One afternoon, I was walking in a daze, swept up by the crowds at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. The moment I stepped into a department store restroom, which appeared like a savior, I was momentarily speechless. The panel next to the toilet in front of me... was it the control panel of a spaceship?
Bidet toilets are common in Korea, but I'd never seen a control panel so packed with functions. There was ‘おしり’ (Oshiri) next to a buttock icon, the mysterious ‘ビデ’ (Bidé), and even ‘乾燥’ (Kansō) for drying. And why were there so many kanji characters? The red ‘止’ (Stop) button looked like something I shouldn't press, and I felt like a disaster would strike if I turned the pressure control dial the wrong way. I figured '押' (Osu) meant 'press,' but what on earth was I supposed to press? What if something unexpected shot out? All sorts of thoughts raced through my mind as I struggled, and I vividly remember finally just finding the most straightforward-looking flush lever and making my escape.
Among all the buttons, the one that piqued my curiosity the most was labeled ‘音’ (Oto), meaning 'sound.' Why would a toilet make a sound? It even had a speaker icon. Could it be for music? In the end, I timidly just used the flush lever and left, but the question lingered in my mind for the rest of the trip.
It was only later that I learned the truth. Each of those complicated buttons I encountered was infused with Japan's unique culture of meticulous consideration, designed to ease a traveler's fatigue and prevent embarrassing moments. I had only heard that Japanese restrooms were clean and nice; I never imagined they were a whole new world.
What's That Sound? The Restroom Etiquette I Never Knew
The true identity of the ‘音’ (sound) button that intrigued me in that Shibuya department store was more than just a music player; it was a symbol of Japan's unique culture of consideration. It was the iconic 'Otohime' (音姫), or 'Sound Princess' feature.
For those who feel embarrassed about the sounds they make in the restroom, sitting on the seat or pressing a button triggers a flushing sound from a speaker. At first, I thought, 'Is this really necessary?' and found it a bit excessive. But it turns out this feature originated from a brilliant water-saving idea. In the past, many people would flush the toilet two or three times while using it to mask sounds. The Otohime was created to prevent this. It's a thoughtful device that protects privacy while also being environmentally friendly. You'll usually find it as a button on the control panel or as a sensor on the wall that you activate with your hand. The sound typically lasts for about 25 seconds before stopping automatically, so you can just press it again if needed.
Of course, not every restroom you encounter on your travels will have this high-tech system. In older train stations, quiet parks, or modest shopping arcades, you might still come across the traditional squat-style 'Washiki' (和式) toilet. You might be a little surprised by this unfamiliar sight coexisting with modern cityscapes, but it's also a part of Japan. In fact, these unexpected discoveries can add a bit of fun to your trip.
When you first see a Washiki toilet, you might be unsure which way to face. Remember this: the correct way is to squat with the rounded, raised hood at your back. If you face the other way, you'll be uncomfortably close to the door, and cleaning up can be difficult. The flushing mechanism might not be a lever or button either; it's often a foot pedal on the floor or a pull chain on the wall, so it's a good idea to look around.
High-Tech Western-Style Toilets (Yōshiki)
Heated seats, bidet functions, and Otohime are standard. This is the typical toilet you'll find in most indoor restrooms, such as in department stores, shopping malls, hotels, and new buildings.
Traditional Squat Toilets (Washiki)
A squat-style toilet. Use it with the raised hood at your back. You can still find them in old stations, parks, and some traditional restaurants.
As you can see, the type of toilet and how to use it can vary greatly depending on the location. Knowing the 'best spots for a restroom emergency,' which I'll introduce in the next chapter, will significantly improve the quality of your trip.
Where to Go in an Emergency? The Best Public Restrooms in Japan
Isn't knowing the location of a 'reliable restroom for emergencies' one of the most important things when traveling?
