Finding clean, accessible restrooms is a must-have for comfy travel, mostly for:
Families with young children
Elderly travelers
People with disabilities
Anyone with medical conditions
In Japan, public toilets are generally very clean and well-kept. But here’s the thing, knowing where to find the best ones can save time and reduce stress during your trip. This outline covers 30+ verified clean toilet locations in Kanagawa Prefecture, including:
Major train stations
Shopping places
Parks and public spaces
Tourist attractions All locations are free to use and most are accessible 24/7. Updated: March 2026 (all locations verified)
1.1 JR Yokohama Station (North Exit)
Best for: 24/7 access & cleanliness
Item
Details
Location
JR Yokohama Station, North Exit (2F)
Hours
24/7
Cleanliness
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Multi-purpose
Yes (2 restrooms)
Baby Changing
Yes
Bidet (Washlet)
Yes
Accessibility
Elevator access available
Features:
Hourly cleaning during peak hours
Separate men’s and women’s places
Private multi-purpose restrooms
Baby chairs and changing tables
Automatic toilet seats
Air purifiers
Local Insight: The north exit 2F restrooms are the cleanest in the station. Less crowded than south exit. Best visited during off-peak hours (10 AM-4 PM). How to Find:
Enter JR Yokohama Station (North Exit)
Take elevator or escalator to 2F
Follow signs for “Restroom” or “Toilet”
Multi-purpose restrooms are near the main concourse
Local Tip: Recently renovated. Very clean. Good base for Hakone exploration. —
5.4 Gotemba Premium Outlets
Best for: Shopping places
Item
Details
Location
Gotemba Premium Outlets, Multiple locations
Hours
10:00-20:00
Cleanliness
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Multi-purpose
Yes
Baby Changing
Yes (multiple)
Bidet (Washlet)
Yes
Accessibility
Ground level
What are Multi-Purpose Restrooms? Multi-purpose restrooms () are designed for:
Wheelchair users
People with disabilities
Elderly travelers
Parents with small children
Anyone needing help
Features
Standard Features:
✅ Wider doors (80cm+)
✅ Grab bars and handrails
✅ Emergency call buttons
✅ Baby changing tables
✅ Baby chairs
✅ Lower sinks
✅ More space for maneuvering
✅ Automatic doors (some locations)
How to Use
1. Look for wheelchair symbol on door
2. Door is usually wider than standard
3. May have key or button for access
4. Inside, you'll find:
- Grab bars
- Emergency button
- Baby places
- More space
5. Free to use
6. Please keep available for those who need it
Best Locations for Accessibility
Top 5 Accessible Restrooms:
1. Landmark Tower (Minato Mirai)
2. JR Yokohama Station (North Exit)
3. Queen's Square Yokohama
4. Odawara Station
5. Fujisawa Station (North Exit)
All feature:
- Elevator access
- Wide doors
- Emergency buttons
- Baby places
- Very clean
What’s Available
Standard places:
✅ Baby changing tables
✅ Baby chairs
✅ Hot water for formula (some locations)
✅ Vending machines (diapers, wipes)
✅ Private nursing rooms (major places)
Best Locations for Families
Top 5 Family-Friendly Restrooms:
1. Takashimaya Yokohama (8F)
- Baby room on 6F
- Nursing room
- Kids' toilets
2. Queen's Square Yokohama
- Multiple baby rooms
- Nursing room
- Kids' play area nearby
3. Landmark Tower (4F)
- Clean baby places
- Spacious
- Family restaurant nearby
4. JR Yokohama Station (North Exit)
- 24/7 access
- Baby changing
- Elevator access
5. Fujisawa Station (North Exit)
- Recently renovated
- Modern baby places
- Clean
Etiquette
✅ DO:
- Use baby places for intended purpose
- Clean up after use
- Keep noise down
- Share places during busy times
❌ DON'T:
- Occupy places for extended periods
- Leave trash behind
- Use adult restrooms for baby changing
How We Rate
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5): Exceptional
- Hourly cleaning
- Modern places
- No odors
- All amenities working
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5): Very Good
- Frequent cleaning
- Good condition
- Minor issues sometimes ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5): Acceptable
- Regular cleaning
- Some wear
- Can be crowded ⭐⭐ (2/5): Below Average
- Infrequent cleaning
- Outdated places
- Avoid if possible ⭐ (1/5): Poor
- Dirty
- Broken places
- Do not recommend
What to Expect
Standard Features:
✅ Bidet (Washlet) functions
✅ Heated seats
✅ Auto-flush
✅ Air purifiers
✅ Sound masking (Otohime)
✅ Slippers (some traditional places)
How to Use Washlet (Bidet)
Step-by-Step:
Sit on toilet (heated seat!)
