The Japanese way of using free standing baths in the UK

Have you ever wondered how free-standing baths in the UK came into being? The history of bathtubs is quite old. The oldest archaeological evidence found, has been traced back to 3300 B.C., to the Indus Valley Civilisation, in ancient India, where the earliest plumbing systems have been discovered. Astonishingly advanced for their time, the Indus Valley bore one of the first hydraulic systems in the world, proving an advanced knowledge and application of hydraulic engineering.

Furthermore, remnants found in Egypt and the Greek isle of Crete and, most notoriously, the vestiges left by the Romans throughout Europe, speak of the importance, demand and popularity, the use of baths has had since remote times. All of them are precursors of modern-day plumbing fixtures and inspired the birth of many designer baths.

Water recycling as part of a tradition

The Furo contains heated water, which is constantly kept warm through the use of special heating devices. This enables the whole family to use the same water when they have their share of the tub. Turns are taken in hierarchical order, starting from the oldest (male) person in the family, to the youngest; always taking care of cleaning any hair or remnants that could be left in the bath after use.

Bigger modern Furo can be used by more than one family member at a time, like a mother with her child or both parents with their children.

The Furo has no draining system. After everyone has used the tub, the water is recycled by using it for household chores, such as washing the clothes, mopping or any other use they can find for it.

So, this large amount of water is taken advantage of, as extensively as possible.

How to use your own bathtub as a Furo

Today, potable water is endangered as a scarce resource. Using your bathtub the Japanese way, will save litres and litres of water, enabling you and your family to still enjoy soaking in a tub, without taking a huge toll of the environment.

From all the freestanding baths that are available in the UK, limestone composite baths are the best option for their eco-friendly features. Firstly, their insulating properties and the temperate quality of the material itself, allow the water to sustain a warm temperature. Secondly, as they are partially made of stone, they also last a lifetime in good conditions and the surface does not harbour bacteria. Finally, their maintenance and cleaning are also environment-friendly as you just need mild soap and water to keep them spick-and-span (you can even use the left over water from your bath to do this chore!).

Far East Asian countries are also noticeable for their bathing heritage, which are widely practiced even today and form a very important part of their culture. Such an example can be found on the islands of Japan, known for its contrasting high-tech civilisation, yet deeply embedded traditional roots, both aspects coexisting in everyday Japanese society.

Japanese bathing practices

One of the ancestral bathing protocols is the use of the Furo, a Japanese style of free-standing bath. It is made out of wood and, differently from Western tubs; they are square-shaped, so, they are shorter and deeper, enough for a person to be sitting down with their knees close to their chest and the water to cover the shoulders.

The Furo is a part of Japanese etiquette. It is rather used for relaxing than cleansing. In fact, people are required to thoroughly shower and properly wash and clean themselves, before entering the Furo.