How to Use Japanese Toilets – A Complete Guide for Travelers

One of the biggest surprises for many visitors to Japan is the toilet. You might step into a restroom and find a high-tech seat with more buttons than an airplane cockpit… or a traditional squat toilet that looks like a mystery. Don’t worry — Japanese toilets are clean, safe, and easy to use once you know the basics. This guide will show you how.

Types of Toilets in Japan

Western-style toilet with washlet functions

• Found in hotels, airports, modern stations, and many public restrooms.
• Comes with electronic controls for washing, drying, and even playing sounds.

Japan’s advanced toilets, often called “washlets,” are now a ubiquitous feature of daily life, even in private residences. It’s often said that one of the biggest obstacles preventing Japanese people from living abroad is the exceptional quality of Japanese toilets – once accustomed to such comfort and hygiene, they are reluctant to use anything less.

2. Basic western-style toilet (no functions)

• Similar to what you see in most Western countries.
• Flush handle or button, no extra features.

Once you’ve lived in Japan and enjoyed the pampering of an advanced toilet, there’s no going back. Trust me, sitting on a plain old toilet without a washlet feels like a cruel joke – a stark reminder of the comforts you’ve left behind.

3. Squat toilet

• Still common in older facilities, countryside stations, or traditional places.
• Simple porcelain pan set into the floor.

Full disclosure: this isn’t my cup of tea, and I’m not convinced anyone actually likes it. But hey, you might as well give it a whirl while you’re in Japan – if only to say you did!

How to Use a Washlet (High-Tech Toilet)

Most washlets have a panel with Japanese words, icons, or sometimes English translations. Common buttons include:

• おしり (Oshiri) = Rear wash
• ビデ (Bide) = Bidet (front wash)
• 止 (Tome / Stop) = Stop the water spray
• 流す (Nagasu / Flush) = Flush (sometimes just a lever instead)

Other features:

• Water pressure control (stronger or weaker spray)
• Seat warming (especially useful in winter!)
• Sound/music button for privacy

Maintenance features(Usually disabled in public toilet) :

• A (in picture above) – チャイルドロック (Child lock) = Disable functions in order to prevent a child to push something wrong.
• B – 便器水位 (Benki-Suii) = Switch water level
• C – 手動ノズル洗浄 (Shudo-Nozzle Senjo) = Manual nozzle cleaning. It is used when cleaning watter nozzle
• D – 洗剤切替 (Senzai-Kirikae) = Toilet cleaner replacement. It is used when replacing(re-filling) cleaner
• E – 自動便器洗浄 (Jido-Benki-Senjo) = Automatic Toilet clean.
• F – 切タイマー (Kiri-Timer) = Activate automatic switch off
• G (Eco mode) and H(便座=toilet seat/温水=hot water) = Control temperature of seat and water.

👉 Tip: If you are unsure, just look for the 止 (Stop) button. That’s the one you need to stop everything.

How to Use a Squat Toilet

• Face the hood or raised side (the opposite direction from Western toilets).
• Squat down with your feet on the sides.
• Flush with the handle or button after use.

Important: In Japan, always flush toilet paper. Do not throw it into a trash bin.

Toilet Etiquette in Japan

• Always flush after use.
• Keep the seat clean for the next person.
• Don’t make phone calls inside the restroom.
• Line up quietly and wait your turn.
• In some homes or traditional places, you’ll find special toilet slippers — use them only inside the restroom.

Useful Japanese Phrases in a Restroom

• 「トイレはどこですか？」 Toire wa doko desu ka? = Where is the toilet?
• 「紙がありません。」 Kami ga arimasen. = There’s no toilet paper.
• 「使い方がわかりません。」 Tsukaikata ga wakarimasen. = I don’t know how to use it.
• 「トイレが壊れています。」Toire ga kowareteimasu. = The toilet is broken.
• 「トイレットペーパーはどこですか？」Toiretto pēpā wa doko desu ka? = Where is the toilet paper?

Conclusion

Japanese toilets may look intimidating, but they’re part of what makes travel in Japan unique. From high-tech washlets to traditional squat toilets, each type has its own charm. Once you try them, you’ll see why many travelers say Japanese toilets are the best in the world!