After use, reach for control panel
Common buttons:
(Oshiri): Rear bidet
(Bidet): Front bidet (women)
(Stop): Stop water
(Pressure): Adjust water pressure
(Position): Adjust nozzle position
(Heater): Seat temperature
Press stop when done
Auto-flush or manual button
Wash hands at sink
Note: Most controls have pictograms. Don’t be afraid to experiment! “`
Sound Masking (Otohime)
What is it:
Sound machine to mask bathroom noises
Very common in Japan
Activated by button or motion
How to use:
Look for button (usually on wall)
Press button
Sound plays (usually flushing sound)
Automatic shut-off after 30 seconds
Press again if needed Purpose:
Privacy
Politeness
Reduces embarrassment
Do’s
✅ Remove shoes if in traditional toilet
✅ Use slippers provided (if available)
✅ Flush after use
✅ Wash hands thoroughly
✅ Use bidet functions (they're clean!)
✅ Keep places clean
✅ Wait in line orderly
Don’ts
❌ Don't stand on toilet seats
❌ Don't put toilet paper in trash (flush it)
❌ Don't use phone in restroom (generally)
❌ Don't take long during busy times
❌ Don't waste toilet paper
❌ Don't leave trash behind
Toilet Paper
Important:
✅ Flush toilet paper (it's designed to dissolve)
❌ Don't flush sanitary products
❌ Don't put paper in trash bins (unless sign says so)
Note:
- Toilet paper is provided free
- Take only what you need
- Extra rolls available in most restrooms
Finding Clean Toilets
Best Bets:
1. Department stores (cleanest)
2. Major train stations
3. Shopping malls
4. Convenience stores (with buy)
5. Parks (variable)
Avoid:
1. Small roadside restrooms
2. Old public places
3. Unmaintained parks
If you desperately need a restroom:
1. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
- Ask staff: "Toire wo tsukatte mo ii desu ka?"
- Usually OK with buy
2. Fast food restaurants
- McDonald's, Starbucks
- buy expected
3. Hotel lobbies
- Large hotels often have public restrooms
- Usually clean and accessible
4. Train stations
- Always available
- Generally clean
A: Yes! All public toilets in Japan are free. This includes stations, parks, shopping places, and convenience stores. Q: Do I need to pay for toilet paper?
A: No, toilet paper is always provided free in public restrooms. Some very old places may have coin-operated dispensers, but this is rare. Q: Can I use restrooms in department stores without shopping?
A: Yes! Department store restrooms are free to use even if you’re not shopping. They’re often the cleanest options available. Q: Are restrooms accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Major places have multi-purpose restrooms designed for wheelchair users. Look for the wheelchair symbol. Best options: Landmark Tower, major stations, shopping malls. Q: Do restrooms have toilet seats?
A: Yes, all modern restrooms in Japan have Western-style toilet seats. Some traditional places (temples, old ryokans) may have squat toilets, but these are becoming rare. — Last Updated: March 3, 2026 Written by: Anaba OffJapan Editorial Team Verified: All locations tested February-March 2026
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Anaba OffJapan – Avoid the Crowds, Go Deeper into Japan.
Understanding Japanese Toilets
Understanding how to use Japanese toilets is a small but essential part of navigating daily life in Japan. Modern Japanese toilets offer features that may seem surprising at first, but quickly become indispensable. —
Conclusion
exploring Kanagawa can be as relaxed or as packed as you want it to be, and I have found that the best visits leave room for both planning and spontaneity. During my visit I went with a rough plan and found that leaving room to wander made the trip far more memorable. Use this guide to sort out the logistics in advance, then let the day surprise you — Kanagawa rewards travelers who stay curious.
Born and raised in Yokohama, Takao has spent over a decade exploring every corner of Kanagawa. From hidden ramen shops in Tsurumi to quiet coastal walks in Zushi, he brings an authentic local perspective to every guide. When not writing, you'll find him sampling craft sake in Isezakicho or cycling the Shonan coast.
