The Japanese Bath Paperback – February 1, 2012

A very nice book, lots of very well-composed photos. It's important to read the text, as modern plumbing and the adoption of some Western habits- to a point- have had an impact, even in Japanese homes. Many photos were taken in California, so those photos are of interpretations of Japanese baths, rather than actual bathrooms in Japan, though there are lots of photos of those, too. Naturally very, very few people can afford some of the more "high-end" bathrooms, but it does give a sampling of what can be done, providing price (and space) are not limitations. Overall the net value is to see how a relaxed environment can be achieved, using muted colors and lighting, simple designs, and more natural, even semi-rustic materials where appropriate. Regrettably the modern use of large areas of glass tends to undo the original subdued effect but this too is made clear (no pun intended) when one sees the result, and compares such open (and bright) lighting to the older approach. I also highly recommend a couple of other books, "A Japanese Touch For Your Home" -lots of very excellent photos of modern homes- and "Japanese Homes and Their Surroundings", the latter being a Dover reprint of a book written in the 1880's, and so giving a truly authentic representation of the styles of old Japan, uninfluenced by Western concepts.

A relatively short book (less than 100 pages), what "The Japanese Bath" lacks in length it makes up for in content. Just about every page is filled with beautiful, full color photos ranging from small, home baths, to exquisite, private baths found in spas, to the large, community baths found in Japan. The authors keep the writing brief and simple, but it's nonetheless enlightening and captures well the Japanese mindset towards bathing.Paragraphs on how to build a Japanese bath from scratch are absent, but a great emphasis is placed on the points that make the Japanese bath so unique: lighting, depth, materials. The book provides abundant inspiration for creating your own design, without providing actual builders plans.If your wish is to incorporate a Japanese bath into your home, or simply to visit one, the resources guide in the back of the book will prove very useful. Most suppliers and spas are on the West Coast, but many have web addresses where they can be reached. One of the finest, Ki Arts, boasts "the flexibility to work anywhere in the world" since they utilize the traditional Japanese joinery system for their projects.All in all, "The Japanese Bath" gives truth to the adage that great things can come in small packages. It is a diminutive, but excellent volume for those interested in the topic.

nice detailed explanation for why the japanese bath is such a remarkable experience. i.e the use of hinoki wood, the practice and rituals before entering. however could have done without so many comparisons. i come from a family who uses baths as a form of escapism. every “westerner” i know who chooses a bath over shower does it for intended relaxation, thus the label of “raven bathers” and other comparisons were not relatable or very fair.Furthermore i like that one reviewer pointed out that most japanese do scrub before entering shared bath so there’s some misconceptions but overall “The Japanese Bath” gives helpful tips on how to have a more idyllic bathing experience.

Very good book on the topic. Great photographs.

I love the concepts in this book, so much so that I long to have a house with two bathrooms, one with toilet, one without, with a separate bath and shower area, and if I can't have a view with a nice garden, I could at least have a great overhead skylight. Now, doesn't that sound like heaven?!Now, obviously, I can't have a japanese bath in my apartment, however I have found a way to make do with what I have. I have a little plastic footstool for the bathroom now that I put in the tub, and I wash in about an inch of water, scrubbing with my bar of Neutrogena while my feet soak. Then I put on my exfoliating gloves, massage my feet and then rub my soles with my so-called "foot rock", and I splash off with a Glad container of water all over. Then I do the hair while the water drains, and rinse off hair and bathtub. and then, oh, then, do I remove the stool, put fresh clean water in the tub as hot as I can stand it, cut out the light, put on soft jazz and light my PierOne fresh herb candle, and contemplate the stillness for about 15-20 minutes. Naturally, I don't do this every day, and I only do it in the evening..and this works for me because mornings just aren't good, and there's something about waking up already clean!I never realized the Japanese were so clean. I worry that other countries want to emulate our wasteful ways too much, and don't appreciate that they have things we Americans may want to adopt as well. After reading this little book I'm so envious. Interesting that people take a bath right after work. The public bath sounds less than appealing, but a private oasis is definitely something to consider for my next home.I have come away with a new respect for the Japanese (I wonder if the Chinese are as meticulous), and I take way better care of my bathroom now. I bought a wonderful, terry-towel robe, but would like a "summer-weight" one. Most of all, I would love to visit California and some of those bath houses, like the one shown on page 13 with the adorable "temple cat" patrolling the entryway.Thank you, Bruce and Yoshiko, for writing this book!

I lived in rural Japan for 3 years, and LOVED traditional Japanese baths and the onsen. This book does an amazing job of using correct terms, giving great details, as well as including beautiful photos of both traditional and modern Japanese and Japanese-inspired baths. I wanted it for the details and photos to share with architects/builders as I would love to incorporate a traditional Japanese bath into our future house plans. This book does not disappoint!

like it. Easy to read and informative.

The content is light and easy to read, however the photographs were beyond disappointing. From the majority of these, the book should have more aptly been called: “Slightly Japanese-themed Bathrooms of California”. I was also left with the feeling that little effort had been expended in proper research with a reliance on nicely written reminiscences of personal experience, and other information the authors thought was probably correct. This led to generalisations and inaccuracies such as listing the most common material for wooden baths and bathrooms, hinoki, as a cedar when it is a cyprus. This is such a very basic mistake that could have been checked in a dictionary. I would not recommend this book for anyone seriously interested in real Japanese baths, bathrooms and bathing; but it may be of use to Californians wishing to share a little of the Japanese bath experience in their state.

nice pictures, of nice bathrooms... unfortuntatley ifyou want to build a Japanese bath yourself, then this is not the book for you!!

Bonne introduction au sujet, bien illustrée et accessible à tout un chacun. Et pour le reste... aller voir sur place?

Very nice book, as I thought it would be.