How to Renovate Your HDB Bathroom into a Japanese Bathroom

What better way to relax and rejuvenate than to have your spa right in the comfort of your home? If you live in an HDB flat in Singapore, you may be wondering how you can transform your bathroom into a Japanese spa. Here are some guidelines for you and your interior designer to consider regarding the atmosphere you want to create. Once you have a vision, you can transform your bathroom into your Japanese spa.

No need to visit hot springs in Japan when you’ve got a luxurious bath right in your HDB flat! Here is a step-by-step guide to explain to your interior designer the essential elements and traditional culture of Japanese bathrooms that you would like to apply to your HDB bathroom. So go ahead and treat yourself to a relaxing staycation at home!

How Is The Japanese Bathroom Different From the Western Bathroom

A Japanese soaking tub, also called an “ofuro,” is traditionally used for soaking rather than bathing. As in public baths in Japan, you must shower before entering the tub, or scoop water out to bathe with soap or shampoo before entering the tub to rest and relax.

For this reason, Japanese soaking tubs are usually integrated into a shower-like, waterproof area with a drain, allowing you to wash, rinse, and soak in the same place without worrying about splashing water.

The traditional Japanese tub is typically 24 inches deep, enough to cover the shoulders of a seated person. As for the width, one person requires about 32-36 inches. That water covers your entire body. As for the Western-style bathtub, it’s usually long and narrow enough for the user to lie down.

6 Things You Should Know About Japanese Bathroom Designs

1. Deep Soaking Tub 

Traditional Japanese bathing made from fragrant cypress (hinoki) trees is known for its natural anti-bacterial properties and resistance to mould and insects. Another good choice would be cedar, which has similar qualities and a pleasant smell. You can opt to build an in-built seat in the tub where one would sit while soaking.

Fun fact: Do you know that Ikeda Spa is the only spa in Singapore with the Hinoki Onsen Bath?

2. Point-of-Use Water Heater

When installing a soaking tub, there are some crucial factors to consider. For example, the soaking bath requires a lot of hot water to fill and is designed for reuse multiple times. You might also consider purchasing a wooden or plastic cover for the bath when it is not in use to prevent the water from cooling. You’ll need a method to heat the hot tub to the correct temperature every time you use it.

For the most authentic Japanese bath experience, you will like to heat the water to about 42°C. The electricity bill can get quite hefty if you use an electric heater. To save on energy costs, consider using a gas heater. If you don’t like reusing the same bath water, please avoid storage heaters, as they take time to heat the water, especially if you have a big family. Discuss this with your interior designer to decide on the best energy-saving heater.

3. Separate Bathing Area

If you’re a hardcore Japanese bath fan, you may want to set up a separate bathing room to actually bathe with soap and shampoo. Depending on your style, this might be a sink with buckets or a small shower stall with floor drains. If you plan to use a bucket, you might be interested in buying a hinoki pail.

4. Lighting

A Japanese bath is not just about relaxing your body but also your mind, so your lighting should be soft and soothing. A skylight would provide excellent general lighting for daytime use, while task lighting around the vanity mirror would be helpful for shaving and applying makeup. Recessed lighting would also work well for general lighting.

5. Background colour

Use neutral or soft earth tones. Avoid using high gloss or anything too shiny. You might want to discuss the kind of style you would like to go for with your interior designer. Some suggested colours for creating a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere include pastel blue or green. Earthy brown bathroom tiles can also pair well with light wood, bringing a luxurious feel to the space. Even better, you can have your interior designer find bathroom tiles with natural wood-grain patterns for a more organic look. If you have a bigger renovation budget, you can import hinoki wood planks from Japan to install on the walls.

6. Accents

Spruce up your bathroom with some plants! Not only can they purify the air, but they’ll also add a natural touch to your space. Bamboo is especially popular in Japan.

Another way to incorporate Japanese culture into your bathroom is by adding a water feature. Water is an integral part of Japanese traditions and is often used in purification rituals. If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom, consider adding a small fountain to create a more relaxing atmosphere. Fountains also help mask unwanted noise.

Bamboo fibres are natural antibacterial materials, so they’re ideal for bathroom use. They won’t absorb moisture, but if you want to keep your bathroom smelling fresh, bamboo is a good option. You could go for a neutral or earth-toned colour, maybe one that stands out from the wall.

Here are some other bath accessories to create a complete Japanese bathroom experience:

Ideas for a Japanese-style bathroom

If you’re having trouble explaining the Japanese bathroom concept to your interior designer, why not show him some examples? A picture says a thousand words, so here are some inspirational photos for you to consider.

A minimal, playful design incorporates wood and white for a more modern bathroom style.

A wooden touch and stone flooring make for a great combination in any home. It’s warm and inviting, yet classic and timeless.

A bright style is achieved by mixing a wood bathtub with more daylight.

If you want to create your inspired Japanese bathroom, why not start by experiencing the Onsen yourself in person? After all, you deserve a good break after all the stressful house renovation planning. Ikeda Spa offers authentic Japanese Hinoki Onsen baths made from cypress wood with various bath salts. Indulge in the experience and see what makes Onsens so unique – it might give you some ideas for your bathroom back home! Click on the banner below to find out how to get your FREE Onsen Bath.