“How do I use Japanese toilets? There are so many buttons!”

Don’t worry! Japanese toilets are famous for a reason. Here’s your guide.

Basic Buttons

“What do the buttons mean?”

Most important buttons:

• 🚿 おしり (Oshiri) – Rear wash/bidet
• 💧 ビデ (Bidet) – Front wash
• ⏹️ 止 (Tome/Stop) – Stop water
• 🔊 音 (Oto) – Sound to mask noise

Other common:

• Water pressure controls
• Water temperature
• Seat temperature
• Dryer

How to Use

“What’s the right way?”

Step by step:

1. Sit down normally
2. Do your business
3. Press wash button if desired
4. Wait for cleaning
5. Press stop
6. Use toilet paper or dryer
7. Stand up – auto flush activates

The seat may auto-lift when you approach!

Sound Button (Otohime)

“What’s the music button for?”

Privacy sound:

• Makes flushing/water sounds
• Masks bathroom noises
• Very popular in Japan
• Called “Otohime” (sound princess)

Heated Seats

“The seat is warm?”

Yes!

• Adjustable temperature
• Amazing in winter
• Standard in most places
• Sometimes has timer

Public Toilets in Japan

“What about public restrooms?”

Japanese public toilets are:

• Generally very clean
• Free to use
• Often have bidets
• Sometimes squat toilets (rare now)

Find them at:

• Train stations
• Convenience stores
• Department stores
• Parks

What Japanese People Actually Do

Most locals:

• Use bidet function regularly
• Appreciate heated seats
• Know all the buttons
• Consider it normal, not fancy

Extra Travel Tips

1. Look for English – Many have English labels now

2. Emergency button – Red button is for emergencies, not flush!

3. Carry tissue – Some old toilets don’t have paper

4. Slippers – Some places have toilet slippers

5. Flush button – Often on wall or tank, separate from bidet

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