Tips for Using Japanese Toilets

Japanese Squat Toilet and Japanese Super Toilet

There are mainly two types of toilets in Japan: Japanese-style squat toilets (washiki) and Western-style toilets (yoshiki). Japanese modern Western-style toilets are known as super toilets. Japanese super toilets feature heated seats, bidet nozzles which extend to release warm water, a drier, and so on. The features are activated by pressing buttons on control panels either attached to the toilet seat or on the wall.

Tips for Using Japanese Super Toilets:
There are many types of super toilets used in Japan, so it's hard to know how to operate it. Bidet nozzles only work when someone is sitting on the toilet seats. If you want to flush the toilet but aren't sure how to, stand up first. Then, look for any lever to press behind or sides of the toilet, or look for a flush button in the control pannel. You don't have to get your clothes wet even if you accidentally press bidet buttons.

Tips for Using Japanese Squat Toilets:
To use a Japanese squat toilet, stand facing to the high side of the toilet with your feet on both sides of the toilet. Move your pants to your knees before squatting. Be careful not to drop things in your pockets.

In many public bathrooms in Japan, paper towels aren't provided. It's good to carry a handkerchief or pocket tissues with you.