A Toronto semi immersed in Japanese design

Even a perfunctory online search for “Japanese bathing ritual” will immediately make clear the differences from North American bathroom etiquette. A dirty body does not enter the tub. First, it is washed under a shower or while seated using water from a bucket made from Hinoki wood. Then, one enters the tub – deep enough to sit cross-legged in – to soak, meditate and wash away the cares of the day.

After that, it’s not a bad idea to take that state of mind into one’s tatami room (tatami are mats made of woven straw) to reflect further, or perhaps take a well-deserved nap.