Posts by bartok


Come for the rugby, enjoy the onsens

If you’re a sports fan and a fan of Japan’s favourite pastime (visiting hot springs) then you’re in for a treat. 2019 sees Japan hosting the Rugby World Cup for the first time in history. This amazing event will be held over a six-week period with games hosted in regional stadiums across Japan.

Did your team make the cut?

If I had to pick which games to attend based on the location of the stadium I would go with Oita. This prefecture boasts the largest number of naturally occurring hot springs in all of Japan! What better way to relax after an exciting match?

The games kick-off at Oita Stadium on October 2nd with favourites New Zealand playing the Repechage winners (I trust you know who that is). Australia, Wales and Fiji will also play in Oita at different times over the series.

Not too far from Oita, also on the island of Kyushu, you’ll find matches being held in Fukuoka and Kumamoto. With fantastic highways as well as the world’s most efficient train system you could easily spend your entire Rugby World Cup “trip of a lifetime” only in Kyushu, tripping between these three stadiums.

I know you’ll want to get to the main games in Tokyo and the final in Yokohama but those tickets are going to be hard to come by. Plus, Tokyo, meh.

Visit Oita! Visit Kumamoto! Visit Fukuoka! Don’t think of these locations as playing second fiddle to the bigger venues. Visiting one of the lesser known areas of Japan promises an experience that you won’t ever forget. Not many can say they’ve been to Kyushu.

This probably sounds like an advertisement for the rugby but as you’ve probably guessed I don’t know that much about rugby. I am however a fan of hot springs and the beautiful Japanese countryside. If you’re coming to Japan anyway …

Also, a little bird has told us that a new hotel is due to open in the area in 2019. It’s the ANA Intercontinental Beppu Resort. Take a peek!

“With its natural beauty and more than 2,400 natural springs, Beppu has built a reputation throughout Asia as one of Japan’s most renowned onsen destinations” via Hotel Online.

Hinoki barrel bath? Check out this one. Gorgeous.

So are you convinced? Will you come to Japan for the Rugby World Cup in 2019? Will you consider making Oita one of your stops if only to experience this wonder of the world, the onsen? Let us know your rugby plans and which team you are rooting for.

An Open Air Bath for Two and a View

If you’ve been to Japan before or even if haven’t but you’re an adventurous type then you’ll be happy to know that Japan is becoming easier and easier to travel around freely. This means that previously inaccessible ryokan are now within reach. With English-language websites, online booking and staff who understand what the international tourist needs, this can only be a good thing! Yes, it’s easier than ever to discover the joy of bathing in an onsen!

Ryokan Syu ha ri

Here’s one we found that is about 3 hours from Tokyo on the Izu Peninsular, Ryokan Syuhari.

With private hinoki baths in every room, it’s well worth the trip. This ryokan has a large outdoor bath which can be booked for private groups as well as spacious in-room baths.

Izu Peninsular

 

Ryokan Syuhari

Ryokan Syuhari (Japanese website)

View on Google Maps (map link)

For bookings, I recommend using a service like Relux to get the best rates and to make sure there are no hidden costs.

Relux is an online booking service for prestigious hotels and ryokans in Japan with high customer satisfaction. 
We offer the best rate guarantee as well as the industry’s highest reward point rate of 5%. 
There are no membership sign up fees or annual dues.

ofuro price list

Our policy is to produce custom ofuros freshly after your order.
This way we do not have to use a lot of space to store the stock and do not have to immobilize capital for ready-to-ship products.

The customer`s advantage is a reasonable price, maker-to-client and the possibility to adapt the tub to your needs and bathroom sizes, up to the milllimeter!

For this reason, feel free to ask us a custom quotation. We are at your disposal!

This said, If you just want to have a quick reference or compare with standard sizes of different makers, please refer to the chart below. Again, this is just for reference, always ask for a final quotation as we may be able to make better conditions according to the season of the year and the material we have in stock.

Click on the image below to download the pdf version.

