How to properly use a Japanese public restroom for tourists

There are primarily two types of toilets you will encounter in Japan: Western-style toilets and traditional Japanese squat toilets. Western-style toilets are the norm in cities, hotels, and modern shopping malls. These are often equipped with a 'Washlet' (bidet) seat. Traditional Japanese squat toilets, while becoming rarer, are still common in public parks, older train stations, and historical sites. To use a squat toilet, face the hooded end of the fixture and squat low over it. It is important to keep your feet firmly on the floor and ensure your pockets are empty so nothing falls into the basin. While they may seem intimidating, squat toilets are considered hygienic by some as your body does not make contact with the seat.

The Japanese 'Washlet' is a marvel of technology designed for comfort and hygiene. Most control panels are located either on a side arm attached to the seat or on a wall-mounted remote. Common icons include a 'Spray' or 'Posterior' (often a blue icon with a water stream) for washing, and a 'Bidet' (pink icon) designed for women. You will also find buttons for 'Stop' (usually a red square), 'Dryer', and 'Water Pressure' adjustment. High-end models may even feature seat warming, deodorizers, and motion-activated lids. Don't be afraid to experiment with the pressure and temperature settings to find what is comfortable for you, but always locate the 'Stop' button first!

One unique feature of Japanese restrooms is the 'Otohime' or 'Sound Princess.' In many public stalls, especially in women's restrooms, you will see a small device that plays the sound of rushing water or birds chirping. This is designed to mask any personal noises, providing privacy and saving water by discouraging users from flushing the toilet repeatedly. You can usually activate it by waving your hand in front of a sensor or pressing a button marked with a musical note icon. If you find yourself in a stall where the water sound starts automatically when you enter, that is the Otohime at work.

Hygiene and etiquette are paramount in Japanese public spaces. Always flush the toilet paper provided; Japan's plumbing systems are designed to handle it. However, do not flush sanitary products, paper towels, or wet wipes, as these can cause significant blockages. Most stalls will have a small lidded bin for sanitary waste. After finishing, look for the flush mechanism. It may be a traditional lever, a button on the wall, or a sensor. Levers are often marked with '大' (Dai - Large flush) and '小' (Sho - Small flush). Using the appropriate flush helps conserve water, which is highly valued in Japanese society.

When visiting someone's home or a traditional 'Ryokan' (inn), you might encounter 'Toilet Slippers.' In Japan, there is a clear distinction between 'clean' and 'unclean' areas. The restroom is considered an unclean zone, so you should remove your house slippers and switch into the specific slippers placed outside the restroom door. The most crucial rule: remember to switch back into your house slippers when you leave the restroom! Walking back into a living area wearing toilet slippers is a major faux pas and can be quite embarrassing for both you and your host.

Public restrooms in Japan are generally free and found almost everywhere, including convenience stores (Combini), department stores, train stations, and parks. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are a reliable option for travelers, though it is polite to ask the staff if you can use the restroom ('Toire wo kashite itadakemasu ka?') and perhaps buy a small item like a drink or snack as a thank you. In major cities, 'Multipurpose Toilets' (called 'Dare-demo Toire') are available for wheelchair users, families with small children, and the elderly. These are spacious and equipped with emergency buttons and changing tables.

Finally, always maintain the cleanliness of the stall for the next person. If the seat is wet, wipe it down. Ensure all trash is placed in the correct bins and the floor remains dry. Hand dryers are common, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, some have been disabled. It is a good idea to carry a small 'tenugui' or hand towel, as many Japanese people do, because some public restrooms may not provide paper towels. By following these simple rules and embracing the technology, you will find that the Japanese restroom experience is one of the most pleasant and impressive aspects of your travel journey.