One of life’s modern conveniences has to be the invention of the toilet, which is called toire or benjo in Japanese. There is such gratitude for this invention that a World Toilet Day and a Japanese Toilet Day can currently be found on the calendars? It’s on November 19 and November 10, respectively. But it is Japan that has raised the bar on the possibilities of the toilet.
Japanese squat toilets
It is important to know what to expect once you enter the restroom. Whether in a public building or a private home, you will either be greeted with the standard Western toilet or a common Asian fixture-the squat toilet. While intimidating at first, it will be helpful to learn to tolerate the experience as many old buildings, like traditional hotels and temples, have yet to change to the more common Western design. Just remember, face forward toward the wall.
Features of the Japanese Western-style toilet
More often than not, you will be able to locate a comfortable toilet while staying in Japan, usually with an array of features that will either delight or more likely surprise you. The most popular features on this style of toilet include a hand-washing faucet and the option of small (小) or large (大) flushes for water conservation; a bidet, or washlet, for cleanliness; a heated seat for comfort; deodorization for the person after you; and the Sound Princess-a button that when pushed reproduces the sound of flushing water to cover up any embarrassing noises.
There are a variety of additional technological add-ons available, which can help to enhance this daily experience:
● Toilet bowl illumination light
● Blow dryer
● Massage
● Auto-lid opening
● Pressure sensitive seats
● Adjustable water jet
● Wireless control panel
● Air-conditioning/Room heating/nightlight
● Armrest
● Medical sensors to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate, and body fat
● Talking feature
Fortunately for foreigners who do not speak Japanese, most toilets have pictures that accompany the main features. Always remember that if you push a wrong button, the control panel will either have an emergency shut-off button with a square symbol, like on an mp3 player, or the Japanese character for stop: 止.
Japanese toilet etiquette
The common etiquette when using a Japanese toilet is to wear a different pair of slippers, which are provided in the bathroom when required. Never forget to change back into your normal footwear as you leave the bathroom. The reason for toilet slippers is that they reinforce the Japanese culture of separating clean from unclean-very similar to removing your outdoor shoes before entering a house.
Travel tips for toilets in Japan
Finally, here are a couple of tips while you are out exploring what Japan has to offer.
● Always carry toilet paper with you. It is possible that the toilet you visit will not provide any toilet paper as it is common for Japanese to carry their own. This is a relatively simple fix, though, since it is quite easy to obtain a free packet of tissues that are handed out with advertisements at most train stations.
● If nature calls and you can’t find a building, remember that city parks and playgrounds often include an enclosed restroom.
