Key Points
- Top attraction in Japanese Toilet How To
- Best time to visit: Morning or evening
- Access: Easy access from Tokyo/Yokohama
- Facilities: Restrooms, parking available
- Best for: Sightseeing, photography
Quick Links
This comprehensive guide provides essential information about How to Use Japanese Toilets: Complete Guide for International Travelers 2026. Discover local insights, practical tips, and hidden gems to enhance your visit to Kanagawa.
Location
- Washlet (bidet) instructions with button guide
- Heated toilet seats explained
- Sound masking (Otohime) how to use
- Toilet etiquette in Japan
- Troubleshooting common issues
Introduction: Japanese Toilets Are Different!
If you're visiting Japan for the first time, you're in for a surprise! Japanese toilets are among the most advanced in the world. They feature:
- Heated seats (even in winter!)
- Bidet functions (Washlet)
- Automatic flushing
- Sound masking (for privacy)
- Air purification
- Self-cleaning (some models)
While these features are wonderful, they can be confusing for first-time users. The control panels often have Japanese buttons that may be intimidating.
This guide will help you:
- Understand all the buttons
- Use bidet functions correctly
- Navigate Japanese toilets with confidence
- Follow proper toilet etiquette
Last updated: March 2026 (all features verified)
Western-Style Toilets (Most Common)
What you'll find:
✅ 90%+ of toilets in Japan
✅ Same as Western countries
✅ Additional features (Washlet)
✅ Heated seats
✅ Easy to use
Where to find:
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Train stations
- Shopping facilities
- Public restrooms
- Most homesJapanese-Style Toilets (Squat Toilets)
What you'll find:
✅ Traditional style
✅ Squatting position
✅ Less common now (10% or less)
✅ Still found in some places
Where to find:
- Old temples and shrines
- Some parks
- Older train stations
- Traditional restaurants (rare)
- Some public restrooms
Note: Becoming increasingly rare. Most facilities have been renovated to Western-style.Which One Will You Use?
As a tourist, you'll use:
- Western-style: 95% of the time
- Japanese-style: 5% of the time (mostly at temples)
Tip: Most modern facilities only have Western-style toilets.Standard Features
Every Japanese toilet has:
✅ Flush handle or button
✅ Toilet seat (plastic or wood)
✅ Toilet paper holder
✅ Small sink nearby (for hand washing)
✅ Soap dispenser
✅ Hand dryer or paper towelsAdvanced Features (Washlet)
Common Washlet features:
✅ Heated seat
✅ Bidet (rear wash)
✅ Front bidet (for women)
✅ Adjustable water pressure
✅ Adjustable nozzle position
✅ Heated air dryer
✅ Automatic deodorizer
✅ Automatic flush
✅ Self-cleaning nozzlePremium Features (High-End Models)
Luxury toilet features:
✅ Automatic lid opening/closing
✅ Touchless flush
✅ Music or sound masking
✅ Night light
✅ Remote control
✅ Memory settings for multiple users
✅ UV sterilization
✅ Air purificationStep 1: Sit Down
1. Lift the lid (if automatic, it may open automatically)
2. Sit on the toilet seat (it's warm!)
3. Do your business as normal
4. Reach for the control panel (usually on right side)Note: The seat is heated! Don't be surprised by the warmth. This is normal and comfortable.
Step 2: Understand the Control Panel
Typical Control Panel Layout:
┌─────────────────────────────┐
│ [STOP] [FRONT] [REAR] │
│ [DRY] [PRESSURE] [POSITION]│
│ [SEAT] [FLUSH] [DEODOR] │
└─────────────────────────────┘
Common buttons (from left to right, top to bottom):
- STOP (): Stop all functions
- REAR (): Rear bidet wash
- FRONT (): Front bidet wash (women only)
- DRY (): Warm air dryer
- PRESSURE (): Adjust water pressure
- POSITION (): Adjust nozzle position
- SEAT (): Adjust seat temperature
- FLUSH (): Flush toilet
- DEODOR (): Air deodorizerStep 3: Use Bidet Function
For Rear Wash (Men & Women):
1. Press "REAR" button ( - Oshiri)
2. You'll feel water spraying from below
3. Adjust position if needed (POSITION button)
4. Adjust pressure if needed (PRESSURE button)
5. Press STOP when done ()
For Front Wash (Women Only):
1. Press "FRONT" button ( - Bidet)
2. Gentler spray from front nozzle
3. Adjust as needed
4. Press STOP when done
Note: Don't worry about pressing wrong buttons!
