Key Tips for Traveling to Japan: Bathrooms Etiquette and Culture

Understanding Japanese Toilets: Essential Tips for Travelers

When traveling to Japan, one of the most important aspects to consider is the unique culture surrounding bathrooms. Japanese toilets, known for their advanced technology and cleanliness, can be both fascinating and intimidating for foreign visitors. Here are some key points to know before your trip to ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience.

Types of Toilets in Japan

Japan has three main types of toilets: traditional Japanese-style toilets, Western-style toilets, and multifunctional toilets.

Traditional Japanese-Style Toilets

These toilets, known as "washiki toire," involve squatting over a ceramic bowl embedded in the ground. They are less common in modern facilities but can still be found in older buildings and some public areas. To use these toilets, face the front, pull down your pants, and squat close to the bowl.

Western-Style Toilets

These toilets are the most common type found in Japan, especially in modern homes, hotels, and newer public facilities. They function similarly to those in Western countries but often come with advanced features such as heated seats, built-in bidets (washlets), and automatic lid openers.

Multifunctional Toilets

These toilets are equipped with a range of features including rear-cleansing functions, heated seats, drying functions, and sound effects to mask noises. They also often include baby-keeping facilities and are designed to ensure maximum comfort and accessibility.

Finding Public Toilets

Public toilets in Japan are abundant and generally free to use. You can find them in various locations such as:

• Train Stations: Most train stations have clean and well-maintained toilets, often with both Western and Japanese-style options.
• Convenience Stores: Many convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson have public bathrooms that are clean and free to use.
• Shopping Centers and Malls: Department stores and malls typically have multiple floors with accessible toilets, often marked on floor guides.
• Parks and Tourist Spots: Major parks and tourist destinations usually have public toilets available.

Using Japanese Toilets

Flush Options

Most toilets in Japan have two flush modes: "small" (小) and "large" (大), which differ in the amount of water used. This is an eco-friendly feature to conserve water.

Bidet Functions

Modern toilets often come with bidet functions, which can be confusing for first-time users. Here are the common buttons you might find:

• ビデ (Bidet): Designed for female users, indicated by a red icon of a woman.
• おしり (Oshiri): The traditional bidet function, indicated by a blue icon of a person and a stream of water.
• やわらか (Yawaraka): A softer water pressure option, indicated by a blue icon and a pyramid-shaped stream of water.
• 止 (Tomaru): The stop button, usually orange or red, which stops all bidet functions.
• 流す (Nagasu): The flush button, often accompanied by small and large flush options.

Additional Features

Some toilets may have additional features such as sound effects to mask noises, automatic seat opening and closing, and even games for men to play while using the urinal.

Etiquette and Tips

Toilet Slippers

In private homes, minshuku, or ryokan, you will often find toilet slippers. It is important to change into these slippers before entering the bathroom and change back into your regular slippers afterward to avoid a cultural faux pas.

Hand Hygiene

While most public toilets have hand dryers, paper towels are not always available. It is recommended to carry a small hand towel or hand sanitizer.

Emergency Preparations

Some public toilets may not have toilet paper or soap. It is a good idea to carry a small package of tissues and hand sanitizer with you.

Accessibility and Cleanliness

Cleanliness

Japanese toilets are renowned for their cleanliness. Public toilets are well-maintained, and you can expect to find them stocked with toilet paper and other necessary amenities.

Accessibility

Multifunctional toilets are designed to be accessible for people with disabilities and those with babies or small children. These toilets are often located in wider spaces to accommodate wheelchairs.

By understanding these aspects of Japanese toilets, you can navigate the bathroom culture with ease and appreciate the unique features that make Japanese toilets stand out.