 

order summary

Thank-you for your interest in our hinoki products!
As a general reference, please note the following:

  • All our tubs are custom built as per our client`s order. We can produce any shape, any size.
  • If you let us know your requirements/shape/size we can prepare a quote.
  • All our tubs are produced in Japan and the lead time is 60 days from confirmed order to delivery on site.
  • We do not have agents or distributors in your country. You will have to contact us in Japan.
  • You are welcome to visit us at our warehouse in Tokyo to see sample tubs and the hinoki wood.
  • We will not be able to install the tub on site nor recommend anybody near you.
  • The installation is very straightforward as the tub already comes assembled in one piece.
  • We use only the metric system. All dimensions must be specified in millimeters. (note: 1″=25.4mm)
  • We cannot supply any jet/recirculation system. Please see also the FAQ’s for reference.
  • As an example, we can offer the size 1515x915xH725mm (one of the most popular for the US) for 6600-US$
  • There is some cost reduction for width under 800mm (straight border, see the details page)
  • Shipping cost is around 1500 US$ door to door for the US. We can make a precise estimate together with the quote for the tub.
  • All expenses are prepaid, but in some cases it is easier to have you fill the customs import declaration which costs around 250US$.
  • If you want we can use your forwarder, you can arrange to pick up the tub at our ware house in Tokyo.
  • Cost of wooden crate is about 400 US$.

★You may also want to take a look at the documentation on our download page:
https://bartokdesign.com/download
especially the first item on the list (custom bathtubs order guide (pdf))

Our service include custom CAD drawings and assistance. We are looking forward to collaborate with you and welcome any question you may have.

tradition + performance

hinoki bath tubthe hinoki bathtub is basically like a large basinet which sits on the floor. The faucet is usually wall mounted or ledge mounted so no adaption is needed. The drain is in most cases not connected with any fitting: the water just flows on the floor towards a floor drain. Installation of an hinoki bath is simple and straightforward.
no waterproofing for 1st floor installation ->

We usually have a couple of standard tubs in stock, but we recommend you to have your bath-tub made to order to your specifications.
We will be able to customize the tub, match your desired dimensions, choose your preferred wood essence at no extra cost.
We will provide you with detailed CAD drawigs and personalized installation instructions. We also provide technical assistance, and a 1-year guarantee against manufacture defects.
Please read below for more informations or feel free to contact us for any inquiry:

japan(at)bartokdesign.com
tel. +81-90-820-512-00 (mon-fri 9-19 JST)
fax. +81-78-262-7151

art + nature

There is a step above the “handmade look”. Chisel and plane are the only tools used by the master “daiku”: yet he creates a perfectly square, smooth sculpture. No sealants or caulking are used but the masterful joints are invisible. There is no need for outspoken pride or rhetorics: this is the essence of perfect handwork.

hinoki bath-tubs are entirely hand planed ->

 

Who said that “handmade” has the downside of being rough?

Why shouldn’t “natural” be long-lasting?

Is it possible to have a “healthy” bathtub which is also beautiful and practical?

A hinoki tub is a masterfully built, smooth, natural and healthy, an easy-to-install and to maintain solution for your home: a WIN – WIN situation.

function + minimalism

Within a Japanese soaking tub, we can find represented many concepts of the Japanese way of seeing the world. Complex details, multiple functions, technological inventions, influential styles and even historical conflicts can be all present, in a perfect balance, in the apparently simple line of an invisible wood joint.
in Japan, wood CRAFT is synonymous with ART ->

 

wood selection and cutting

1 – SELECTION
The hinoki wood boards are chosen one by one according to the necessity and planned use
2 – PREPARATION
The wood is cut as per the required sizes, eliminating soft areas (young layers) and knots, respecting the direction of the grain.
3 – CALIBRATION
The wood is planed to remove the imperfections and bring it to a uniform thickness.
4 – CUT
With a technique borrowed from boat construction, two planks are partially overlapped and hand sawn: so the adjacent boards are originated by a single cut and can match perfectly.

order process

This is the typical process from order to delivery:

  • Please take a look carefully at the ordering summary and ordering checklist
  • Fill in the information request form
  • After our answer by email, feel free to ask everything that concerns you by email or telephone. You can contact us in english, japanese or italian.
  • You can telephone us, anyway e-mail may be more convenient because of time difference and not native pronunciation.
  • We will send you a quotation in pdf format. We use Japanese Yen to eliminate the risk of currency valuation which normally is built in the prices. (UPDATED 2008.9.1)
  • After your positive response, we will prepare drawings and send to you in pdf format. Please review carefully, expecially sizes.
  • When all matters (cost, drawings) are defined, you are ready to order.
  • We will require at least 50% advance payment on custom items (accessories, transport are payed 100% together with the balance) to confirm the order and start manufacture.
  • All payments should be done through wire transfer to our bank accounts in Japan (Minato Bank Corporation or Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi-UFJ.) and all bank charges (30~50 US$) should be settled by the payer.
  • Manufacture takes between 10~30 days, according to workload and complexity of the item.
  • Once completed, we will send photographs for your review and approval and will require payment of the balance before shipping.
  • After receiving the balance, we will ship the tub as agreed (air or sea)and will promptly forward you the shipping documents.
  • You will be contacted by the agent of our forwarder and the tub will be delivered on site.
  • Please open the box and check for any damage: any claim should be made within 5 days (insurance coverage conditions)
  • It is VERY IMPORTANT that you put back the protective plastic wrap until ready to install.
  • Have your carpenter install the tub and fill it up to the edge. Enjoy the bath. Leave it full for few hours the first time to allow wood to reach the ideal humidity level.

frame & apron

On this page you will find some of the commonly used terms and descriptions to help you finalise your ofuro order.
1 – PLANK EDGE
The 42mm thick hinoki slabs are joined in such a way that the more permeable head of the plank is completely protected.
2 – KAMACHI (BORDER) EDGE
For tubs wider than 800mm, it is necessary to strenghten the top with a 60mm thick frame (kamachi).
3 – COPPER APRON
Traditionally a copper apron is applied on the bottom to protect the side of the bottom plank. It has 2 functions:

  • avoid water to penetrate the wood perpendicular to the grain
  • the copper oxyde has a fungicidal action.
4 – NO APRON
For a lighter, more natural look we can treat the bottom plank head with natural oil by Kreidezeit. In modern bathrooms this area is not so severely exposed to rot like it used to be in ofuro of the past.

Posts by bartok

Come for the rugby, enjoy the onsens

If you’re a sports fan and a fan of Japan’s favourite pastime (visiting hot springs) then you’re in for a treat. 2019 sees Japan hosting the Rugby World Cup for the first time in history. This amazing event will be held over a six-week period with games hosted in regional stadiums across Japan.

Did your team make the cut?

If I had to pick which games to attend based on the location of the stadium I would go with Oita. This prefecture boasts the largest number of naturally occurring hot springs in all of Japan! What better way to relax after an exciting match?

The games kick-off at Oita Stadium on October 2nd with favourites New Zealand playing the Repechage winners (I trust you know who that is). Australia, Wales and Fiji will also play in Oita at different times over the series.

Not too far from Oita, also on the island of Kyushu, you’ll find matches being held in Fukuoka and Kumamoto. With fantastic highways as well as the world’s most efficient train system you could easily spend your entire Rugby World Cup “trip of a lifetime” only in Kyushu, tripping between these three stadiums.

I know you’ll want to get to the main games in Tokyo and the final in Yokohama but those tickets are going to be hard to come by. Plus, Tokyo, meh.

Visit Oita! Visit Kumamoto! Visit Fukuoka! Don’t think of these locations as playing second fiddle to the bigger venues. Visiting one of the lesser known areas of Japan promises an experience that you won’t ever forget. Not many can say they’ve been to Kyushu.

This probably sounds like an advertisement for the rugby but as you’ve probably guessed I don’t know that much about rugby. I am however a fan of hot springs and the beautiful Japanese countryside. If you’re coming to Japan anyway …

Also, a little bird has told us that a new hotel is due to open in the area in 2019. It’s the ANA Intercontinental Beppu Resort. Take a peek!

“With its natural beauty and more than 2,400 natural springs, Beppu has built a reputation throughout Asia as one of Japan’s most renowned onsen destinations” via Hotel Online.

Hinoki barrel bath? Check out this one. Gorgeous.

So are you convinced? Will you come to Japan for the Rugby World Cup in 2019? Will you consider making Oita one of your stops if only to experience this wonder of the world, the onsen? Let us know your rugby plans and which team you are rooting for.