Water only sprays when you're seated (safety feature).Step 4: Dry Yourself
1. Press "DRY" button ( - Kawaki)
2. Warm air will blow gently
3. Adjust position for better drying
4. Press STOP when done
5. Or let it auto-stop (usually 30-60 seconds)
Note: Air dryer is gentle. You may prefer to use toilet paper instead.Step 5: Adjust Settings (Optional)
Seat Temperature:
- Press "SEAT" button ( - Danbo)
- Usually 3-4 levels: Off, Low, Medium, High
- Recommended: Medium in winter, Low or Off in summer
Water Pressure:
- Press "PRESSURE" button ( - Suiatsu)
- Usually 3-5 levels
- Recommended: Start low, increase if needed
Nozzle Position:
- Press "POSITION" button ( - Ichi)
- Nozzle moves forward/backward
- Find comfortable positionStep 6: Flush and Finish
1. Stand up (lid may close automatically)
2. Press "FLUSH" button ( - Nagasu)
3. Or use flush handle (usually on wall or tank)
4. Wash hands at nearby sink
5. Dry hands
6. Exit restroomCommon Japanese Buttons
(Tome/Stop):
- Function: Stop all operations
- When to use: After using bidet or dryer
- Icon: Often shows "STOP" in English too
(Oshiri):
- Function: Rear bidet wash
- When to use: After bowel movement
- Icon: Usually shows rear spray symbol
(Bide/Bidet):
- Function: Front bidet wash (women only)
- When to use: After urination (women)
- Icon: Usually shows front spray symbol
(Kawa/Dry):
- Function: Warm air dryer
- When to use: After washing
- Icon: Usually shows air/wind symbol
(Suiatsu/Water Pressure):
- Function: Adjust water pressure
- When to use: If spray is too strong/weak
- Icon: Usually shows water drops
(Ichi/Position):
- Function: Adjust nozzle position
- When to use: If spray isn't aligned
- Icon: Usually shows nozzle with arrows
(Danbo/Heated):
- Function: Adjust seat temperature
- When to use: If seat is too hot/cold
- Icon: Usually shows thermometer
(Nagasu/Flush):
- Function: Flush toilet
- When to use: After finishing
- Icon: Usually shows water swirl
(Dasshu/Deodorizer):
- Function: Air deodorizer
- When to use: Automatically activates
- Icon: Usually shows air circulationEnglish Labels (Common on Newer Toilets)
Many modern toilets have English labels:
- STOP
- REAR
- FRONT
- DRY
- SEAT
- FLUSH
- OPEN/CLOSE (for automatic lids)
Tip: Look for English labels if Japanese is confusing!What is Otohime?
Otohime ( - "Sound Princess"):
- Sound masking device in Japanese restrooms
- Plays flushing sound (or other sounds)
- Masks bathroom noises for privacy
- Very common in women's restrooms
- Increasingly common in men's restroomsWhy Use Otohime?
Purpose:
✅ Mask bathroom sounds
✅ Provide privacy
✅ Reduce embarrassment
✅ Cultural politeness
Background:
