hinoki wood japanese bathtub

ofuro tubs video

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:47:59 +0900

We prepared a short VTR about our japanese ofuro tubs. How do you like it? We welcome your comments!

VTR of Yoshiaki visiting ryokan in Kiso

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:03:07 +0900

Here is another short VTR that Yoshiaki took in Kiso valley when visiting the ryokan of a friend. The place is located in Nagano-ken, Kiso-gun. The name of the ryokan is: NEZAME-SANSHI (=purple mountains). This is because the mountains surrounding Kiso in all directions turn to purple at sunset. I hope you enjoy!

wood wainscoting for your bathroom

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:47:31 +0900

A great way to complement a hinoki bathtub is with wooden wainscoting. There are two options to choose from. Narrow [top left] and wide [top right].

My Kabuki Experiences

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:22:05 +0900

For those of you with additional interests in Japan, we have prepared a short video of how I was invited to perform with a village kabuki group. Kabuki is a stylized Japanese drama that includes dance, best recognized by the ghost-like white make-up that the actors apply. Click here to read more about Kabuki on wikipedia. Village Kabuki is a non-professional version of Kabuki that were and still are community events in the more rural parts of Japan. I have been performing for 10 years now and it is wonderful to be part of a fading tradition in Japan. Please enjoy!

An Italian In Kabuki Part II: Nango Rikimaru

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:38:55 +0900

Please enjoy the second video in my kabuki experiences series. This video is a short run through of where this wonderful opportunity has taken me.

Asnaro "onsen" for Genova

Wed, 05 May 2010 17:20:29 +0900

Asnaro wood tub AB grade (straight cut) Dimensions are: L1150mm x W700mm x H680mm (ext. dim.) 605mm(depth) The tub bottom is equipped with a copper apron and the joints are finished with wooden dowels. With a full set of japanese bath accessories, I am sure that the lucky owner will feel as he is bathing in a japanese onsen!

Photos of installed tub in the US

Sat, 15 May 2010 16:47:20 +0900

Our client kindly participated us these pictures. Looking at the ofuro bath tub from the lavatory area: Japanese and western. Just like the lucky owner of this sleek bathroom (a japanese-american couple), mixing it up makes life more interesting! The tub is a large knotless hinoki with tob border frame.

sunoko for Canada

Sat, 15 May 2010 18:29:51 +0900

Did you know you can order just a duckboard? In this case, a friend architect ordered one for (I imagine) a very special bathroom. We had a detailed correspondence about using the planks long wise or width wise. We custom built the sleepers to adjust to the existing slope. The grating was divided in two pieces for easy maintenance. The client chose not to chamfer the corners of the planks for a sharper look. We adjusted the size a couple of times. Every communication was done in a fast and accurate sequence of questions and answers, like in a ping pong game. Perfect. Well, almost perfect... The sunoko is now happily installed, I hear, but... we are having 2 practical problems. I am mentioning it here so it can be of reference for other cases. We strive for perfection but sometimes problems happen all at the same time... Please bear with us as we will do our best to assist you in any circumstance.

problem 1) One plank was damaged during the transportation with EMS! solution 1) All the shipments are insured. If you already opened the box and used it for more than a week, there is nothing we can do from our side. You will have to file the claim to the post office, they will produce a damage report. Send it to us. We will file it to the japanese post office and obtain a refund. Meanwhile we will make a new sunoko section and ship it to you. Sorry for the trouble!

problem 2) Some of the stainless steel nails developed some rust stains! solution 2) No kidding! I confirm we use SUS1818 type stainelss nails. As you can find on internet resources (wikipedia etc.), the only case that stainless steel produces rust is when it gets in touch with another ferroid material. The chrome coating anti-oxidation barrier of stainless steel is neutralized by the electrolitic effect of the two metals touching. Cause: a) It is possible that some metal dust from the hammer remained on the nail head b) or maybe your water is very rich in iron Solution: Dip a moist, soft toothbrush in a box of baking soda. Or you can use a mild pickling gel. Rub back and forth gently on the stained area. Rinse abundantly.

ofuro for dojo in Paris

Tue, 25 May 2010 17:34:22 +0900

Asnaro wood tub AB grade (straight cut) w/ two internal seats Dimensions are: L1600mm x W900mm x H690mm (ext. dim.) 604mm (deep) Bottom is treated with natural oil, joints are built with wood dowel heads. Imagine a dojo, a martial arts club in a quiet Paris suburb. Imagine the pleasure of entering in an aromatic hot tub after a tought training... As you know, martial arts principles give great importance to cleaning: both in a literal and symbolic sense. More than cultivating physical strenght, martial arts are a "way" to find a perfectly balanced inner self, to higher ethics and to the appreciation of authentical things...

Moving ...

