ Insulation: Are you planning to have a long soak in the bathtub, you definitely need to look at insulated tubs that can keep the heat for a longer time. Two models from Headgene in square and round shapes are just right for you.
Detailed reviews
Heatgene square soaking bathtub — the deepest model
| Dimensions: | 39” L x 39” W x 28.74” H |
| Soaking depth | 21.65” |
| Material: | Acrylic |
| Capacity | 70 gallons |
| Weight: | (154 lb.) 69.85 kg |
Pros
- The most solid and long-lasting construction
- Goes with an overflow drain to prevet water from flooding the house
- Keep the heat for longer than the average bathtub
- Have adjustable feet levelers
Cons
- The seat is above 6 inches off base
- You cannot change the color of the overflow and popup
Head gene square will definitely boast the visual design of your bathroom with its minimalistic and modern glossy white look. It is a freestanding unit so you can put it wherever you want, whether it is a corner or the center of the space. Still, if you have a small bathroom and want to have a soaking tub, the Heatgene square hot tub is definitely for you.
The Heatgene soaking bathtub is contacted as a solid and durable unit. You shouldn’t wonder about color loss, stains, or scratches, because it is made of reinforced 100% acryl. It also guarantees that you won’t spend much time cleaning and the bathtub will look brand-new even after years of usage.
The Ofuro tubs are all about deep soaking. In the Heatgene square bathtub, you can fully immerse the body into the water to relax your shoulder and neck after long working hours. If the depth from the seat is not enough for you you can sit just on the bottom. So it will suit your place whether you are a tall or short person.
Empava hydrotherapy bathtub — the best for your health
| Dimensions: | 47.24” L x 31.49” W x 30.7” H |
| Soaking depth: | 21 “ |
| Material: | Fiberglass |
| Capacity | 40 gallons |
| Weight: | 100 Pound |
Pros
- The most comfortable setting that accounts for body shape
- Gives a relaxing massage with thousands of heated air bubbles
- The easiest installation
- Goes with shower head, overflow drain, drain, faucet, knobs
- Has leveling feets
Cons
- You cannot change the color of the overflow and popup
- Not suitable for a tall person (above 5’5”)
While the classical Ofuro tubs don’t have a hydrotherapy function, nothing should prevent you from enjoying modern features. A hydrotherapy massage from the Empava bathtub will give you pain relief and muscle relaxation. Moreover, the preheated air bubbles and double wall design of the model keep the desired temperature for a long soaking.
Compared to other models listed in our rating, the Empava hydrotherapy bathtub is probably the easiest to install. It already has a drain, faucet, knobs, showerhead, and jets. All the plumber needs to do is to just connect hot/cold water, power, and the drain.
While sitting on the integrated seat one can immerse himself up to the shoulders however the place on the bottom is enough to seat there too, for the deep soak. The model of 48” is enough for a person up to 5’5”.
The oval shape of the Empava hydrotherapy tub will make it a unique item in the bathroom. This bathtub is compact and suits a small bathroom without overloading the space.
Laurel Mountain soaking bathtub — the most spacious
| Dimensions: | 60” L x 32” W x 26.6” H |
| Soaking depth: | 18.5” |
| Material: | Acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement |
| Capacity: | 48 gallons |
| Weight: | 95.0 |
Pros
- You can strengthen the legs and have a deep soak
- Comfortable to rest the head on the slope sides
- Gives your place a sophisticated look
- Goes with an overflow drain to prevet water from flooding the house
- Have adjustable feet levelers
Cons
- The depth doesn’t allow you to soak with the shoulder covered with water if you are higher then 5’9”
This soaking bathtub is the most western-looking among our ratings. Still, we cannot resist absolutely positive feedback from many customers. It has standard length and weight, but the soaking depth is greater compared to other western-style models. This also you to comfortably accommodate your body by stretching the legs and still experience a deep soak.