In my experience, the best restrooms in Japan are hands down in department stores. They are impeccably clean and often have luxurious interiors. The women's restrooms, in particular, have excellent 'powder rooms' that are perfect for touching up makeup or just taking a short break. The restroom at the Isetan department store in Shinjuku was practically on par with a hotel lounge. My next recommendation is convenience stores. Japanese convenience stores are like an oasis for travelers, and most of them have restrooms available for customers. However, some stores may require you to ask a staff member for permission, so it's a good idea to politely ask, 'Toire, o-karidekimasu ka?' (トイレ、お借りできますか？ - May I use the restroom?).
Train station restrooms can be hit or miss. Major stations on main lines like the Yamanote Line are generally well-maintained, but you should be prepared for less-than-ideal hygiene and facilities at smaller or rural stations. If you're really in a bind, there's even a Japan Toilet Association (日本トイレ協会), which shows you just how serious they are about their toilets. You can find more information on the Japan Toilet Association website.
Japanese Consideration in a Small Space
By the end of my trip, the Japanese restrooms that had initially seemed so complex and foreign began to look different. They weren't just a place to relieve oneself, but a small cultural space meticulously designed with the user's convenience and consideration for the next person in mind. The heated toilet seat warms a traveler's body on a cold winter day, and the 'Otohime' prevents awkward moments with others.
In ryokans (traditional inns) and old restaurants, you'll even find separate slippers just for the restroom, a practice that strictly separates the sanitary space. I only understood the meaning behind this small rule after a mortifying experience where I absentmindedly wore the toilet slippers out and walked across the tatami room, only to be met by the shocked eyes of the owner. Isn't it in these small details that you get a glimpse of a country's true character? It made me feel that even their restrooms embody the spirit of 'omotenashi' (おもてなし, hospitality).
Practical Tips for Travelers
As mentioned, Japan's meticulous consideration can sometimes be baffling for travelers. So, to wrap up, here are a few more practical tips to help you use unfamiliar Japanese restrooms as comfortably as you would your own. Just remembering these can help you navigate minor crises with a smile during your trip.
First, always carry a pack of pocket tissues and a small handkerchief. While department stores and new buildings are fine, it's surprisingly common to find public restrooms in parks, older restaurants, or slightly outside the city center with no toilet paper. Many places also turn off their hand dryers to save electricity, which can lead to the awkward situation of having to wipe your wet hands on your pants. You'll quickly understand why Japanese people of all ages carry handkerchiefs after experiencing this once.
Second, if you find yourself staring wide-eyed at a panel with dozens of buttons, stay calm and look for the red ‘止’ (Stop) button first. It's usually in the most conspicuous spot. Knowing this gives you peace of mind, as you can stop whatever you've accidentally started and recover. It's also helpful to familiarize yourself with a few essential kanji characters.
- 止: Stop - Your lifeline
- おしり: Rear (Bidet for rear) - The standard bidet function
- ビデ: Front (Bidet for front) - For women
- 大 / 小: Large / Small (Flush)
- 乾燥: Dry
Oh, and for the water pressure (水勢) and position (洗浄位置) controls, I recommend starting with the weakest setting and adjusting from there. You don't want to accidentally set it to 'strong' (強) and get a shocking surprise.
Third, where should you go when you're in a hurry? Instead of randomly searching for a park (公園) restroom, your chances of success are higher if you follow this order:
- Priority 1 (Guaranteed Comfort): Department Stores (デパート) & Large Shopping Malls. These are your best bet. They're clean, spacious, and often have perfect powder rooms, making them a great place to take a short break.
- Priority 2 (Excellent Accessibility): Subway Stations (駅). Major transfer stations are usually well-maintained. However, they can be crowded during rush hour, and cleanliness can vary at smaller stations.
- Priority 3 (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 you see a sign for ‘お手洗い’ (Restroom) on the door, it's best to politely ask a staff member, "Sumimasen, toire o okaridekimasu ka?" (すみません、トイレをお借りできますか？ / Excuse me, may I use the restroom?). They are more likely to be helpful if you buy a small item.
Japanese restrooms might seem like a daunting challenge at first, but once you get used to them, they become a welcome feature that enhances your travel experience. I hope this guide helps make your trip to Japan a little more comfortable and enjoyable.