Japanese Toilets: A Wild Ride of Buttons, Bidets, and (Fun) Surprises

Stepping into a Japanese bathroom is like entering the cockpit of a spaceship—if that spaceship also cared deeply about your comfort, hygiene, and general sense of dignity.

From heated seats to butt-spraying wizardry, it’s clear that Japan didn’t just upgrade toilets—they reinvented the whole experience. Let's explore why Japanese toilets are the best in the world, and pick up a few bathroom survival words while we're at it.

🚽 So Many Buttons—What Do They All Do?

The first thing you’ll notice is the control panel. It might be on the wall or stuck to the toilet like a remote from the year 3000.

Some are labeled with cute icons. Others are a mess of kanji. Either way, here’s a cheat sheet to avoid spraying your face (true story, it happens):

トイレ (toire) = toilet

流す (nagasu) = flush

止 (tomeru) = stop

Protip: The red button is almost always “stop.” Think of it as your emergency brake.

💦 They Don’t Just Flush. They Bathe You.

Yes, Japanese toilets will clean your butt. And honestly? It’s glorious.

Over 80% of homes have what’s called a washlet,a toilet with a built-in bidet system. Once you get used to it, wiping with dry paper feels like using a rock.

Oh, and this is different from the bidet in Europe or Thailand. These are electronic and automated, which means you don't need to manually shower your rear!

Theimportantlabels:

おしり (oshiri) = rear wash

ビデ (bide) = front/bidet wash

水勢調整 (suiseichousei) = adjust water pressure

弱 (jaku) - weak

強 (kyou) - strong

洗浄位置 (senjou ichi) = nozzle position

前 (mae) - front

後 (ushiro) - back

Start with low pressure unless you want a surprise.

🌡️ Comfort-First! Heated Seats & Sound Princesses

Some Japanese toilets come with heated seats so cozy, you might start bringing your laptop in (please don't, you'll hold up the line).

Look for:

温度 (ondo) or 便座 (benza) = seat temperature

And if you’re shy about, well, sounds, meet the 音姫 (otohime) or “Sound Princess.” Pressing this button plays fake flushing noises or peaceful waterfall sounds, so your real noises stay private. Honestly, we need these everywhere.

Some toilets even open when you walk in and flush when you leave! That's one step beyond the auto-flush.

🧼 Clean, Green & Surprisingly Eco-Friendly

Japanese toilets aren’t just clean—they’re spotless. Often, they’re cleaned by elderly staff (yes, Japan hires many seniors to keep public restrooms pristine), which is part of why they shine. Sometimes they'll leave a card like "Cleaned by Tanaka" so that if there is a cleaning issue, they are liable. They take pride in their work!

Other clever features include:

Dual flush options: 小 (shou) = small flush / 大 (dai) = big flush

Sink-on-top design: The water you use to wash your hands after flushing is reused for the next flush. Genius.

Self-cleaning nozzles: Look for クリーニング (kuriiningu)

Automatic deodorizers: 消臭 (shoushuu) = deodorize

And don't forget antibacterial surfaces—because of course they thought of that.

🚷 Choose Your Toilet Wisely: 洋式(Youshiki)vs和式 (Washiki)

One more thing—always go for the 洋式(ようしき youshiki), the Western-style toilet. Avoid the 和式(わしき washiki), which is the traditional squat toilet unless you're in the mood for a leg workout.

Most big city facilities have at least one youshiki, but out in the countryside, you might only find washiki. Bring your core strength.

♿ The MVP: The 多目的トイレ (Multi-Purpose Toilet)

Keep an eye out for signs that say 多目的トイレ (たもくてきトイレ tamokutekitoire)—these are spacious, all-in-one restrooms designed for everyone. Parents changing diapers? Covered. Wheelchair users? There’s space, handrails, and automatic doors. Need to use a small bath or rinse off with a showerhead? Yep, some have that too. These facilities are clean, private, and thoughtfully designed for real-world needs. You’ll usually find them in train stations, airports, and malls, and they’re a lifesaver when you need a little extra room or assistance.

That said, don't take forever in there if the regular toilets will do! There are people who really rely on those bathrooms.

🏙️ Where to Find the Good Stuff

You’ll see high-tech toilets in:

Hotels (even budget ones)

Train stations, malls, airports

Restaurants, convenience stores

The best ones are usually in department stores and airports like Haneda or Narita. Bonus: many have English instructions and visual guides.

🧻 Helpful Vocab So You Don’t Panic Mid-Flush

Here’s a bathroom mini-dictionary to keep you from looking confused while your butt’s mid-spray:

手を洗う (tewoarau) = wash hands

せっけん (sekken) = soap

ハンドドライヤー (handodoraiyaa) = hand dryer

トイレットペーパー (toirettopeepaa) = toilet paper

Bonus tip: Sometimes public bathrooms don’t have soap or paper towels. Japan usually doesn't like paper towels, relying on personal small towel handkerchiefs (ハンカチ) or hand dryers.

👀 Bonus: Wait, There Are Ads in Bathrooms Now?

So we noticed that some women’s bathrooms in Japan now have digital ad screens playing directly next to the toilet. Yes, while you're seated, the ads keep going. It’s a bit weird, but... they got your attention, right?

Turns out, these ads help pay for free amenities like pads. Honestly, if we have to watch a shampoo commercial while peeing to get free amenities, that’s a trade I’ll take. Think of it like those tablets in Tokyo taxis—same vibe, different seat.

First-Timer Tips So You Don’t Get Sprayed

Don’t press everything. Seriously.

Start with low water pressure unless you want to hurt your bum.

Don't leave a fountain going, press "stop" before you leave!

Don't be afraid to walk away with dignity if all else fails.

Once you’ve tried a Japanese toilet, every other toilet will feel like a downgrade. It’s not just a bathroom break—it’s a spa day for your butt.