Moreover, the common problem with many tubs is that they got narrowed to the bottom and limit the space. The Laurel Mountain soaking bathtub doesn’t have this drawback and allows you to feel more space while bathing. Additionally, slope sides give additional relaxation to the head and neck while bathing.
Heatgene round bathtub — the most unique design
| Dimensions: | 41.14” L x 41.14” W x 26.57” H |
| Soaking depth: | 20.3” |
| Material: | acrylic reinforced by fiberglass |
| Capacity: | 56.8 gallons |
| Weight: | 78 lb. |
Pros
- You can fully immerse yourself into the water
- The most unique design
- Suitable for the small space
- Goes with an overflow drain to prevet water from flooding the house
- Keeps water temperature longer due to additional insulation
Cons
- You can accidentally start to drain the water with leg movements
- Not enough space for people of 5’9”
This model will definitely become a “star” for the bathroom and will add up unique look to the place. The depth of the tub is enough to soak with water covering your chest, however, if you want to immerse more in the water you can go down from the seat to the bottom. Despite the depth, you don’t need to get additional steps to get in and out of the bathtub.
Another great thing about this tub is that it doesn’t require sitting directly over the drain. It means that you get additional flexibility in choosing the place. To install the unit you need to buy a freestanding faucet or make the in-wall installation.
Homefilos portable Japanese bathtub — the best to try Ofuro tub
| Dimensions: | 35” L x 35” W x 22” H |
| Soaking depth: | 22” |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Capacity: | |
| Weight: | 7.86 lb. |
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Multiple ways to drain regardless of the position of the train in the shower
- As same as solid models you can use Epsoak salts for bathing
- Enough place for people under 6’2”
- 6-month warranty
Cons
- Can develop leaks with over time
You can be skeptical about inflatable units, but it is hard to deny their advantages. Homefilos inflatable Japanese bathtub is the best way to try whether the sitting soaking tub is right for you before buying a solid one. Moreover, if you a limited in space and still want to get a soaking experience it can save you a lot of space because you install it into the shower.
The only thing you need to do before starting the bathing is to assemble the bathtub. This means just putting the supportive rods in the pockets and inhaling the ring on the top. What we really like about this model is that bathers of height up to 6’2” can enjoy a deep soaking there.
While this portable Ofuro tub is made of solid and long-lasting plastic, in some cases, people report the development of leaks from the drain after several months of use. However, the manufacturer has a 6-month warranty, so you can return the item in such a situation.
Summary
Ofuro tub can fully transform your bathing experience with relaxing deep soaking. While the traditional Ofuro tubs are expensive, worth considering alternatives are Japan-inspired tubs, which are deep and built from modern materials like acryl. The main factors you need to consider before installations are available space and tub dimensions, installation costs, material, and insulation.
After analyzing 200 customer reviews about their experience with tubs, we selected top five models:
Heatgene square soaking bathtub Empava hydrotherapy bathtub Laurel Mountain soaking bathtub The deepest model The best for your health The most spacious Heatgene round
bathtubHomefilos portable Japanese bathtub The most unique design The best to try Ofuro tub
FAQ
🙂 Are Ofuro tubs worth it?
Sure. Apart from good relaxation, soaking in the Ofuro tub has many health benefits including improvement of the cardiovascular system, blood circulation, stress relief, relaxation, treating headaches, and curing chronic back and joint pain.
♨️ What is a Japanese soaking tub called?
It is called Ofuro, which means “bath”. Traditionally it is a deep and short tub for soaking and relaxation.
🛀 Are Japanese soaker tubs comfortable?
Yes, as you fully immerse your body into the water you can relax your neck and back muscles. However, as you take the bath in the upright position with bent legs it might feel unusual for the first time.
💧 Do Japanese soaking tubs use more water?
Yes, compared to the western bathtub Ofuro tubs uses slightly more water. However, according to Japanese traditions, all household members take the bath in the same water without draining the tub. Before entering the Ofuro everyone takes a shower, so the water remains clean.
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