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From the deep soaking tubs in Japanese homes to the public sento (bathhouses) and onsen (hot spring) towns, if there’s one thing that Japan knows how to do well it’s bath time!
Bathing culture in Japan can be described as a ritualistic and meditative practice, with the tradition of communal bathing in bathhouses and hot springs dating back thousands of years and is a popular pastime even today.
Visiting a Japanese hot spring is a deeply relaxing experience where you can take time to soak in the mineral rich waters and reflect whilst overlooking beautiful landscapes or scenes of nature.
How we decided
- High QualityHigh attention to detail, durable materials, and precise manufacturing techniques
- PracticalProducts are designed to be useful, efficient, and suited to daily life
- MinimalistSimple, elegant, and thoughtful design that balances form and function
- Safe & ReliableSecure, long-lasting, and built for dependable use
Luckily you don’t need to visit Japan to create your own luxurious Japanese-style bathing experience – read on to discover the best Japanese bath products that you can use at home.
Our recommendations
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Traditional Japanese Bath Accessories
Umezawa Japanese Hinoki Cypress Wooden Bath Stool
Create your own Japanese onsen experience at home with this beautifully crafted wooden bath stool which would make the perfect addition to any washroom.
One of the most important etiquette rules when it comes to entering a Japanese hot spring or public bath is that you must wash your entire body first before entering the bath. Usually, a small bath stool is provided for this purpose.
Pros
- Hygienic hinoki wood
- Larger, comfortable seat
- Stable for elderly
Cons
- Needs drying after use
- Heavier, less portable
Umezawa Hinoki Bath Bucket
Crafted from premium Japanese hinoki cypress, this traditional bath bucket brings the atmosphere of a Japanese onsen or sauna into your home. Skilled artisans carefully select straight-grain hinoki wood for its strength and durability, then hand-finish each bucket using traditional woodworking techniques.
Naturally resistant to moisture and bacteria, hinoki is prized for its refreshing aroma and beautiful appearance, making this bucket both a practical bathing accessory and an elegant addition to any bathroom.
Pros
- Handmade from premium hinoki cypress
- Naturally antibacterial and moisture resistant
- Pleasant natural wood fragrance
Cons
- More expensive than standard bath buckets
- Natural wood needs occasional care to maintain its appearance
Umezawa Wooden Sunoko Hinoki Bath Mat
Known as sunoko in Japanese, this high-quality wooden bath mat is made from hinoki cypress, which is known for being particularly resistant to moisture, bacteria, and mold, and is designed to promote drainage and prevent slippage.
The bathmat is manufactured using traditional Japanese woodworking techniques so there are no nails contained within the product, making it extra safe and minimizing risk of injuries. Hinoki wood is highly durable and provided the product is well cared for, should last for a lifetime of use.
Pros
- Moisture- and bacteria-resistant hinoki wood
- Safe, nail-free construction
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Must be kept dry after use
- Heavier than plastic mats
Hinoki Onsen Bath Balls
Made from unpainted Japanese cypress, they release a gentle woodsy aroma that is traditionally associated with Japanese onsen baths. Simply add a few to your bath to enjoy their refreshing fragrance, or place them around your home as natural air fresheners.
Reusable and easy to maintain, a light sanding restores their scent, allowing you to enjoy their calming presence again and again.
Pros
- Made from natural Japanese hinoki cypress
- Can be used in baths or as air fresheners
- Reusable with refreshable fragrance
Cons
- Fragrance is subtle rather than strong
- Scent naturally fades over time
Hinoki Wooden Soap Dish
This soap dish helps keep soap dry between uses, extending the life of your favorite soap bars while reducing mess around the sink or bath. Naturally antibacterial and beautifully minimalist, the soap dish releases a subtle hinoki aroma that enhances the relaxing atmosphere of your daily bathing routine.
Pros
- Made from natural Japanese hinoki cypress
- Naturally antibacterial and moisture resistant
- Helps soap dry faster between uses
Cons
- Requires occasional drying and maintenance
- Designed for bar soaps only
Bath Towels & Bath Linens
Imabari Towel Bath Towels Set White
This premium quality Japanese bath towel set will add a luxurious touch to any bathroom. The towels are made in Imabari in Ehime Prefecture, a region famous throughout Japan for its high-quality and soft towels, and the center of towel production in Japan for more than 120 years.
Rated 5-stars by our customers for their high-water absorbency, excellent quality, and quick- drying capability, the design on the white bath towel set features an attractive jacquard pattern with waves. This towel set also comes packaged in a beautiful wooden box if you’re planning to purchase it as a gift.
Alternatively, if you don’t have the budget to stretch to bath towels, check out this more affordable Imabari towel set which contains a face towel and washcloth instead.
Pros
- Extremely soft and highly absorbent
- Durable, high-quality Imabari cotton
- Comes in a gift-ready wooden box
Cons
- More expensive than regular towels
- Limited to bath use
- Requires careful washing to maintain softness
Soft Exfoliating Washcloth 100% Muslin Cotton
Made from 100% muslin cotton in Japan, it gently exfoliates sensitive skin while lathering easily. Lightweight, breathable, and 90 cm long, it leaves skin clean, smooth, and refreshed. A perfect blend of comfort, quality, and thoughtful craftsmanship.