An Open Air Bath for Two and a View

If you’ve been to Japan before or even if haven’t but you’re an adventurous type then you’ll be happy to know that Japan is becoming easier and easier to travel around freely. This means that previously inaccessible ryokan are now within reach. With English-language websites, online booking and staff who understand what the international tourist needs, this can only be a good thing! Yes, it’s easier than ever to discover the joy of bathing in an onsen!

Ryokan Syu ha ri

Here’s one we found that is about 3 hours from Tokyo on the Izu Peninsular, Ryokan Syuhari.

With private hinoki baths in every room, it’s well worth the trip. This ryokan has a large outdoor bath which can be booked for private groups as well as spacious in-room baths.

Izu Peninsular

 

Ryokan Syuhari

Ryokan Syuhari (Japanese website)

View on Google Maps (map link)

For bookings, I recommend using a service like Relux to get the best rates and to make sure there are no hidden costs.

Relux is an online booking service for prestigious hotels and ryokans in Japan with high customer satisfaction. 
We offer the best rate guarantee as well as the industry’s highest reward point rate of 5%. 
There are no membership sign up fees or annual dues.

ofuro price list

Our policy is to produce custom ofuros freshly after your order.
This way we do not have to use a lot of space to store the stock and do not have to immobilize capital for ready-to-ship products.

The customer`s advantage is a reasonable price, maker-to-client and the possibility to adapt the tub to your needs and bathroom sizes, up to the milllimeter!

For this reason, feel free to ask us a custom quotation. We are at your disposal!

This said, If you just want to have a quick reference or compare with standard sizes of different makers, please refer to the chart below. Again, this is just for reference, always ask for a final quotation as we may be able to make better conditions according to the season of the year and the material we have in stock.

Click on the image below to download the pdf version.

 

order summary

Thank-you for your interest in our hinoki products!
As a general reference, please note the following:

  • All our tubs are custom built as per our client`s order. We can produce any shape, any size.
  • If you let us know your requirements/shape/size we can prepare a quote.
  • All our tubs are produced in Japan and the lead time is 60 days from confirmed order to delivery on site.
  • We do not have agents or distributors in your country. You will have to contact us in Japan.
  • You are welcome to visit us at our warehouse in Tokyo to see sample tubs and the hinoki wood.
  • We will not be able to install the tub on site nor recommend anybody near you.
  • The installation is very straightforward as the tub already comes assembled in one piece.
  • We use only the metric system. All dimensions must be specified in millimeters. (note: 1″=25.4mm)
  • We cannot supply any jet/recirculation system. Please see also the FAQ’s for reference.
  • As an example, we can offer the size 1515x915xH725mm (one of the most popular for the US) for 6600-US$
  • There is some cost reduction for width under 800mm (straight border, see the details page)
  • Shipping cost is around 1500 US$ door to door for the US. We can make a precise estimate together with the quote for the tub.
  • All expenses are prepaid, but in some cases it is easier to have you fill the customs import declaration which costs around 250US$.
  • If you want we can use your forwarder, you can arrange to pick up the tub at our ware house in Tokyo.
  • Cost of wooden crate is about 400 US$.

★You may also want to take a look at the documentation on our download page:
https://bartokdesign.com/download
especially the first item on the list (custom bathtubs order guide (pdf))

Our service include custom CAD drawings and assistance. We are looking forward to collaborate with you and welcome any question you may have.

tradition + performance

hinoki bath tubthe hinoki bathtub is basically like a large basinet which sits on the floor. The faucet is usually wall mounted or ledge mounted so no adaption is needed. The drain is in most cases not connected with any fitting: the water just flows on the floor towards a floor drain. Installation of an hinoki bath is simple and straightforward.
no waterproofing for 1st floor installation ->

We usually have a couple of standard tubs in stock, but we recommend you to have your bath-tub made to order to your specifications.
We will be able to customize the tub, match your desired dimensions, choose your preferred wood essence at no extra cost.
We will provide you with detailed CAD drawigs and personalized installation instructions. We also provide technical assistance, and a 1-year guarantee against manufacture defects.
Please read below for more informations or feel free to contact us for any inquiry:

japan(at)bartokdesign.com
tel. +81-90-820-512-00 (mon-fri 9-19 JST)
fax. +81-78-262-7151

art + nature

There is a step above the “handmade look”. Chisel and plane are the only tools used by the master “daiku”: yet he creates a perfectly square, smooth sculpture. No sealants or caulking are used but the masterful joints are invisible. There is no need for outspoken pride or rhetorics: this is the essence of perfect handwork.

hinoki bath-tubs are entirely hand planed ->

 

Who said that “handmade” has the downside of being rough?

