One afternoon, half-dazed and swept up in the crowds of Shibuya's scramble crossing, I stepped into a department store restroom that appeared like a savior. The moment I entered, I was momentarily speechless. Next to the toilet was... some kind of spaceship control panel?
Bidets are common in Korea too, but I had never seen a control panel so packed with functions. 'おしり' next to the butt-shaped icon, the mysterious 'ビデ', and even '乾燥' (drying). Why were there so many kanji characters? The red '止' button felt like something I shouldn't press, and I was afraid that turning the intensity dial incorrectly would lead to disaster. '押' seemed to mean 'press,' but what exactly should I press? I fretted, thinking all sorts of things, like what if something strange popped out? I vividly remember finally finding the most approachable flush lever and using it before leaving.
Among them, what most piqued my curiosity was the button labeled '音' (sound). Why would a toilet make a sound? There was even a speaker icon. Could it be playing music? In the end, I timidly only used the flush lever and left, but that question lingered in my mind throughout the trip.
I later learned. Each of those complex buttons I encountered contained Japan's unique culture of meticulous consideration, designed to relieve traveler fatigue and prevent awkward moments. Japanese restrooms, I had only heard they were clean and good, but I never knew such a new world was hidden within them.
What's that sound? The restroom etiquette only I didn't know
The '音' (sound) button that piqued my curiosity in the Shibuya department store went beyond simply playing music; it was the embodiment of Japan's unique culture of consideration. It was none other than 'Otohime' (音姫), or 'Sound Princess', a function symbolic of Japanese restrooms.
For those who feel embarrassed by the sound of using the toilet, a 'whooshing' sound of water flows from a speaker when you sit on the toilet or press a button. At first, I thought, 'Is this really necessary?' and found it a bit excessive, but apparently, this function originated from a brilliant water-saving idea. In the past, many people would flush the toilet two or three times throughout their use to mask the sound, and Otohime was created to prevent this. It turns out to be a very delicate device that protects each other's privacy while also considering the environment. Usually, there's a button on the toilet control panel, or a sensor on the wall that activates the sound when you wave your hand. The sound typically plays for about 25 seconds and then turns off automatically, so you can press it again if needed.
Of course, not all restrooms you encounter during your trip will have such high-tech systems. In older train stations, quiet parks, or rundown shopping streets, you might still encounter 'washiki' (和式) toilets, which are squat-style. You might be slightly flustered by this unfamiliar sight coexisting with the sophisticated urban landscape, but this is also a part of Japan. In fact, such unexpected discoveries can add a small joy to your trip.
When you first encounter a washiki toilet, you might be at a loss as to which way to face. Remember, the standard way is to sit with the round, raised dome-like part of the toilet behind your back. Sitting the other way will not only make it uncomfortable due to being too close to the door but also make cleaning up difficult. The flushing mechanism is often not a lever or button, but a pedal on the floor or a string on the wall, so it's good to look around carefully.
Since restroom appearances and usage vary so much by location, knowing the 'best restroom spots you can rely on in an emergency' that I'll introduce in the next chapter will significantly enhance your travel experience.
Where to go in an emergency? Best public restroom spots in Japan
When traveling, isn't the most important thing knowing the location of a 'reliable restroom in an emergency'?
In my experience, the best restrooms in Japan are undoubtedly department store restrooms. Cleanliness is a given, and the interiors are luxurious. Especially for women's restrooms, the 'powder rooms' are exceptionally well-equipped, making them perfect for touching up makeup or taking a short break. The restrooms at Shinjuku Isetan Department Store were almost at the level of a hotel lounge. The next place I recommend is convenience stores. Japanese convenience stores are like an oasis for travelers, and most branches have customer restrooms. However, depending on the store, you might need to ask staff for permission to use it, so it's good to politely ask, "Toire, okari dekimasu ka? (トイレ、お借りできますか？)" (Excuse me, may I use the restroom?).
Train station restrooms can be a hit or miss. Major stations on main lines like the Yamanote Line are well-maintained, but as you go to smaller or rural stations, the hygiene and facilities might be less than ideal. If you're really in a pinch, there's even the Japan Toilet Association (日本トイレ協会), which shows how serious they are about restrooms. More information can be found on the Japan Toilet Association website.
Japan's Consideration in a Small Space
At first, Japanese restrooms seemed complex and unfamiliar, but by the end of my trip, I started to see them differently. They weren't just places to relieve oneself, but small cultural spaces where user convenience and consideration for the next person were delicately woven in. Warm toilet seats comfort travelers in cold winters, and 'Otohime' prevents awkward moments with others.
Furthermore, in ryokans or old restaurants, you can see separate slippers specifically for the restroom, strictly separating the hygienic space. It was only after a dizzying experience of inadvertently wearing those slippers out and parading around a tatami room, meeting the surprised gaze of the proprietress, that I understood the meaning behind that small rule. Isn't it in these small details that you can glimpse the true essence of a country? I felt that their spirit of 'omotenashi' (おもてなし, hospitality) was embedded even in a single restroom.
Practical Tips for Travelers
As mentioned earlier, Japan's meticulous consideration can sometimes fluster travelers. So, finally, I'd like to share a few more practical tips to help you use unfamiliar Japanese restrooms 100% comfortably, just like your own home. Remembering these will help you navigate minor crises during your trip with a smile.
First, always carry a pocket tissue and a small handkerchief in your bag. While department stores and new buildings are fine, if you go a little further out or to older restaurants or park public restrooms, it's surprisingly common to find no toilet paper. Moreover, many places turn off hand dryers to save electricity, so without a handkerchief, you might end up in the awkward situation of patting your pants dry with damp hands. You'll immediately understand why Japanese people of all ages carry handkerchiefs once you experience it.
Second, if your eyes are darting around at dozens of buttons, first calmly look for the red '止 (Stop)' button. It's usually in the most visible spot. Knowing just that will give you peace of mind, as you can stop and fix any button you might have pressed incorrectly. It's even better if you familiarize yourself with a few common essential kanji characters.
- 止: Stop - Your lifeline
- おしり: Rear (Bidet for rear) - General bidet function
- ビデ: Bidet (Bidet for front) - For women
- 大 / 小: Large / Small (Flush large / small) - Flushing
- 乾燥: Dry
Oh, and for the water pressure or position adjustment buttons (水勢, 洗浄位置), I recommend starting with the weakest setting and adjusting from there, as you might scream if you unknowingly set it to 'strong (強)'.
Third, where should you go in an emergency? Rather than just looking for a park (公園) restroom, tackling it in the following order will give you a higher success rate.
- 1st Priority (Guaranteed Comfort): Department Stores (デパート) & Large Shopping Malls. No words needed. They are clean, spacious, and perfectly equipped with powder rooms, making them great for a short break.
- 2nd Priority (Excellent Accessibility): Subway Stations (駅). Major transfer stations are usually well-maintained. However, they can be crowded during rush hour, and smaller stations may have varying levels of cleanliness.
- 3rd Priority (Last Resort): Convenience Stores (コンビニ). Not all convenience stores have restrooms, and even if they do, they might be for staff only or locked. If there's an 'お手洗い (restroom)' sign on the door, it's best to politely ask a staff member, "Sumimasen, toire o okari dekimasu ka? (Excuse me, may I borrow the restroom?)" Most will kindly guide you if you buy a small item while asking.
Japanese restrooms may initially feel like a hurdle to overcome, but once you get used to them, they become a grateful presence that enhances the quality of your trip. I hope this article helps make your trip to Japan a little more comfortable and enjoyable.