Pros
- Gentle, effective exfoliation for sensitive skin
- Lightweight and quick-drying
- Easy to handle for face and body
Cons
- Smaller than standard bath towels
- Requires careful washing to maintain softness
Bath Mat
Soil Japan Diatomaceous Earth Bath mat Gem
Available to purchase in three different sizes, this stone bath mat is made from diatomaceous earth sourced from Japan’s Akita Prefecture. Diatomaceous is an organic material that is highly effective at absorbing moisture, avoiding all the problems you get with ordinary bath mats such as damp smells and mildew.
Stylish and sophisticated in appearance with its minimalist white design, the natural breathing properties of the mat’s material easily absorbs puddles to help to prevent mold and damp, and the material is also eco-friendly since it is 100% recyclable.
Pros
- Absorbs moisture and prevents mold
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Eco-friendly, fully recyclable
Cons
- Can crack if dropped
- Heavy and less flexible
Bath Salts
Nehan Tokyo Clay Bath & Bath Salts Temple Fragrance
Transform your bath into a peaceful sanctuary with these luxurious bath salts from Nehan Tokyo. Inspired by the quiet atmosphere of Japan’s moss-covered temples, this soothing blend combines ultra-pure Epsom salt crystals with domestic clay, jojoba oil, and lotus flower extract to create silky, mineral-rich bathwater.
Natural essential oils of mandarin, patchouli, and sandalwood provide a calming fragrance, making it the perfect choice for unwinding after a long day and recreating a spa-like experience at home.
Pros
- Made with 99.99% pure Epsom salt
- Natural essential oil fragrance blend
- Creates creamy, silky bathwater
Cons
- Single-use sachet
- Fragrance may be too earthy for some users
Body Care & Exfoliation
Sunpac Foot Groomer Manicure Elastomer Brush Feet Massager
An affordable beauty treatment that’s good for your soles, designed for use in the bathroom! The elastomer brushes work as an effective foot grooming and massaging device to give the soles of your feet some care and attention – an area that is often neglected! This patented innovative massager features aluminium oxide and semi-precious stone tourmaline which are known for their exfoliating properties and suitable for delicate skin.
The Sunpac Foot Groomer also enhances blood circulation, warms up cold feet, clarifies skin discoloration, soothes swollen feet, relieves muscle stiffness, and exfoliates old keratin. When not in use, the device can be conveniently stored in the bathroom by simply sticking it to the bathroom wall.
Pros
- Warms and soothes tired feet
- Exfoliates gently with tourmaline & aluminum oxide
- Improves skin tone and reduces swelling
Cons
- Needs cleaning after each use
- Requires manual operation
Leaf & Botanics Japanese Body Scrub Salt
If you're looking for a body scrub to exfoliate and keep your skin extra smooth, then you need to check out this Japanese Body Scrub from Leaf & Botanics. This body scrub uses natural ingredients like salt, ground walnut shells and white clay which will leave your skin feeling soft after bath time. As an added bonus, this body scrub is eucalyptus and lemongrass scented, which makes for the ultimate spa-like environment.
Pros
- Exfoliates rough skin effectively
- Suitable for all body areas
- Refreshing eucalyptus, lemongrass scent
Cons
- Can be abrasive on sensitive skin
- May dry out skin if used too frequently
Japanese Soaps & Cleansers
Pelican Deitanseki Charcoal Soap
This long-selling soap from Pelican has a Japanese cypress fragrance and is made with fine powdered charcoal and a natural porous clay called bentonite to cleanse skin whilst still maintaining a moisturizing effect.
This charcoal soap was originally released back in the year 2000 back when charcoal-colored soap was still considered an unusual product. Thanks to Pelican’s customers who began using the soap in Japanese hot springs, it became popular through word of mouth, and now charcoal-based skincare products are very common.
Pros
- Deeply cleanses while moisturizing
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Eco-friendly packaging
Cons
- Strong charcoal scent may not suit everyone
- Soap may wear down faster with daily use
Pelican Loving Butt and Hip Care Soap
Another Pelican soap, this product is designed especially for cleansing your hips and backside and comes in a cute heart-shaped bar. In Japanese, this soap is called koisuruoshiri, which translates to ‘falling in love with your hips’.
The soap comes in a fresh peach fragrance and is blended with ingredients such as konjac and fermented rose honey, as well as moisturizing components including kiwi extract, aloe vera, and peach leaves.
Pros
- Exfoliates and moisturizes skin
- Pleasant peach fragrance
- Contains natural fruit & plant extracts
Cons
- Small size may not last long
- Needs proper storage to avoid melting
Looking for more ways to elevate your bathing routine? Explore our guides to the best Japanese bath soaps, best Japanese body washes for every skin type, and best sleep gifts designed to help you relax, unwind, and enjoy a more restful night's sleep.
