All types and how to use them

When you come from a foreign land with cold and suspiciously stained toilet seats is the norm, Japanese toilets feel like a rare luxury. They are clean, sharp and, most importantly, never face strange door cracks to ensure eye contact with strangers at the airport. Equipped with warm water spray for personal hygiene, heated seats and even ambient sounds to mask any noise, it can almost feel overwhelmingly advanced for being uninspired.

So, this guide here removes any confusion or concern you may feel about using a Japanese toilet. Whether you’re spending your life in Tokyo or just visiting, we’ll provide you with practical tips and insights to navigate the world of sometimes confusing but ultimately wonderful Japanese toilets.

Toilet types in Tokyo

Western style toilet (Yoshiki)

Western-style toilets, called in Japanese Yoshiki Toireincreasingly the norms of Tokyo homes, hotels and more and more public places. They are similar to the sitting flush toilets commonly found in Western countries, and they provide a familiar experience for many foreigners.

You’ll find variations from basic models with only flush rods or buttons to more advanced versions that combine some of the high-tech features that are famous in Japan. These may include heated seats to add comfort during the colder months and basic seat tub functionality for washing.

While not all Western-style toilets in Tokyo will have a full set of bells and whistles, their increasing popularity offers comfortable and recognizable options for people in the city.

Identify the flushing mechanism

Most of the time, you will find a flush mechanism similar to the lever, button or sensor-activated by the Western toilet. Note that sometimes there may be two buttons or two levers – completely flush (Wear) For solid waste, the smaller buttons are partially or eco-painted (sho) used for liquid waste.

Traditional squat toilet (washiki)

Although less common nowadays, especially in new buildings and tourism-centric areas, traditional Japanese squat toilets or Holder Toire can still be found in older venues, some parks, and occasionally more traditional restaurants or train stations in Tokyo.

Using a squat toilet at first seems unusual, but it’s simple:

• Facing the hood: A toilet close to a raised or curved end is called a hood. This is the opposite of how you face a Western-style toilet. The drain opening will be on the floor in front of you.
• Place your feet: Place one foot on a designated footstool or textured area on either side of the opening. These are usually marked.
• Squat down and start business: Lower yourself into the squat and keep your weight balanced on your feet.
• toilet paper: It is usually available on toilets, but be aware that some older systems may not handle paper well. If provided, look for a small trash can to dispose of the paper. In some very traditional environments, you may find a small basin of water and a spoonful of rinses.
• Flush: The flushing mechanism may vary. It could be a handle on the side, a button on the floor or wall, or even a foot pedal.

A typical wall control panel

Unveil the advanced toilet function

Modern Japanese toilets usually feature laundry, seated toilet seats that provide enhanced hygiene with warm water spray and other adjustable cleaning functions. While common in Tokyo homes, hotels and even public places, the button array on the control panel may initially be terrified of those unfamiliar with these high-tech conveniences. But once understood, the Washlet provides a higher level of cleaning and comfort.

A typical connection control panel

Common sink buttons and functions

• Butt (Oshiri): Backwash (usually blue button).
• ビデ〈bide: Pre- or female wash (usually pink buttons).
• Soft (Yawarakka): Wash gently.
• Tome: Stop (usually orange or red button).
• Flow: flush (possibly separate from the control panel).
• Water potential (Suisei): Water pressure (with and downward arrows, as well as weak and strong indicators).
• Position (Ichi): Nozzle position (front and back).
• Dryer (Kansō): Dryer.
• Toilet seat (Benza): Heated seat (temperature regulation).
• Oto or Otohime: Sound masking function (usually a note symbol).
• Power saving (SetSuden): Energy saving mode.
• Massage function.

Transparent toilet in Yoyogi-Fukamachi Mini Park

Japanese toilet etiquette

Flush toilet paper

Flush toilet paper is good, but don’t rinse other items or tissues.

Cleaning is the key

Leave the toilet when you find it. Seat disinfectant is often provided.

Toilet slippers

Some houses, hotels and restaurants have designated toilet slippers. Don’t wear these outside the toilet.

Wait for your turn

Quietly line up for public restrooms. Make sure to leave space for others to leave the toilet. The entrance may be narrow.

Hand-dry

Public toilets are not always available with tissues and clothes dryers. Locals often carry handkerchiefs.

Find toilets in Tokyo

Tokyo public toilets are free. They can be found on radio stations, shopping malls, parks and some convenience stores.

There may be some useful phrases when locating a bathroom:

• Where are the restrooms? (Toire wa doko desu ka?: Where is the toilet?)
• Where are the restrooms? (Otearai wa doko desu ka? – Where is the bathroom? – More polite)

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