Our team recently visited the historic city of Kameoka, just west of Kyoto. The area is distinctly rural with a lot of grand old farmhouses from a century ago still standing.
We were accompanied by Rica Bradshaw, premier real estate agent working mainly in Kobe and Kyoto (bilingual English & Japanese speaker).
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GYO means “line” in Japanese. Following the success of the previous 2014 “pocket onsen”, the GYO version is even more minimal, simple, stylish.
Three hinoki wood orbs are stored in line together with a vial of hinoki aroma oil in a traditional paulownia wood box.
Open the tight wooden box, draw out the hinoki orbs and apply few drops of hinoki essential oil.
Once you drop them in hot water you will feel as you have been teleported into a Japanese onsen…! (hot springs) VIEW THE RANGE HERE
Simple slide show used for booth at the ISPA show in Phoenix in 2018
day-bed (chaise-longue) hand crafted in japan, using hinoki and keyaki wood and no metal parts.
The size is the same as a Kyoto style tatami mat (1910 x 855mm) and the mattress finished with top grain calf leather.
Sleek used as a sofa, extremely comfortable when used as a bed, it is a very versatile item for the home or office.
slide show depicting the phases of the making of the “SU~” day bed.
frame made with japanese wood hinoki and keyaki.The mattress is in top grain leather hand stitched. For more information: https://igg.me/at/SU-DAY-BED
discussion with the craftsman Kitajima-san about the daybed to be constructed for the indiegogo crowdfunding campaign: https://igg.me/at/SU-DAY-BED
Hinoki aroma cards are made of two layers of real japanese wood veneer (0.2mm) sandwiched on a thin “washi” rice paper. The size is about 60x100mm (like a business card). The cards carry embossed a short japanese poem or a motivational message. I love these cards. I always keep one in my wallet, to rub it and smell it when I feel down or need to focus and take a decision.
In this video I explain the purpose of my Indiegogo campaign. I have been exporting japanese wooden bathtubs for over 10 years. With this project I aim at creating an opportunity for the wider public to experience the relaxing aroma and curative properties of hinoki. In broader scope of this project is to contribute to diffuse the “ofuro” culture. Soaking in hot water is purifying and energizing.
There is no point in being strong and cool if you are not clean. This is the message I would like you to experience with your 5 senses and … with the help of hinoki wood.
This unique video shows in detail how a japanese wooden bathtub is made and the details that make it waterproof without the use of sealers or other chemicals. Bartok design tubs are made by skilled carpenters among whom is 3rd generation ofuro craftsman Mr. Wada and his son (they only make ofuros, no other carpentry work)
This beautiful japanese teahouse is going to be demolished and the owner is giving the building and garden items for free if somebody wants to adopt it. Do you want to own a japanese house in pristine conditions which was used as a tea ceremony school for the past 20 years? This is the right occasion. The building with all the accessories is available for free!
Hinoki wood ofuros made in Japan. Watch how it all comes together and how you can have one in your very own home! The bathtubs are handmade to perfection with the finest quality wood from the Kiso valley. Bring a little bit of Japan to your home. Relax, refresh, and enjoy!
For those of you with additional interests in Japan, we have prepared a short video of how I was invited to perform with a village kabuki group.
Kabuki is a stylized Japanese drama that includes dance, best recognized by the ghost-like white make-up that the actors apply. Click here to read more about Kabuki on wikipedia. Village Kabuki is a non-professional version of Kabuki that were and still are community events in the more rural parts of Japan.
I have been performing for 10 years now and it is wonderful to be part of a fading tradition in Japan. Please enjoy!
Please enjoy the second video in my kabuki experiences series. This video is a short run through of where this wonderful opportunity has taken me.
A brief home-made video to a small ryokan in the Kiso valley where we installed an ofuro. Natsukashii!