Japanese Soaking Tubs: Sizes, Depth & What Fits a Small Bathroom

Japanese Soaking Tubs: Sizes, Depth & What Fits a Small Bathroom

A Japanese soaking tub, often called an ofuro, flips the usual idea of a bathtub around. Instead of a long, shallow tub you lie back in, it's a short, deep tub you sit in upright, with the water much higher on your body. That makes it one of the few ways to get a genuinely deep soak in a bathroom that doesn't have room for a full-length tub. Using real dimensions, capacities, weights, and prices from the four Japanese soaking tubs in our catalog, here's what actually changes from model to model, and what to plan for before you order one.

The four models side by side

A dash means the manufacturer doesn't list that figure. Prices are current as of publishing and can change, so check each product page for the latest price and availability. Every model has a built-in seat (the Feltz has two), and all four ship by freight truck.

How deep is a Japanese soaking tub?

The two stone resin models fill to 24 1/2 inches (Akio) and 23 3/4 inches (Haru) at the overflow. The built-in seat is what makes that depth usable: the Akio's seat is 8 3/8 inches high and the Haru's is 8 5/8 inches, so you can sit on the seat for a lighter soak or slide down to the tub floor to go deeper.

The trade-off is the rim height. At 32 1/2 to 34 inches tall, these tubs are much taller than most bathtubs, which is why both stone resin models include a resin step stool (17 3/4" x 10 1/4" x 10 1/4") to help you climb in and out. If anyone in the house has trouble stepping over a high edge, a walk-in tub is the better fit.

Will it fit a small bathroom?

This is where Japanese tubs shine. The Akio is 39 inches long and the Haru is 43 inches, roughly two-thirds the length of a standard 60-inch tub, so they can fit in a corner, an alcove, or a small primary bath where a full-length freestanding tub never would. Both are slightly wider than a standard 30-inch tub (32" and 31 1/2"), so measure width as carefully as length.

The Fisk (48") sits in between, and the Feltz (60" x 30") takes the same footprint as a standard tub but gives you a deep, seated soak with two integral seats instead of a lie-back tub. Whichever you choose, leave a few inches of open space around a freestanding tub for cleaning, and plan the faucet location before the tub arrives. For more small-space options, see our walk-in and soaking tub guide for small bathrooms.

Stone resin or hammered copper?

• Stone resin (Akio, Haru): solid surface stone mixed with pure acrylic resin, with the color the same all the way through. It's the lower-priced option in this group, and at 216 to 258 lbs empty it's much lighter than the water it holds.
• Hammered copper (Fisk, Feltz): 16-gauge copper with a hand-polished, hammered finish inside and out. It's a living finish that will patina over time. The manufacturer applies a clear lacquer first and then honey beeswax, recommends against harsh materials such as Epsom salts, and notes that each tub is handmade, so color and measurements can vary slightly. The Feltz is double-walled.

For a deeper look at how these materials compare with acrylic and cast iron, see Acrylic vs. Stone Resin vs. Clawfoot Tubs and our freestanding tub materials comparison.

Plan for the weight and the hot water

A small footprint doesn't mean a light tub once it's full. Water weighs about 8.34 lbs per gallon, so:

• Akio: about 684 lbs of water plus the 216 lb tub, or roughly 900 lbs when full.
• Haru: about 884 lbs of water plus the 258 lb tub, or roughly 1,140 lbs when full.
• Fisk and Feltz: about 917 lbs and 692 lbs of water alone, before the tub's own weight.

That load sits on a small area of floor. Ground-floor installs are usually straightforward, but for an upstairs bathroom or an older floor, have a contractor confirm the floor can carry it before you order.

Hot water is the other surprise. At 82 to 110 gallons, these tubs hold more than many water heaters can fill with hot water in one go. A common rule of thumb is that your water heater should hold about two-thirds of the tub's capacity, which works out to roughly 55 gallons for the Akio or Feltz and roughly 70 to 75 gallons for the Haru or Fisk. If you have a smaller tank, ask your plumber about a larger tank or a tankless heater.

Faucets and air jets

None of these tubs has faucet holes, so you'll pair it with a separate tub filler, either a floor-mounted freestanding filler or a wall-mounted spout. See How to Install a Freestanding Tub Faucet, or browse freestanding tub faucets.

Each model is also offered with air jets for $1,495 more. The blower is listed at 1,140 watts (9.5 amps at 120 volts), so plan for an electrical outlet or circuit in the right place. Because the air-jet versions are modified for you, the manufacturer notes they are non-returnable, so decide on jets before you order.

How a Japanese soak works

Traditionally, you shower or rinse off first and then get into the tub only to soak, which keeps the water clean and makes the tub a place to relax rather than wash. You don't have to follow the tradition, but it's a big part of why these tubs are designed for sitting and soaking rather than bathing.

Browse our soaking tubs collection for these and other deep soakers, or see Freestanding Tub Sizes: What to Expect at Every Length if you have room for a full-length tub.