Update:2025.03.11
Things to Know About Toilet Signs and Types Before Your Japan Trip
When traveling in Japan, you'll find yourself using toilets quite often. But since the types and features of toilets can vary depending on the location, you might feel a bit confused at times. Learning about Japanese toilet signs and different types of toilets before your trip can help you use them smoothly and confidently!
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Understanding Toilet Signs with Pictograms!
In Japan, toilet signs often use pictograms. For example, there are symbols for men's and women's restrooms, multi-purpose toilets, and kids' toilets. If you remember these marks, you'll easily be able to find the right restroom—even if you don’t understand the language!
What is a Japanese Squat Toilet? Types and Features of Japanese Toilets
Japanese Squat Toilet
和式トイレ/Squatting style toilet A squat toilet is a type of toilet that has been traditionally used in Japan. You face the toilet and place your feet on either side of the toilet bowl while squatting down to use it. After use, make sure to put the used toilet paper directly into the toilet bowl and flush it with the waste.
How to Flush the Toilet
Most toilets in Japan have a manual flush system. You press a lever in front of the toilet or turn the handle attached to the tank to flush the water.Lever
Lever Options: "Large(大)" and "Small(小)" for Adjusting Water Flow- "Large": Use when there is a large amount of waste or when you’ve used a generous amount of toilet paper.
- "Small": Use when there is only urine or when the amount of toilet paper is minimal.
Tank Handle
Western-style Toilets
洋式トイレ/Sitting style toilet (left) 温水洗浄便座/Spray seat (right) Western-style toilets are the type where you sit down to use them, and they are the most common in Japan’s tourist areas and urban centers. Many of them come with advanced features like temperature-controlled seats and bidet functions, offering a high comfort level. After use, toilet paper should be flushed along with the waste. To flush, simply press the "流す(flush)" button or turn the handle next to the toilet.
Multifunctional Toilets
男女共用お手洗い/All gender toilet (left) オストメイト対応設備/Facilities for Ostomy (center) 介助用ベッド/Care bed (right) Multifunctional toilets are designed to be accessible to people with various needs and are also gender-neutral. You can often find them in large stations, tourist attractions, and shopping malls. Main Features
- Ostomate-friendly facilities: Includes cleaning equipment for people with ostomies.
- Assistance bed (Care bed): Can be used for diaper changes, dressing, or resting.
- Grab bars and emergency call buttons: Allows users to hold onto the bars for support or signal for help in emergencies by pressing the button.
- Changing table: Used for changing babies' diapers.
Kids' Toilets
子どもお手洗い/Children's toilet Kids' toilets are designed to be easy for children to use. The toilet bowls and sinks are positioned lower to accommodate smaller users, making them more accessible for young children. You can often find these in shopping malls and theme parks, where families are the primary visitors.
Other Convenient Features
着替え台/Changing board (left) ベビーチェア/Baby chair (right) Changing board
- Convenient for diaper changes or for children to change clothes.
- Can also be used by women when changing pantyhose.
- Provides a hygienic space to place belongings while using the restroom.
- Installed in private stalls, allowing parents to safely sit their children while they use the toilet.
- Comes with a safety belt to ensure security.
