(applies to US residents only) There is bad news and good news about Donald Trump`s tariffs.
Bad news: The new tariff rate for Japanese imported goods will be 15% from October 5, 2025 (12:01 AM EDT). (still better than the 245% for Chinese products…)
Good news: Therefore, if we can clear customs by October 4th, the tax rate will remain the same as before, at 3.2%. If you order now and we can ship by September 25th, we should make it in time for the lower tax bracket. We may not be able to produce in time in case of large tubs, but the timing should be quite safe in case of kadomaru tubs. -> https://bartokdesign.com/product-category/standard-tubs
Also, please note that the above figures are not 100% set as we are still awaiting Trump’s signature (as soon as he gets out from his ofuro!)
In any case, I recommend to contact us ASAP if you are ready to finalize your order!
August is the month of the “great heat” in Japan. The temperature is high as well as the humidity. Japanese complain about the sultriness, even if recent research is proving that this may be the secret of why japanese preserve a young-look skin (but lets keep this topic aside for another day). August is hot, so Japanese devised some tricks to deal with it. And here is our suggestion for a perfect mid-summer day:
・dancing: This is the month of morning to night bon-odori, when there is no distinction between performers and spectators. Just dance until you drop, echoing the traditional movements that were used to repair fishermen`s nets.
・yukata: to cool down, drink a cup of cold green tea and wear the cool cotton or linen single-layer kimono and feel the breeze on your skin.
・hanabi (literally fire-flowers): once the sun drops behind the horizon, enjoy the fireworks: the Nagaoka Fireworks in Niigata prefecture, takes place on August 2nd and 3rd is a “you-won’t-believe-your-eyes” 20,000 rockets show. In case you missed it, you are still in time for the Omagari National Fireworks Competition in Akita Prefecture on August 30th, probably the largest and grandest in Japan.
・ofuro: there are many ways to fully enjoy fireworks, wearing a yukata, eating onigiri riceballs, or drinking sake. But undoubtedly, a unique and unforgettable fireworks experience is if you can enjoy the show while soaking in an onsen or rotenburo!!
For this reason, we built this brand new outlet ofuro with symmetrical slanted ends, so that you and your partner can comfortably lean back and look at the sky for the ultimate hanabi experience!
Here are the details: sizes: L1300mm x W750mm x H630mm (external dimensions) – 550mm(depth)
Help our lovely customer and help yourself in giving a home to this beautiful ofuro (outlet)
From Client: I purchased a beautiful hinoki furo from Bartok Design back in November 2019. My husband and I were renovating our bathroom, and the hinoki furo was the centerpiece for this project. (…) Meanwhile, due to an unexpected turn of events, we ended up moving to Japan, where we have been living now for almost 3 years.
We would like to sell the furo since we are now permanently living in Japan. I am sad that we were never able to install or use it. Before I advertise the furo for sale in this area, I thought I would check with you to see if you had any buyers that might be interested in buying this one, thus avoiding the expense of overseas shipping.
I hope that anyone on the US mainland interested in the ofuro will be pleased to know that they will not have to pay for international shipping, only freight charges. I just heard that the Japanese government and the Trump administration just announced a 15% tariff on Japanese goods to the U.S., so a buyer would save that amount as well as a discount on the original price.
I am thinking of selling it for $4,500.00 (661,360 Yen) plus freight shipping, since a new one, according to your current price chart, is closer to $6,125.00 or 900,000 yen.
Here are the details: Sizes: L1500mm x W800mm x H620mm (external dimensions) 550mm(depth)
Here are some pictures!!! And I quick question. Can I leave the water in the tub till the next day, empty and then refill? This will keep the wood hydrated? I know at onsen in Japan they are always wet 🙂
Also I absolutely LOVE our tub. The wood is extraordinary and the craftsmanship amazing. I really cannot thank you and your team enough!!!
K. from NY
Reply:
Dear K.
Thank you for your kind feedback and wonderful picture!!
Even just looking at the refined balance between the neutral tones and the warm color of the hinoki makes me feel instantly relaxed… I am sure it will inspire other japanese lovers browsing our site!
