Ofuro

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A modern acrylic ofuro in a Japanese apartment.

A more traditional ufuro.

An ofuro is a type of bathtub commonly used in Japan.

Ofuro (お風呂), also known as furo (風呂), were traditionally made of wood but are more commonly being made from acrylic. An ofuro differs from a conventional western bathtub by being of a deeper construction, typically in the region of 33 inches (0.8 m). The sides are generally square rather than being sloped. Traditionally, ofuro were left full of water heated by a wood-burning stove below. Ofuro are sometimes left filled with water for several days, although this practice has largely disappeared because of the requirement for disinfecting the water. This type of ofuro was the precursor of the modern day hot tub.

Ofuro are part of a Japanese ritual of bathing. They are not used for washing but for relaxing. Washing is carried out separately outside the ofuro. The water is usually approximately 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. Some ofuro incorporate a small seat where the bather sits.