Japanese Toilets Explained: High-Tech Seats & Traditional Styles

Japan's toilets are famous — sometimes bewilderingly so. Here is what those buttons do and what to expect.

The high-tech washlet

Many toilets have a washlet: a heated seat with a built-in bidet. A control panel (on the wall or the side of the seat) offers functions such as:

• Spray / bidet to wash, with adjustable position and pressure.
• Stop — the button you will want most; it halts the spray.
• Sometimes a dryer, deodoriser, or flushing sound (a privacy feature that masks noise — it does not flush).
• Some panels are pictorial; look for the clearly marked Stop button.

Flushing is usually a lever, wall button, or panel button marked with large/small (大 / 小) for a bigger or smaller flush. Some flush automatically or via a sensor.

Traditional squat toilets

You may still meet a squat-style toilet, especially in older buildings and some public facilities.

• Face the raised hood end, squat down, and keep your pockets empty of loose items.

Good things to know

• Public toilets are common and free — in stations, department stores, convenience stores and parks — and generally clean.
• Toilet paper is provided and is designed to be flushed (do not bin it, unless a sign says otherwise).
• Paper towels or hand dryers are not always available, so many locals carry a small handkerchief.
• Slippers are sometimes provided for the toilet in homes and ryokan — use them, and remember to swap back afterwards.

Once you have found the Stop button, Japan's toilets go from intimidating to genuinely delightful.