- Japanese culture values not disturbing others
- Bathroom sounds can be embarrassing
- Otohime provides discreet solution
- Now standard in most public restroomsHow to Use Otohime
Method 1: Button Activation
1. Look for button on wall or control panel
2. Button may show: (Otohime) or sound icon
3. Press button
4. Sound plays (usually 15-30 seconds)
5. Automatically stops
6. Press again if needed
Method 2: Automatic Activation
1. Some toilets activate automatically
2. When you sit down
3. Or when bidet is activated
4. No action needed
Method 3: Sensor Activation
1. Wave hand near sensor
2. Usually near toilet paper holder
3. Sound activates
4. No touching requiredWhat Sound Does It Make?
Common sounds:
- Flushing water (most common)
- Flowing water
- Gentle music (some facilities)
- Nature sounds (rare)
Volume:
- Loud enough to mask sounds
- Not too loud to be disturbing
- About 50-60 decibelsAutomatic Lid
What it does:
- Opens when you approach
- Closes when you leave
- No touching required
How to use:
1. Approach toilet
2. Lid opens automatically (sensor)
3. Use toilet normally
4. Stand up when finished
5. Lid closes automatically
Note: Some toilets have button for manual control.Automatic Flush
What it does:
- Flushes automatically when you stand up
- No need to touch flush handle
- Hygienic and convenient
How to use:
1. Use toilet normally
2. Stand up when finished
3. Toilet flushes automatically (after 1-2 seconds)
4. No action needed
Note: Some toilets still have manual flush button as backup.Automatic Deodorizer
What it does:
- Activates when you sit down
- Removes odors automatically
- Runs for 1-2 minutes
- Turns off automatically
How to use:
1. Sit on toilet
2. Deodorizer activates automatically
3. You may hear faint fan sound
4. No action needed
5. Turns off automatically after you leaveWhat They Look Like
Japanese-style toilet features:
- Porcelain basin in floor
- Footrests on both sides
- Flush handle on wall or floor
- No seat (squatting position)
- Hood at front (for aiming)How to Use: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Position Yourself
1. Face the hood (raised part at front)
2. Stand with feet on footrests
3. Feet should be on raised platforms
4. Face forward (toward hood)
Step 2: Squat Down
1. Lower yourself into squatting position
2. Hold onto wall or rail if available
3. Balance on footrests
4. Position over basin
Step 3: Do Your Business
1. Aim carefully (hood is at front)
2. Squatting position is natural for bowels
3. Many find it more hygienic
4. No contact with toilet
Step 4: Clean Yourself
1. Use toilet paper (provided)
2. Dispose in toilet (flushable)
3. Some facilities have bidet spray on wall
Step 5: Flush and Finish
1. Stand up carefully
2. Find flush handle (wall or floor)
3. Pull or push to flush
4. Wash hands at sinkTips for First-Time Users
✅ DO:
- Face the hood (front raised part)
- Use footrests for balance
- Hold onto wall or rail if available
- Squat as low as comfortable
- Take your time
❌ DON'T:
- Face backward (common mistake!)
- Stand on toilet (unsafe)
- Rush (may lose balance)
- Be embarrassed (staff can help)
Note: It takes practice! Don't worry if it's awkward first time.Where You'll Find Them
Common locations:
- Old temples and shrines
- Some parks
- Older train stations
- Traditional restaurants (rare)
- Some highway rest stops
Becoming rare:
- Most facilities renovated to Western-style
- Less than 10% of public toilets
- Mostly in rural areas or old buildingsToilet Paper in Japan
Key facts:
✅ Toilet paper is ALWAYS provided (free)
✅ Flushable (designed to dissolve quickly)
✅ Usually 2-ply (sometimes 1-ply)
✅ Often in dispensers (take what you need)
✅ Extra rolls available in most restroomsHow to Use Toilet Paper
1. Pull paper from dispenser
2. Take what you need (don't waste)
3. Use as normal
4. Flush down toilet (YES, flush it!)
5. Don't put in trash bin (unless sign says so)
Important: Japanese toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly. It won't clog toilets.Disposal Rules
✅ DO:
- Flush toilet paper
- Take only what you need
- Use extra rolls if dispenser is empty
- Report if no toilet paper available
❌ DON'T:
- Put toilet paper in trash bin
- Flush other items (sanitary products, wipes)
- Take toilet paper home (it's for restroom use)
- Waste toilet paperWhat If Toilet Paper Runs Out?
Don't panic! This is rare, but here's what to do:
Option 1: Check for Extra Rolls
- Look around dispenser
- Check shelf above toilet
- Check cabinet nearby
- Extra rolls are usually available
Option 2: Ask for Help
- Call out for staff (in restaurants/shops)
- Press emergency button (in some facilities)
- Text friend to bring paper (last resort)
Option 3: Use Alternatives
- Paper towels (if available)
- Tissues from your bag
- Hand towels (some restrooms provide)
Prevention:
- Always carry pocket tissues (common in Japan)
- Many restaurants give free tissues
- Keep small pack in bagBefore Entering
✅ DO:
- Remove hat (polite)
- Check if occupied (look for red/green indicator)
- Wait in line if busy (orderly queue)
- Take off backpack (in crowded restrooms)
❌ DON'T:
- Enter if occupied (wait your turn)
- Cut in line (very rude)
- Make loud noises outside
- Bring food into restroomInside the Restroom
✅ DO:
- Close the door (privacy)
- Lock the door (if available)
- Use Otohime (sound masking)
- Keep noise down
- Use toilet properly
- Flush after use
- Wash hands thoroughly
❌ DON'T:
- Stand on toilet seat (damages toilet)
- Put feet on toilet seat (very rude)
- Make excessive noise
- Use phone for calls (texting OK)
- Leave mess behind
- Smoke (most restrooms are non-smoking)After Using
✅ DO:
- Flush toilet (always!)