Why shouldn’t “natural” be long-lasting?

Is it possible to have a “healthy” bathtub which is also beautiful and practical?

A hinoki tub is a masterfully built, smooth, natural and healthy, an easy-to-install and to maintain solution for your home: a WIN – WIN situation.

function + minimalism

Within a Japanese soaking tub, we can find represented many concepts of the Japanese way of seeing the world. Complex details, multiple functions, technological inventions, influential styles and even historical conflicts can be all present, in a perfect balance, in the apparently simple line of an invisible wood joint.
in Japan, wood CRAFT is synonymous with ART ->

 

wood selection and cutting

1 – SELECTION
The hinoki wood boards are chosen one by one according to the necessity and planned use
2 – PREPARATION
The wood is cut as per the required sizes, eliminating soft areas (young layers) and knots, respecting the direction of the grain.
3 – CALIBRATION
The wood is planed to remove the imperfections and bring it to a uniform thickness.
4 – CUT
With a technique borrowed from boat construction, two planks are partially overlapped and hand sawn: so the adjacent boards are originated by a single cut and can match perfectly.

order process

This is the typical process from order to delivery:

  • Please take a look carefully at the ordering summary and ordering checklist
  • Fill in the information request form
  • After our answer by email, feel free to ask everything that concerns you by email or telephone. You can contact us in english, japanese or italian.
  • You can telephone us, anyway e-mail may be more convenient because of time difference and not native pronunciation.
  • We will send you a quotation in pdf format. We use Japanese Yen to eliminate the risk of currency valuation which normally is built in the prices. (UPDATED 2008.9.1)
  • After your positive response, we will prepare drawings and send to you in pdf format. Please review carefully, expecially sizes.
  • When all matters (cost, drawings) are defined, you are ready to order.
  • We will require at least 50% advance payment on custom items (accessories, transport are payed 100% together with the balance) to confirm the order and start manufacture.
  • All payments should be done through wire transfer to our bank accounts in Japan (Minato Bank Corporation or Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi-UFJ.) and all bank charges (30~50 US$) should be settled by the payer.
  • Manufacture takes between 10~30 days, according to workload and complexity of the item.
  • Once completed, we will send photographs for your review and approval and will require payment of the balance before shipping.
  • After receiving the balance, we will ship the tub as agreed (air or sea)and will promptly forward you the shipping documents.
  • You will be contacted by the agent of our forwarder and the tub will be delivered on site.
  • Please open the box and check for any damage: any claim should be made within 5 days (insurance coverage conditions)
  • It is VERY IMPORTANT that you put back the protective plastic wrap until ready to install.
  • Have your carpenter install the tub and fill it up to the edge. Enjoy the bath. Leave it full for few hours the first time to allow wood to reach the ideal humidity level.

frame & apron

On this page you will find some of the commonly used terms and descriptions to help you finalise your ofuro order.
1 – PLANK EDGE
The 42mm thick hinoki slabs are joined in such a way that the more permeable head of the plank is completely protected.
2 – KAMACHI (BORDER) EDGE
For tubs wider than 800mm, it is necessary to strenghten the top with a 60mm thick frame (kamachi).
3 – COPPER APRON
Traditionally a copper apron is applied on the bottom to protect the side of the bottom plank. It has 2 functions:

  • avoid water to penetrate the wood perpendicular to the grain
  • the copper oxyde has a fungicidal action.
4 – NO APRON
For a lighter, more natural look we can treat the bottom plank head with natural oil by Kreidezeit. In modern bathrooms this area is not so severely exposed to rot like it used to be in ofuro of the past.

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