About your question, yes, you can leave the water overnight and drain before refilling. (from time to time, you can also reuse some water from the day before and just integrate with some hot water)
if you use it daily, it is not strictly necessary to do so, but to be on the safe side, especially for the first season I think it is a great idea, so that the wood can slowly adapt and avoid shrinking.
Thank you so much for the bath set and hinoki oils — everything arrived and was successfully installed, what an amazing experience. The scent is incredibly calming, and we enjoy the bath every single evening. We truly appreciate it!
Regards,
L. from Israel
Reply:
Dear L.
Thank you for your kind feedback and wonderful picture!! Do you think we could share it in our testimonials corner?
On a side note, please be sure to use it often and prevent dryness. It is now summer and Israel has a dry climate, so just to be on the safe side, for the first season I would recommend leaving some water inside during the day so that the wood can slowly adapt and avoid it shrinking.
It was an amazing event. Our Shu-Ha-Ri belts were coupled with Balmain Paris. I think the photos below are more eloquent than words!
This time I could not physically participate to the event so my special agent Takara-san went on a mission on my behalf. Here is her short reel!
… which made me very envious… (*_*; Therefore, I will definitely participate in the next Fashion Factor N.12 (October 25th-26th) with belts, original yukata, and even an ofuro on the runway!! https://fashionfactorme.com/ Let me know if you can come, I will provide you a VIP invitation to the event and legendary after-party…✨
There is news … and there is BIG news. This is a BIG one! There is a Fashion event in Dubai from June 13th to 15th called Fashion Factor. (Incidentally, the Dubai Fashion Week, which is held in February and September, is one of the largest fashion-related events in the world, after Milan, Paris, New York and London.)
And Yes! Our SHU-HA-RI belts will make it on the runway!
If you’re in Dubai, please let us know: we may be able to get you free tickets for the show. Panel discussions start at 16:00, Shows start at 19:00 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) And if you can’t make it in person, you are welcome to visit the event on the metaverse instead! →https://lu.ma/q7jwgx15
This is an appeal to all our clients and testimonials: The information that you share can help other people like you!
For instance, Jonathan kindly shared on the testimonial corner info about his builder. https://bartokdesign.com/91-references/surrounded-by-nature.php This not only helps fellow Japanese bath lovers navigate the traditionally conservative environment of construction companies and find one with experience and a positive attitude. BUT… Also, to bring new business (potentially big business!) to your reliable and passionate builder.
If you already sent us photos to share in our testimonial corner, please send info about your builder! (homepage, phone number etc. I will try to mask it to prevent automated spam as much as possible.)
If you still didnt, or have additional photos: YES! it can make a difference to other friends looking for help and inspiration. Please share!
Last but not least, if you have tricks about cleaning tubs, covering tubs, repairing tubs, reselling and trading tubs, heating, filtering water or whatever is related, please let me know. I will post it in the FAQ for everybody`s convenience and delight!
Thank you in advance for the kind cooperation! iacopo
Hello Iacopo, Some simple questions on the maintenance of the beautiful ofuro.
There is a darkening area on the top surface of the ofuro, a patch of 2”x2”, and other darkening from water splashed on the top surface of the ofuro top rim. Should we be sanding it off to remove the discoloration?
If so, should we apply any type of oil to treat the sanded wood surfaces?
Both methods are reasonably safe on wood (better than bleach) We cannot say which one will work better in your case, but I have the feeling that both should. Maybe 2) is faster, 1) requires more applications.
We are really enjoying the ofuro, which is now installed and working well (see photo), although a few minor adjustments in the bathroom are still needed. Thank you very much for your patience while we were working on the renovations. We are slightly worried about the humidity in our apartment as it is low (about 25%) so are working on this.
You are welcome to share the photo on your homepage.
Regards,
C. from Canada
Reply:
Dear C.
25% is actually very low.Aren`t you getting a dry throat? Is it only during the heating season?
I recommend to keep some water in the ofuro at all times, at least for the first season while the wood is getting accustomed to the new environment. About the stool. Kondo will contact you on monday. Thank you for the wonderful picture!
It is amazing how statuary white marble (a staple of western aesthetics) goes well with the natural color of hinoki! Do you think we can share it in the “testimonials” page on our homepage?
Of course we would omit any personal information. Could just sign it C. from Canada. Please let me know.
