A person seated upright, deeply immersed in an AQVA deep-soak bath, candle ring in frame

Japanese Deep-Soak Baths

Sit deeper. A Japanese deep-soak bath is built to be sat in, not lain in. It is shorter than a conventional bath and considerably deeper, so the water surrounds you while the bath takes less of the room.

AQVA has been making deep-soak baths in Melbourne since 1994.

01What it is

What is a Japanese soaking bath?

A Japanese soaking bath — an ofuro — is a short, deep bath designed for seated immersion rather than reclining. Japanese bathing traditionally separates washing from soaking: you wash first, then enter the bath to soak. Because the bath is not doing the washing, it can be built for depth instead of length.

AQVA baths are inspired by that logic and made here. A 1140 mm AQVA bath occupies less floor than a standard 1700 mm bath, with an integrated seat and a deep well.

How it differs from a standard bath

 Standard Australian bathAQVA deep-soak
PostureReclinedSeated, upright
Typical length1500–1800 mm1140–1300 mm
Designed forWashing and bathingSoaking
SeatNoneIntegrated
02Deep immersion

Deep immersion, properly supported.

Depth on its own is not the point. A deep bath is only comfortable if you are supported in it.

Every AQVA model has a flat-topped integrated seat with a radiused front edge and a defined foot well, so you sit at a set height with your feet placed rather than braced. That is what makes a long soak possible.

Seated upright posture in an AQVA deep-soak bath, back view
03The range

Three baths. One clear choice.

One person to two, in insert or freestanding, as a bath or a spa. Need to seat four? Kimono 1300 is a selective, large-format bath, quoted project by project.

 Pastille 1140Haiku Solo 1300Haiku 1300
Best suited forSmallest footprintOne person, more room to stretchTwo person, shared soaking
PeopleOneOneTwo
Platform114013001300
Spa jets10 stainless-steel10 stainless-steel20 stainless-steel

Pastille 1140 — one person, smallest footprint

The most compact AQVA bath. Suited to ensuites, apartments and renovations where floor length is the constraint.

ConfigurationDetail
Insert bath (700 mm)—
Insert bath—
Insert spa10 stainless-steel hydrotherapy jets
Freestanding bath—
Freestanding spa10 stainless-steel hydrotherapy jets

Explore Pastille 1140 →

Haiku Solo 1300 — one person, more room

1300 × 810 × 820 mm. A longer one-person bath for people who want space to stretch without moving to a two-seat model.

ConfigurationDetail
Insert bath—
Insert spa10 stainless-steel hydrotherapy jets
Freestanding bath—
Freestanding spa10 stainless-steel hydrotherapy jets

Explore Haiku Solo 1300 →

Haiku 1300 — two person

Two seats in the same 1300 mm length. Shared soaking without a longer bath.

ConfigurationDetail
Insert bath—
Insert spa20 stainless-steel hydrotherapy jets
Freestanding bath—
Freestanding spa20 stainless-steel hydrotherapy jets

Explore Haiku 1300 →

Kimono 1300 — four person

A large-format square bath, quoted project by project.

Enquire about Kimono

All models made to order. Full specifications, drawings and lead time supplied with your quote.

04Bath or spa

Bath or spa.

This is the decision most people are actually making, so answer it plainly.

Bath

Deep, quiet, nothing to switch on. The soak is the product.

Spa

The same bath with stainless-steel hydrotherapy jets and a circulation system. Smooth, quiet circulation at consistent pressure. Every pump and spa system is pressure-tested before it leaves the factory.

Not sure which? Send us your plan and we'll tell you which configuration fits the room.

05Will it fit

Will it fit?

Insert models are built into a hob or surround. Freestanding models sit on a solid flat base.

What we need to advise you properly:

  • Room dimensions, or a floor plan
  • Where the waste and water come in
  • Access — doorways, stairs, corners
  • Whether you're specifying for yourself, a builder or an architect

Baths and spas must be installed and connected by appropriately licensed tradespeople, including a licensed plumber.

Send us your plan

06Made in Melbourne

Made in Melbourne.

Made to order in Melbourne. Composite and gelcoat construction with a medical-grade silk surface — scratch resistant and resistant to chipping under normal residential use, colour-fast and UV stable.

SphearCore™ tri-fold construction supports thermal retention and structural integrity.

Surface lustre can be restored with a good-quality duco polish. Spare parts are held locally.

Backed by a 30-year domestic express warranty against manufacturing defects in bath structure and surface. Domestic use means clean fresh water, filled and emptied each use, subject to correct installation, use and maintenance. A separate two-year structural and surface warranty applies to commercial installations.

Twenty years from now

AQVA baths made in the 1990s are still in service with their original surface. That is the argument for buying one.

07FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Are Japanese soaking baths good for small bathrooms?

Yes. A deep-soak bath gives you a full soak in 1140–1300 mm of length instead of 1500–1800 mm, which returns floor area to the rest of the room. Depth replaces length.

How much does a Japanese soaking bath cost in Australia?

Final price depends on the model and configuration you choose — insert or freestanding, bath or spa. Contact AQVA for a current quote. Imported acrylic soaking tubs sell for less; they are not made to order, not made here, and not supported here.

What's the difference between an insert and a freestanding bath?

An insert bath is built into a hob or surround and is the more economical option. A freestanding bath stands on its own with a solid flat base and is finished on all sides.

How deep is an AQVA bath?

Haiku Solo 1300 is 1300 × 810 × 820 mm externally. Exact internal dimensions for each model are supplied with your quote.

Are AQVA baths Australian made?

AQVA baths are made in Melbourne. Pumps, jets and fittings are imported.

How long does delivery take?

Every bath is made to order. Lead time is confirmed in writing with your quote.

Enquiry

Talk to us about your room.

Which model you're considering, where the project is, and what stage you're at. We'll come back with the configuration that fits your room.

Interested model, if known
Bathing for
Bath or spa
Insert or freestanding

We'll come back with the configuration that fits your room.

Backed by a 30-year domestic bath warranty and national after-sales support, with spare parts held locally.

Talk through your project