How to Use a Japanese Toilet: A Complete Guide
By Giorgi Gokieli & Shawn Zhu | Sep 7th, 2025
You did it! You're in Japan, but now you're in a public bathroom and you realize that you have no idea how to use a Japanese toilet. There's a control panel that looks like the cockpit of a spaceship, buttons labeled only in Japanese, and sounds coming from the stall next to you that are both confusing and oddly comforting. Whether you're facing a high-tech Japanese toilet with bidet functions or a traditional fixture, this guide will help you navigate the experience with confidence, dignity, and maybe even a bit of enjoyment.
This article is a part of our extensive series on Learning about Japan through Online Japanese Lessons at Japan Switch.
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Getting Started With a Japanese Toilet
Understanding the Symbols
Before diving into all the high-tech features and functions, it’s important to get familiar with some common kanji (Japanese characters). Knowing these will make navigating the toilet controls way easier and save you from a few awkward surprises.
水 (mizu) - water (used to indicate water for washing or flushing water)
温 (atatakai) - warm (usually used to heat water flow or seat)
冷 (tsumetai) - cold (“cold water” option in water temperature adjustment)
止 (tomaru) - stop (stop all operations)
座 (suwaru) - seat (related to seat heating)
ビデ (bide) - bidet (for ladies) (female washing nozzle)
音 (oto) - sound (playing the sound of running water to cover the sound of going to the toilet)
おしり (oshiri) - butt (rear) (main nozzle function)
大 (ookii) - big (a large amount of water flush)
小 (chiisai) - small (a small amount of water flush)
These symbols appear on just about every Japanese toilet, whether it’s a basic model or a high-end one. Once you’re familiar with them, you’ll be able to use all the essential features without stress or second-guessing.
Understanding the Layout
Almost every Japanese toilet you’ll come across, about 99% of them will be made by either TOTO or INAX, the two biggest names in the game. A Japanese toilet typically includes a remote control panel (sometimes wall-mounted), a sensor-equipped toilet seat, automated lids, and adjustable washing nozzles.
If you want to get more out of your daily experiences in Japan, the Ultimate Guide to Hiragana and Katakana is an essential starting point. Learning to recognize these basic scripts will make signs, labels, and even toilet instructions far easier to understand, helping you feel more confident as you navigate daily life.
How to Use a Japanese Toilet: The Basics
Automatic Lead and Seat Functions
Some Japanese toilets have motion sensors that make the lid open automatically, which adds some extra convenience. For example, certain INAX models have a sensor that detects when someone walks up and automatically opens the lid for them. The Toto Washlet SB lacks this feature unless you’re using one of their more advanced models. Still, both brands allow manual control of the lid using the remote. These smart features are all about making things more hygienic and easier to use, showing how technology and comfort come together in Japanese toilet design.
DISCOVER JAPANESE CUSTOMS
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Using the Bidet and Rear Wash Features
Modern Japanese washlets typically include advanced cleaning features, such as a rear wash for general cleaning and a bidet (or front wash) for feminine hygiene.
There are often additional modes like soft wash, massage spray, or oscillating spray, all delivered through a retractable nozzle that can move to cover a wider area. Users can usually adjust the water pressure, nozzle position, and sometimes even water temperature, depending on the model.
Washlets are designed for individual customization, so it's worth taking a moment to familiarize yourself with the settings. They might feel high-tech at first, but the experience quickly becomes intuitive. For many users, it’s hard to go back to a regular toilet afterward.
Temperature and Pressure Control
Japanese Washlets are designed with comfort and seasonal changes in mind. In colder months, many models automatically heat the seat or slightly increase the water temperature. In the summer, they may lower the setting to stay cool. Some Washlets even fine-tune the drying air volume based on seasonal changes.