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:10:50 +0900

This is for all of you who visited our warehouse (and for all of you who plan to visit...) On 6/28 we are moving! The new warehouse/showroom will be operational from 7/1. We are relocating closer to Chiba, within the Tokyo Central lumberyard - Chiba lumber center. The address is: Yoshioka 496 Yotsukaidō City, Chiba Pref. The closest station is Yotsukaido Sta. (on the JR Sobu line for Chiba) We are actually very close to Narita Airport, you are welcome to drop by on your way back!

Outlet: `beefy` oval tub (sold out)

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:00:32 +0900

sorry, SOLD OUT Another idea, a new outlet tub... As much as we always strive to optimize the width of our planks, after few months it is inevitable we accumulate a small stock of narrow leftovers. So, we decided to build a barrel type oval tub without having to pay a yen for the material! To build this size of tub, 33mm thick planks are more than enough, anyway most of the wood stripes we had were 45mm thick. It is a shame to plane it down so we decided to go for a `BEEFY` oval tub! Here is the information and cost about this gorgeous brand new tub. L1500mm x W700mm x H720mm (external dimensions) 630mm(depth) knotless natural Asnaro oval shaped bathtub. bands are in threaded stainless steel wire. The set is completed with a custom lid split in 2 halves for easy use. 1) AB grade tub (quarter sawn) : 550,000. JPY 2) Packaging: 1650x850x920 wood box: 42,000. JPY 3) Shipment: please let us know your full address so we can take a quote (ocean or air freight) For the payment, we accept Credit cards thru PAYPAL / or contact us for payment thru wire transfer to our bank account in Japan. download the drawing in acrobat format: outlet090706.pdf

Spring Outlet Tub (final sale)

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 11:02:26 +0900

ADDITIONAL 15% OFF -- Final rebate due to moving New outlet tub for the spring! Note the beautiful color gradation of the planks of hinoki wood giving the tub a natural look. This compact size tub is great for one person. It also as slightly more depth for you to soak up to your chin. Here are the details: Kiso hinoki ofuro. SIZE: L1100mm x W700mm x H680mm (external dimensions) 605mm(depth) knotless natural Hinoki bathtub 1) AB grade tub (quarter sawn) : 428,000 JPY 2) Packaging: 1250x850x880 wood box: 31,000. JPY 3) Shipping: Please send us your exact address for a shipping quotation. Either by air or by sea. ADDITIONAL 15% OFF = 390,000 JPY (tub+packaging) !!
sale ends 2010/6/28 For the payment, we accept Credit cards thru PAYPAL or contact us for wire transfer information to our bank account in Japan. back side of the tub, it also has a copper apron. Click here to download a drawing of the tub in acrobat format.
The smooth and pristine interior of the tub.

Side view of the tub

Hot tub for New Zealand

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 16:38:23 +0900

I think that the words of my client are more clear and evocative than any any detailed description I could make: (...) Thank you for the photographs. It really looks a beautiful work that will give us wonderful moments for a long, long time. My house is on the top of a hill, overlooking a valley and the sunset. I am planting a face of the mountain with oaks, and I will be able to enjoy the view from the bath, as I did in my trips to onsen in Japan. The water comes from a nearby stream and collected rain water . I am sure it will be a pleasure for all of us to enjoy your wonderfully crafted tub.(...) Hinoki wood tub AB grade (quarter sawn) w/ overflow top cut Dimensions are: L1400mm x W900mm x H680mm (ext. dim.) 600mm (deep) . The bottom of the tub is treated with natural oil and the joints are finished with dowel heads.

virtual 3D showroom

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:08:12 +0900

We know that rather than the cold buttons of the mouse, you prefer the delicate touch of the cherry blossoms falling on your hair. Anyway, if you are far from japan and missing its onsen, its cozy ryokan with mystical stone gardens shining with the moonlight, we hope you will enjoy this 3D walkthru simulation. If you like it, write a comment!

american size outlet hot tub

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:36:07 +0900

New outlet tub large and cheap! Recently we presented several compact size hot tubs in a row. Time to go for a larger size, a tub comfortable for 6ft. tall westerner. Usually large tubs, also because need a top frame construction, involve an higher price tag. Anyway this time we really kept it reasonable. 5000 US$ for this size is really a deal! Here are the details: size: L1500mm x W805mm x H650mm (external dimensions) 565mm(depth) quality: knotless natural Asnaro bathtub. 1) AB grade tub (quarter sawn) : 480,000. JPY 2) Packaging: 1650x980x850 wood box: 44,000. JPY For the payment, we accept Credit cards thru PAYPAL or contact us for wire transfer information to our bank account in Japan. outlet100707.pdf The tub is "copper bottomed" and finished with wood dowels. Click here: (hot tub drawing) to download it in acrobat format.
interior of the tub.