- Check seat is clean
- Wash hands with soap
- Dry hands properly
- Turn off water (if manual faucet)
- Exit quietly
❌ DON'T:
- Leave without flushing
- Leave seat dirty
- Skip hand washing
- Leave water running
- Slam door
- Linger unnecessarilyIn Shared Restrooms
Additional etiquette:
- Be quick during busy times
- Don't use for makeup (use powder room)
- Don't change clothes (use changing room)
- Don't eat (even small snacks)
- Keep conversations quiet
- Don't occupy multiple stallsHeated Seats
What it is:
- Toilet seat is warmed
- Very comfortable in winter
- Temperature adjustable
- Standard feature in Japan
How to adjust:
1. Look for "SEAT" or "" button
2. Press to cycle through settings
3. Usually: Off → Low → Medium → High
4. Choose comfortable temperature
Tips:
- Turn off or low in summer
- Medium/high in winter
- Some toilets auto-adjust by season
- Energy saving mode available (some models)Self-Cleaning Nozzles
What it does:
- Nozzle cleans itself before and after use
- UV sterilization (some models)
- Automatic cleaning cycle
- Very hygienic
How it works:
1. Before use: Nozzle extends and rinses
2. After use: Nozzle retracts and rinses again
3. Some models use UV light for sterilization
4. No action needed from user
Note: This is why Japanese bidets are very hygienic!Night Light
What it is:
- Soft LED light in toilet bowl
- Helps see at night
- Automatic activation
- Energy efficient
How to use:
1. Usually automatic (activates in dark)
2. Some have manual on/off button
3. Color may be adjustable (some models)
4. No action needed
Note: Common in hotels and high-end facilities.Touchless Operation
What it does:
- No touching required
- Sensor-activated
- Most hygienic option
- Becoming standard
Features:
- Automatic lid opening
- Automatic flushing
- Automatic soap dispensing
- Automatic hand drying
How to use:
1. Approach toilet (lid opens)
2. Use normally
3. Stand up (toilet flushes)
4. Wave hand under soap dispenser
5. Wave hand under dryer
6. No touching needed!Toilet Won't Flush
Possible causes:
1. Sensor not detecting you've left
2. Manual flush needed
3. Toilet is malfunctioning
4. Water supply issue
Solutions:
1. Stand up and wait 5-10 seconds
2. Look for manual flush button (usually on wall)
3. Try flush handle (if available)
4. Press emergency button if available
5. Ask staff for help
Note: This is rare in Japan. Toilets are well-maintained.Bidet Not Working
Possible causes:
1. Not seated properly (safety feature)
2. Water supply turned off
3. Function disabled
4. Malfunction
Solutions:
1. Make sure you're fully seated
2. Check if other functions work
3. Try different button
4. Ask staff for help
5. Use another restroom if availableSeat Not Heating
Possible causes:
1. Energy saving mode
2. Summer setting (auto-off)
3. Turned off by previous user
4. Malfunction
Solutions:
1. Press "SEAT" or "" button
2. Cycle through settings
3. Wait a few seconds (takes time to heat)
4. If still not working, it may be disabled
5. Use another restroom if neededOtohime Not Working
Possible causes:
1. Battery dead (if battery-operated)
2. Turned off
3. Malfunction
4. Not available in this restroom
Solutions:
1. Look for button (may be on wall)
2. Press button firmly
3. Check if sound plays
4. If not working, don't worry (not essential)
5. Normal flushing sound is fineNo Toilet Paper
Solutions:
1. Check for extra rolls (usually nearby)
2. Look in cabinet above or beside toilet
3. Check dispenser (may have paper inside)
4. Ask staff for more
5. Use tissues from your bag (carry pocket tissues!)
Prevention:
- Always carry pocket tissues
- Free tissues often given at restaurants
- Keep small pack in bag
- Available at convenience stores (¥100-200)Essential Japanese Words
Toilet/Restroom:
- (Toire) - Toilet
- (Otearai) - Restroom (polite)
- (Keshoushitsu) - Powder room (formal)
Actions:
- (Nagasu) - Flush
- (Tomeru) - Stop
- (Akeru) - Open
- (Shimeru) - Close
- (Arau) - Wash
Features:
- (Onsui Senjou Benza) - Washlet (heated bidet seat)
- (Otohime) - Sound masking
- (Danbo) - Heating (seat)
- (Kansou) - Dryer
- (Dasshu) - Deodorizer
Signs:
- (Shiyouchuu) - Occupied
- (Kuushitsu) - Vacant
- (Danshi) - Men
- (Joshi) - Women
- (Mokutekiteki) - Multi-purposeUseful Phrases
If you need help:
- (Sumimasen) - Excuse me
- ？(Toire wa doko desu ka?) - Where is the toilet?
