About "Welcome to Japan"
The “Welcome to Japan” website provides an overview of toilet culture in Japan, how to use the TOTO WASHLET, TOTO’s history and technology, and TOTO’s sales outlets in various countries.
*”WASHLET” is a trademark or registered trademark of TOTO LTD.
BATHROOM ETIQUETTE
Free restrooms are conveniently located at the parks, stations, hotels, etc. in Japan. We will go over a few tips below to make your use of the facilities as smooth as possible.
Toilet symbols
Symbols refer to various toilet types, functions and precautions.
Men- Women
- Multipurpose
- Western-style toilet
- Japanese-style toilet
- Equipped with diaper changing platform
- Equipped with high chair
- No smoking
- No entry unless accompanied by staff member
Men
Women
Multipurpose
Western-style toilet
Japanese-style toilet
Equipped with diaper changing platform
Equipped with high chair
No smoking
No entry unless accompanied by staff memberPatience and consideration
If there are more people who want to use a toilet than there are toilet stalls available, please wait your turn in a single line before entering and using an available stall.
Using separate functions
How to use a Japanese-style toilet
A Japanese-style toilet is a toilet that users squat over.
※It may be offered in more traditional restrooms.
1. Face the dome.
After removing your undergarments, with your back facing the door of the stall, squat over the toilet.
2. Flush used toilet paper.
In Japan, toilet paper is water-soluable and can be flushed down the toilets. However, please refrain from flushing other trash, including sanitary goods, paper diapers, or any other paper products.
※Tip - a women's stall may include a small garbage can for trash other than toilet paper.
3. After using a toilet, be sure to flush and clean up around it for people who will use it next.
Various toilets flush in various ways. Those with levers that require turning or pushing to flush are most popular. More advanced popular functions for Japanese-style toilets let you push a button on a remote controller or hold your hand over a sensor to flush.※Check where the flushing lever is. Most toilets have a lever on the side of the water tank, or a button or sensor installed on the wall near the toilet paper holder.
How to use a western-style toilet
Sit on a western-style toilet as you would on a chair.
1. Open the hinged cover and sit on the toilet seat
Remove your undergar-ments and sit as you would on a chair.※Do not stand on the toilet seat or squat to use it.
2. Flush used toilet paper.
In Japan, toilet paper is water-soluble and can be flushed down toilets, but please do not try to flush other trash such as sanitary goods, paper diapers and other kinds of paper.※Be careful — a women's toilet stall might be equipped with a small trash box for disposal of sanitary goods only, not toilet paper.
3. After using a toilet, be sure to flush and clean up around it for people who will use it next.
Various toilets flush in various ways. Those with levers that require turning or pushing to flush are most popular. More advanced popular functions for western-style toilets let you push a button on a remote controller, hold your hand over a sensor or stand up to activate the sensor to flush, for example.※Check where the flushing lever is. Most toilets have a lever on the side of the water tank, or a button or sensor installed on the wall near the toilet paper holder.
