Essential Toilet Etiquette and Rules to Know Before Traveling to Japan

In some countries, used toilet paper is thrown in the trash, but in Japan, the norm is to flush it down the toilet. The provided toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly and won’t clog, so you can use it with confidence. However, after using the toilet paper, the remaining cardboard core should either be thrown in the trash bin or left as is. It’s important to note that tissues brought from outside, which are not provided by the restroom, might not dissolve in water and could cause clogging. So, be careful not to flush them.

Broadly, there are two main types of toilets in Japan:
・Western-style toilets
・Japanese-style toilets
While the Western-style toilet, which comes with a seat, is familiar and found globally, the Japanese-style or washiki toilet does not have a seat. Instead, users need to straddle the toilet, placing their feet parallel to each other, lower their underwear, and squat. For those encountering it for the first time, it might be challenging to determine which side is the front. However, the raised dome-shaped part, known as the “kinkakushi” (splash guard), is the front. Although the number of washiki toilets in Japan is decreasing, they are still commonly found in public restrooms. It's helpful to familiarize yourself with how to use them.

While many people find the Japanese-style toilet inconvenient, there are Western-style toilets in Japan equipped with a "heated water cleaning toilet seat" that offers a warm water cleansing function for the rear. Some even come with a seat warming feature or the ability to automatically open and close the seat. While the features and operation can vary by type, generally, you can use the functions with buttons located on the side of the seat. Three essential buttons to remember are:

It’s good to know where the buttons and levers tend to be so you’re not confused when it comes time to flush. Depending on the type and location of the toilet, heated water cleaning seats often have a flush button right next to the seat. For Western-style toilets without this seat or Japanese-style toilets, a lever is usually located in front or to the side of the toilet tank. For Japanese-style toilets, the lever is typically in front of the “kinkakushi” (splash guard). Some levers might be labeled '大' (big) and '小' (small). The '大' lever is for flushing solids, and the '小' lever is for liquids.

Signs indicating toilets in Japan might not always have the word 'トイレ' (toilet). To help you find the restroom faster, here are a few alternative terms to look out for, starting with 4 common phrases below:

Although most signs will have a toilet symbol, it's always a good idea to know these terms as well.

Among the Japanese-style toilets, there's a type called “ぼっとん便所”(Botton Benjo). A Botton Benjo is a toilet directly connected from the seat to a drainage pit without an intermediary flushing tank. Therefore, there's no installed flush tank. While this type of toilet has become rare in Japan, it still exists in some regions. In the case of a 'Botton Benjo', there's no need for water flushing, so there's no attached lever or button for that purpose.

In Japan, aside from the men's and women's toilets, many places are equipped with multifunctional toilets. These toilets are designed with needed amenities to aid individuals in wheelchairs, those with physical disabilities, or those accompanying small children. Not only do these toilets offer more spacious interiors, but they also have features like handrails near the seat, specially designed sinks for easy use, baby chairs, and other thoughtful features. As the name suggests, these toilets incorporate various functionalities and innovations. If needed, travelers are encouraged to utilize these multifunctional toilets.

The café "Hipopopapa" in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, is making waves with its aquarium-themed restroom. One entire wall of the private toilet cubicle is a fish tank, allowing users to watch tropical fish swim by as they use the facilities, making it quite a unique restroom experience. In the main café area, guests can enjoy gourmet dishes made from local ingredients and the popular melon soda, all while overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth visiting this distinctive café not just for the stunning views in the main area, but also for the unique toilet experience that awaits inside

The parking area Kariya Highway Oasis in Kariya city, Aichi Prefecture, houses a luxurious “Deluxe Toilet” reminiscent of ancient Rome. Spread across 48 cubicles for both men and women, each stall features wallpapers and decorations inspired by one of the '48 constellations of Ptolemy'. One of the highlights is the 'Levitating Toilet Remote Control' which allows users to operate the heated water cleaning toilet seat without touching any button. What's even more astounding is that they have a VIP room. If touring Aichi, consider stopping by this lavish toilet that underwent a renovation that weighted in at a walloping 400 million yen.

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, located in Meguro Ward, Tokyo, is gaining attention for its opulent restrooms. Founded in 1931, this museum hotel boasts a rich history and is adorned with over 2,500 Japanese paintings and craftworks. It also features architectural structures designated as tangible cultural properties by Tokyo. The toilets are no exception, with various traditional crafts offering a genuine sense of Japanese culture. Inside, you're greeted with a bridge featuring a red-lacquered handrail spanning over a flowing stream. There are also red-lacquered doors, and the ceiling is embellished with gold leaf and traditional Japanese paintings, letting visitors fully enjoy the combination of Japanese tradition and luxury.

Japanese toilets come with a range of functionalities. While the rear-cleansing function and heated seats are widely known, these features are just a start. To kick off, there’s also a drying function post-cleansing, automatic seat opening and closing, and even a sound effect feature to mask any restroom noises. Many individual toilets in train stations and commercial facilities also come equipped with baby-keeping facilities. The evolution to ensure utmost comfort even in restrooms is a testament to “omotenashi” a generally welcoming spirit that is imbued in Japanese toilets.

It’s not just about pursuing comfort, what makes some Japanese toilets so intriguing is the quirky features some of them have. Some travelers may be shocked to know that there are even urinals for men that allow you to play games based on the speed and volume of your urine? The nature of the game varies depending on the location, so men might want to look out for these unique urinals when they're out and about. Urinals often have a "target sticker" for players to aim at, a clever design not just for fun but also to minimize splash, ensuring the toilet stays clean without much conscious effort.

The toilets in dining establishments often mirror the unique character of the place. While cleanliness is a given, pay attention to little accessories or flyers placed in restrooms. The meticulous care taken even in the restrooms can leave even locals deeply impressed.

Visitors from overseas are likely to be amazed by the cleanliness of public toilets, especially in places like train stations and parks. Toilet paper is consistently restocked, ensuring it’s available for use anytime and anywhere. This epitomizes the excellence of Japanese toilets. Thus, now we pass the baton to you, trusting you to keep the tradition of respect and clean conditions along your travels.