- (Toiretto peepaa ga arimasen) - No toilet paper
- (Kowarete imasu) - It's broken
Staff responses you might hear:
- (Hai) - Yes
- (Kochira desu) - This way
- to bound (Sugu ni ikimasu) - I'll come right away
- (Daijoubu desu) - It's OK / No problemFor Women
Front Bidet (Women Only):
- Button labeled "FRONT" or "" (Bidet)
- Gentler spray than rear
- For feminine hygiene
- Use after urination
- Adjust position and pressure as needed
Tips:
- Try at home first (if available)
- Start with low pressure
- Adjust position for comfort
- Use dryer or toilet paper after
- Very hygienic and refreshingFor Men
Rear Bidet:
- Button labeled "REAR" or "" (Oshiri)
- For after bowel movements
- More common than front bidet
- Very hygienic
Tips:
- Try it at least once
- Start with low pressure
- Adjust position for aim
- Use dryer or toilet paper after
- Many men become regular users!For Elderly Travelers
Helpful Features:
- Heated seats (comfortable)
- Grab bars (for support)
- Emergency buttons (if needed)
- Automatic flush (no bending)
- Good lighting
Tips:
- Take your time
- Use grab bars for support
- Press emergency button if needed
- Ask staff for assistance
- Multi-purpose restrooms have more spaceFor Parents with Children
Family-Friendly Features:
- Baby changing tables (in multi-purpose restrooms)
- Child-sized toilets (some facilities)
- Step stools (some restrooms)
- Nursing rooms (major facilities)
Tips:
- Use multi-purpose restrooms (more space)
- Look for baby rooms in shopping facilities
- Bring your own baby wipes (not always provided)
- Department stores have best family facilities
- Don't hesitate to ask staff for helpFor People with Disabilities
Accessible Features:
- Multi-purpose restrooms ()
- Wide doors (wheelchair accessible)
- Grab bars
- Emergency buttons
- Lower sinks
- More space
Tips:
- Look for wheelchair symbol (♿)
- Major stations have best facilities
- Shopping malls very accessible
- Don't hesitate to ask for help
- Staff trained to assistFrequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the bidet water clean?
A: Yes! The water comes from the same clean water supply as your sink. The nozzle is self-cleaning and often has UV sterilization. It's very hygienic.
Q: What if I press the wrong button?
A: Don't worry! Toilets have safety features. Water only sprays when you're seated. If you accidentally activate something, just press STOP.
Q: Do I need to pay for using the toilet?
A: No! All public toilets in Japan are free. This includes Washlet functions. No payment needed.
Q: Can I use the bidet if I'm not sure how?
A: Yes! Start with low pressure and see how it feels. Many first-time users become regular users. It's very hygienic and comfortable.
Q: What if the toilet malfunctions?
A: This is rare in Japan. If it happens, press the emergency button (if available) or ask staff for help. They'll assist you quickly.
Q: Is it OK to not use the bidet?
A: Absolutely! Use only the features you're comfortable with. Many foreigners (and some Japanese) only use the heated seat. That's perfectly fine.
Q: Do I need to tip for using the restroom?
A: No! Tipping is not practiced in Japan. Restrooms are free, no tips expected.
Q: Can I use the restroom without buying anything?
A: Yes! Restrooms in shopping facilities, convenience stores, and restaurants are free to use even without purchase. However, it's polite to buy something if staying long.
Related Articles
Last Updated: March 3, 2026
Written by: Anaba OffJapan Editorial Team
Tested: All features verified February-March 2026
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Conclusion
Japanese Toilet How To is a must-visit destination in Kanagawa for international travelers. This guide provides essential information on access, highlights, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.
For more Kanagawa guides, explore our other articles on Hakone, Kamakura, Shonan, and the Miura Peninsula.
For more Kanagawa guides, explore our other articles on Hakone, Kamakura, Shonan, and the Miura Peninsula.
