Depending on where you have travelled in the world, I’m sure you’ve seen some pretty scary toilet situations. Places where there is no toilets to be found. Places you wouldn’t step foot in. Or my favorite, having to PAY to use the toilets. (I’m looking at you, Europe). Thankfully, not only are Japanese Toilets known as probably the best commodes in the world, the public toilet situation in Japan puts the rest of the world to shame.
Where to find public toilets
Just about all
Pro tip: if it happens to be INSIDE the station and you don’t actually need to use the train, just ask at the gate to use the toilet and they will let you in without charging you. A lot of times you can find them outside the station though.
If you are on a shinkansen or long-distance train, you can also find a toilet on board.
Cleanliness
All public toilets are cleaned through out the day. I love finding a random toilet in a park with people actually cleaning the toilet (they are very convenient on long runs!). They will all provide toilet paper as well. However, there is a chance if it’s super busy (think picnics during 花見, hamani, cherry blossom season!) that they will run out so it’s a good idea to have some with you. This is a great use of the advertisement tissue packets they hand out around train stations!
The different styles of Japanese toilets
While there are many times western toilets, you will see Japanese-style toilets as well. People always joke that they are “holes” in the ground. Though, I have heard some guys talk about urinals that are nothing more than troths. No, Japanese-style are basically porceline commodes placed in the ground that you squat over. Face towards the raised side!
For western-style, you’ll find regular commodes you’ve seen elsewhere. However, you will also see ones with washlets.
What’s a washlet?
This is where Japan gets fancy with their toilets. There are varying degrees of washlets and it’s actually a registered trademark of Toto but has become a generic trademark. After being in Japan, you’ll want on for your house! They are becoming more common to be able to purchase as seat adapters and can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand depending on functuality and operation modes (some have wall mounted controls, some are attached to the washlet toilet seat).
There is a seat warming function, bidet and rear washing sprays. Some also have a drying function. And sometimes, they play sounds.
Eek! The stall just started playing sounds!
There is in a lot of public toilets, an automatic or a sensor driven “sound” device to mask your business. This is most of the time in the form of “running water” (I’m assuming pre-technology people may have just flushed the toilet constantly) but I’ve also heard it be classical music. Don’t be surprised by it! It grows on you.
Where’s the flusher?
Flushing will sometimes be a normal lever. But more likely its a dual direction one with two options. 小, small or 大, big. I’ll let you figure that one out yourself. There are also button and sensor options. If you can’t find a lever, look around for a button.
Japanese Lesson: Signs to look for Japanese toilets
There’s literally six ways that I know of that you can see the word for Japanese toilets facilities. Granted, I guess we have similar in English! Here’s the words to look out for on signage:
- お手洗い – おてあらい or ote-arai
- お手洗-おてあらい or ote-arai (oh, Japanese, yes, this is basically the same as the above, but minus the hiragana, still pronounced the same)
- トイレ or toire
- 洗面所 – せんめんしょ or senmensho
- 厠 – かわや or kawaya
- 化粧室 けしょうしつ or Keshoushitsu, is more polite. Think “I have to use the powder room” while at dinner.
You will also see the universal signs for toilet. A male and female silhouette.
Word of Warning
In many public toilets there is an “Emergency” button in the toilets. This is for if someone falls ill in the toilet. They are getting better at putting covers over them to prevent accidental calling but they are notorious for being right next to the flusher buttons.
To make it even more confusing, a lot of times the emergency button will say 押す on it. Which means “to press”.Don’t press it! Someone WILL come running.
What happens when you like them too much?
Believe it or not, you can find Toto Washlets to purchase for overseas! They are easily convertible for most any toilet, just be sure to check your dimensions. You can also find the whole commodes as a set if you are looking to redo your bathroom in the Japanese style. I know that after having one in my house here that I’ll always like to have one.
Did I miss something you are concerned with? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add to this!