For example, some models offer up to six levels of heat adjustment for both the seat and water, allowing you to find just the right setting in small, one-level steps. Some washlets, like those from Toto, offer four water pressure levels: OFF, LOW, MEDIUM, and HIGH. These let you control how strong the spray feels, which is especially helpful if you’re new to washlets and worried about getting blasted with too much pressure. Starting on Low is a good idea until you get used to the sensation, then you can adjust to a stronger setting if you want a more thorough clean. These settings are easy to tweak and can be adjusted with the seasons too, warmer water (温水) and a heated seat (便座) feel great in winter, while lower settings might be more comfortable in summer. The whole idea is to make your bathroom experience customizable and never overwhelming.
SPEAK LIKE A LOCAL
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Drying Function
After the cleaning cycle, most washlets include a warm air dryer to help you dry off without using toilet paper. Typically, you can choose between multiple air strength settings, usually LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH, so you can pick whatever feels most comfortable. These options are often labeled on the control panel with words like “弱” for low, “中” for medium, and “強” for high. Some models also use wave-like icons, such as one wave for low, two for medium, and three for high. This makes it easier for new users to identify the levels and avoid confusion during their first use.
The Low setting is especially good for kids, older adults, or anyone with sensitive skin. Some washlets can even activate the dryer automatically after a wash cycle, while others let you start it manually by pressing a "DRYER" (乾燥) button. You can stop it at any time with a "STOP" (止) button. The warm air isn’t harsh or intense, it’s designed to be gentle, hygienic, and hands-free, adding to the overall clean, modern, and user-friendly experience that makes washlets so popular.
Technology in Japan often combines practicality with comfort, and language study can follow the same approach. The Top 15 Tips to Improve Japanese Reading offers practical strategies to read faster and understand better, making it easier to enjoy everything from manuals and menus to everyday instructions.
Deodorization and Plasmacluster Technology
Japanese toilets are also great at getting rid of bad smells. Some toilets use Plasmacluster ion technology to clean the bowl and kill bacteria, helping everything stay fresh. You can turn on features like ‘Bowl Sterilization’ or ‘Room Refresh’ using the remote, which activates built-in air purifiers and fans. Other toilets have something called a Power Deodorizer that turns on automatically when someone sits down, and it gets even stronger during the cleaning cycle.
These features keep the bathroom smelling clean and show how focused Japanese toilet designs are on hygiene and comfort. In contrast, toilets in many other countries often rely on large amounts of air fresheners or exhaust fans to mask odors. Japanese washlets take a different approach, removing odors at the source and creating a fresh environment without artificial fragrances.
What’s worth noting is that these deodorizers aren’t heavily scented, they’re designed to neutralize odors, not mask them. So you won’t get that overwhelming “floral cover-up” smell you’d find with cheap air fresheners. In line with Japan’s cultural preference that no smell is the best smell, the goal is a clean, fresh environment that simply doesn’t smell like anything at all.
Extra Features: Music, Night Lights, and Comfort Add-ons
Smart toilets come with some pretty fancy features that make using them even more enjoyable. They have built-in speakers that play 30 different classical and relaxing songs, a glowing base light to help you see at night, and a lid that closes by itself. You can choose how the music plays: random, repeat, or pick the song yourself for a calming vibe. The Night Light is super useful for late-night trips, so you don’t have to turn on bright lights. While Toto’s simpler models focus more on the basics like cleanliness, they still have important features like heated seats, automatic wand cleaning, and deodorizing. All of this shows how Japanese toilets combine luxury and practicality in one smart design.
Japanese Toilet Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
In Japan, you’ll find free restrooms conveniently available in parks, train stations, hotels, and other public spaces. To make the most of these facilities, follow a few simple tips. These will help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
EXPLORE JAPANESE CULTURE
Toilet etiquette is just the beginning. Read our Guide to Japanese Culture to learn more about festivals, food, and traditions.
Line Etiquette and Helpful Tips for Visitors
If the restroom is crowded, form a single, orderly line, usually just outside the entrance or along the wall. Unlike in some countries where people hover near the stalls or casually stake claims, Japan values clear, quiet order. There’s no need to knock, pace, or peer under doors. Just stand in line and wait your turn. Cutting the line isn’t just rude, it’s seen as a serious breach of etiquette that can really offend locals. In Japan, how you wait matters as much as what you’re waiting for.
