More about HINOKISOKEN.
At HINOKISOKEN, skillful Japanese craftsmen have been making quality wooden baths in its own factory for more than 20 years.
Skilled craftsmen.
Each bathtub is made by skilful craftsmen, one by one by hand. It takes approximately three years to master the technique. HINOKISOKEN have been all over Japan installing bathtubs, whether big or small, making sure they pay attention to every detail in order to continuously improve their products.
Relax into a bath of natural wood.
In this modern world we are being chased by time, smart phones, etc. HINOKISOKEN believe it would be nice if you are released from such frustrations and “negative emotion” even for a while when soaking into a bath of natural wood. You feel relaxed, taking the burden off your shoulders, and refresh yourself for the day to come. They wish to offer such space and time for revival to the world.
Looking into the future.
In future they also aim to use not only aged trees of 200 to 300 years old but also relatively young ones between 80 and 100. This is to make the ethical and plant-friendly circulation that contributes to the environment.
Making a Japanese bathtub.
All bathtubs are made by hand under strict quality control. Fumigation by heat or chemicals, which is required for wood packing materials, is not applied to the bathtubs because it causes great deterioration. Instead, all wood materials are kiln-dried and inspected completely in their factory.
1. Sourcing the wood.
Depending on the type chosen, the wood gets sourced from different suppliers and regions. They then prepare the wood for kiln drying before being transferred to the HINOKISOKEN factory.
2. Preparation of timber.
Once the wood arrives at the factory, preparations are made for tongue-and-groove-joints. This is an effective way for the wood to prevent water leakage. The tongue-and-groove-joints are made with machinery.
3. Assembling the boards.
Water resistant adhesive is applied to the wood. The wood is made into an even layer by driving wooden wedges. The boards are then attached together. They are clamped over night so that they do not come apart.
4. Cutting the wood.
The detailed designs are checked carefully before starting to cut the wood. The cutting is done by machinery. All the craftsmen who work in the factory are very skilled and have many years experience.
5. Bath making tools.
The tools being prepared for the process of making a Japanese bathtub. As can be seen, making a bathtub is done carefully by hand and many types of tools and machinery are required to make the perfect finish.
6. Assembling the bathtub.
The boards then get assembled, and the screws go into the boards. The screws are later hidden with wooden plugs. After it is checked that it is perfectly 90 degree angles, the bottom board is installed.
7. Smoothing surfaces.
The surfaces then get checked again and made sure it is straight. The wood also gets sanded carefully again to remove even the slightest roughness. Special treatment is also given to prevent hairline cracks on the edge.
5. Factory inspection.
Once all the processes have been finalized, the factory manager is ready to check. He inspects every single detail carefully. If he is happy with all the details, he then approves it for completion.
8. Ready for shipment!
Once approved, the bathtub is ready for shipment! Please refer to How HINOKISOKEN ships your order, to see how the bathtub is packaged, before shipment.