Ofuro
A Furo (風呂), also known as ofuro (お風呂), is a traditional Japanese bath, which originated steep-sided wooden bathtub. Baths of this type are found all over Japan in houses, apartments, and traditional Japanese inns, or Ryokan.
A furo differs from a conventional western bathtub by being of a deeper construction, typically in the region of 0.6 m (25 inches). The sides are generally square rather than being sloped. Traditionally, a furo was heated by a wood-burning stove below. The furo was usually left filled with water overnight and emptied the next day. In the old days, the same water would remain in the bath for a few days, however, due to today's health regulations, this no longer happens. It is a Japanese custom that all members of the family use the same bathwater each night and therefore it is important be completely clean before entering the bath. This type of ofuro was the precursor of the modern western-style hot tub.
Furo are part of the Japanese ritual of bathing and are not used for washing but for relaxing. Washing is carried out separately outside the ofuro, and only when completely clean does the bather enter the water. Generally, Japanese bathrooms are quite small compared to western standards so the bathroom is set up much like a walk-in shower area containing an 'ofuro.' Since the bathroom is a complete wet-area heating is usually provided by air conditioners overhead. The water is hot: usually approximately 100 to 108 degrees F (38 to 42 degrees Celsius).
Modern furo may be made of acrylic, and are generally equipped with a re-circulation system that filters and re-heats the water. This system is connected with the hot water heater, both for gas/propane fired or electric/heat-pump types.
See also [ Onsen ]
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