When was the last time you soaked in the tub without worrying about time?
Surroundings, the room where you bathe matter.
In Japan for Ofuro (bath), wooden hot tubs combine comfort and simplicity.
If your living space allows, setting your Ofuro in a room with a view (onto a garden) will add to its Zen quality.
Hinoki wood is nec plus ultra if price tag is not an issue.
Soaking in a hot tub in Japan is as much to soothe the soul and mind than the aching body.
A good introduction to this topic is The Japanese Bath (Gibbs Smith) by Yoshiko Yamamoto and Bruce Smith with great photography by Aya Brackett including cover (pictured above).
Unfortunately book is currently on back order and will be available again in March 2012.
Time for contemplation on Tokyo Thursdays # 213
Previously: Pine Cones as Placecard Holders at 16 Seat Restaurant Les Chanterelles in Tokyo
(* Image of The Japanese Bath cover from Aya Brackett‘s website)