🚽 Japan Restroom Guide: Using the High-Tech Toilet
Japanese toilets, or Washlets, are famous for their comfort and advanced features. Don't be intimidated by the control panel—it's easy to use once you know the basics!
1. 🚻 Before You Sit Down (The Basics)
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Squat or Western?
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Many older public restrooms still have Squat Toilets. If you see a raised seat, it's a standard Western Toilet.
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Sounds for Privacy (Otohime)
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If you hear music or the sound of flushing water before you flush, that's called Otohime (Sound Princess). It's a system to mask bathroom noises, saving real water. Look for a button with a musical note 🎵 or a sound wave 🔊 icon.
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2. 🚿 Using the Washlet (Bidet Function)
The control panel may be on the wall or on the side of the seat. The three most important buttons are for cleaning:
| Button Icon / Text | Function | Explanation |
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おしり / OSHIRI (Usually blue, or has a 💧 icon) |
Rear Wash | For general cleaning after use. This is the main bidet function. |
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ビデ / BIDE (Usually pink, or has a different 💧💧 icon) |
Feminine Wash | A gentler, front-facing spray for women. |
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止 / TOMARU (Usually red or marked STOP) |
STOP | The most important button! Press this immediately to stop any water jet. |
Tips for Use:
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Start with the STOP button handy.
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The water pressure and nozzle position can often be adjusted with (+) and (-) buttons. Start low and adjust as needed!
3. 💨 Finishing Up (Drying and Flushing)
| Button Icon / Text | Function | Explanation |
|
乾燥 / KANSOU (Usually a fan 🌬️ or sun 🔆 icon) |
Drying | A warm air dryer. It takes a little time, but it saves on toilet paper! |
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流す / NAGASU (The large flush button) |
Flush | This is for flushing the waste. Look for the size difference: |
| 大 / DAI (Large) | For solid waste. | |
| 小 / SHOU (Small) | For liquid waste (saves water). |
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