Traditional Japanese spa culture is a time-honoured ritual of long, soothing soaks in mineral-rich hot springs, known as onsen, often taken in the great outdoors. Much more than a quick lather and rinse, the practice is designed to be purifying, relaxing, tranquil and restorative. In fact, the Japanese term totonou, meaning 'sauna high', aims to achieve a state of deep physical and mental relaxation and harmony.
But since most of us cannot easily jet off to the Japanese countryside to steep in a deep geothermal bath surrounded by snow-dusted mountains and verdant forest, we can incorporate just a bit of totonou into our bathing routine, whether it is via a full-on renovation or simple decorative touches to bring a spa-inspired feel to an ordinary bathroom.
Renovate to Rejuvenate
Yumi Murayama, founder and creative director of Vancouver's Yu+Me Design Studio, says, 'I am Japanese-born and raised, and have been to many onsens in Japan growing up. Every time I visit, I make sure to go to one to relax and enjoy being in nature.' She says others who travel to Japan and experience the onsen want to recreate it in their own bathroom. 'If they have the space for it, I can design it.'
Well, not necessarily a whole mineral-bath-in-the-forest-beneath-Mount-Fuji recreation, but certainly something approaching a spa atmosphere. Murayama says having a separate tub and shower in the same room is ideal so you can take a shower to cleanse then sink into the tub to soak, in the onsen tradition. To achieve that, she usually installs a steam shower, preferably with a built-in bench, to 'sit, relax, and take a shower while breathing in the steam.' Then she will add a separate, free-standing deep tub to allow for that long, restorative soak.
She says having a toilet in the same room as a tub and shower is 'strange' to Japanese people, who prefer to keep it in its own space. But since it is near impossible to remove a toilet already ensconced in a bathroom, Murayama says she works around it when renovating for what she calls 'a wet room that feels like a spa.'
Lighting and Technology
She says you can also integrate waterproof LED lights to the shower to add warmth and ambience. And, although she has not done it herself, she says more people are adding waterproof Bluetooth speakers like Kohler's Moxie removable, magnetically attached model to infuse music or soothing nature sounds into the shower.
Fixtures and Finishes
As for fixtures, she prefers Kallista for the combination of luxury, high-end designs and materials like solid brass, nickel and silver, and unique finishes. Also, they do not splash. The custom-engineered aerator creates a splash-free stream and reduces water consumption. The faucets and rain shower heads work on air-induction technology, which pulls in air and mixes with the water which, while still powerful, creates droplets that are lighter and softer on the skin.
Decorative Touches
Experts share that simple decorative touches can also transform a bathroom. Designer Kelly Grimes notes, 'Pastels work beautifully in a spa-like environment as colour psychology plays an important role in how a space makes us feel.' Decanting and presenting toiletries in simple, matching pump bottles or onto trays creates visual cohesion. Soft lighting, natural materials like bamboo or stone, and plush towels enhance the spa atmosphere.
Whether you opt for a full renovation or just a few decorative updates, incorporating elements of Japanese onsen culture can turn your daily bath into a restorative ritual.
