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Japanese toilets are a genuine travel highlight — heated seats, bidets, and buttons galore. But they can baffle first-timers. Here’s your friendly guide to Japan’s famous washlets (and the occasional squat toilet).
The high-tech washlet
Many toilets are washlets with a control panel of buttons. The essentials:
- Flush — look for 大 (big/large) and 小 (small) for full or light flush. It may be a lever, a wall panel, or a sensor — not always on the seat panel.
- Bidet buttons — おしり (rear wash) and ビデ (front wash); often with pressure/position controls.
- Stop — 止 (stop) ends the spray. This is the button you’ll want to find first.
- Heated seat, dryer, and deodorizer on fancier models.
The “privacy sound” button
A button labeled 音 (sound) or a musical note plays a flushing sound to mask any noise — a beloved feature (especially in women’s restrooms, sometimes as an automatic sensor called Otohime).
Squat toilets (still around)
Older stations, parks, and rural spots may have squat toilets. Face the hood/flush end, feet either side, and squat. Carry tissues — some don’t have paper.
Good to know
- Carry a small pack of tissues (often handed out free on the street) and a hand towel — some restrooms lack paper towels.
- Public toilets are widespread, clean, and free — konbini, stations, and department stores are reliable.
- Don’t flush anything but paper; sanitary bins are provided.
- Toilet slippers exist in homes and ryokan — swap into them and back out. See our etiquette guide.
Want one at home?
Washlet seats are a popular souvenir/purchase — check voltage compatibility first; see our electronics buying guide. First trip? Read first-timer tips.