Public bathrooms in Japan highlight the country’s sense of order and respect. If you want to see how this respect extends into other areas of life, the Ultimate Guide to Recycling and Garbage Disposal in Japan explains the strict but fascinating system for separating waste. It’s an essential read for anyone living in or visiting Japan.
Navigating Through the Toilet
Sit Properly on the Toilet
Lift the hinged lid and sit on the seat as you would on a regular toilet after removing your undergarments. Please do not squat or stand on the seat, as this can damage the toilet and pose safety risks. In case of the squat pan, squat over the toilet with your back to the stall door and your face toward the raised dome or hooded end of the toilet.
Flush Used Toilet Paper
In Japan, toilet paper is designed to be flushed, so you can dispose of it directly in the toilet. However, do not flush anything else, including sanitary products, paper diapers, or non-toilet paper items. Women’s restrooms often have a small trash bin for sanitary items only.
Flush and Leave It Clean
Always flush after use and take a moment to leave the area tidy for the next person by wiping away any water stains or splashes and closing the lid if needed. Toilets may flush in different ways: Most commonly, there’s a lever on the side of the tank. Some modern toilets feature buttons, motion sensors, or remote controls on the wall near the toilet paper holder. Take a moment to locate the flush mechanism before or after use.
Installation, Maintenance and Cleaning
Initial Setup and Power Connection
Before you can enjoy a Japanese toilet, you’ll need to make sure it’s properly set up. That starts with removing your old toilet seat, usually a simple process with a screwdriver, and giving the area a good clean before installing anything new.
Japanese toilets require both electricity and a water connection. In Japan, bathrooms are typically designed with these in mind, but in other countries, things can get tricky. If your washlet doesn’t have a nearby power outlet or accessible water line, especially if the pipe is hidden behind tiles, you may need to call a professional. Otherwise, many models are fairly DIY-friendly and come with everything you need. Don’t forget to shut off the water before installation, and once everything is connected, you’ll know the washlet is working when the control panel lights up. Some even detect when you sit down and turn on automatically.
If in doubt, especially with hidden plumbing or electrical work, hiring a pro is worth it for peace of mind.
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Nozzle Cleaning and Hygiene
Hygiene is a top priority when it comes to Japanese toilets, and all washlet brands make sure their nozzles stay clean by using sterilized water to wash them automatically. Some brands even have a button you can press to extend the nozzle for manual cleaning, which can be especially helpful after long periods of non-use or when dirt builds up. To keep everything working well, it’s best to skip harsh cleaners and use gentle ones that are safe for plastic. Some washlets take things a step further by cleaning the nozzle before and after every use. These features ensure thorough cleanliness and demonstrate the high hygiene standards of Japanese toilet design.
Manual Flushing and Emergency Use
Even if the power goes out, Japanese toilets are built to still work without any trouble. Some models have a red manual flush lever hidden behind a side panel, you just pull and hold it for five seconds to flush. Other washlets that aren’t hooked up to an automatic tank, you might need to lift the lid and use a regular flush button. These backup options make sure you can always use the toilet easily, showing how Japanese toilets are designed to be both high-tech and dependable.
Living in Japan often means adapting to unexpected situations, whether it’s power outages or unfamiliar systems. The Ultimate Guide to Banking in Japan provides everything you need to know about opening an account, transferring money, and navigating a system that can feel complex to newcomers.
Energy Saving Functions
Energy-saving features are another key advantage of Japanese smart toilets. Some toilet brands offer two main energy-saving options. One-Touch Power Save cuts down energy use for up to eight hours, while Advanced Power Save automatically lowers the seat and water temperature when no one is using the toilet. Some washlet brands are even smarter; they learn when you usually use the toilet and lower the heat during times you don’t. You can also set timers, like from 1 AM to 7 AM, to save power while still staying comfortable. These features show how Japanese toilets are designed to be both convenient and eco-friendly
Japan is famous for blending modern technology with sustainable practices. If you’re interested in the cultural side of these innovations, the Ultimate Guide to Seasons in Japan shows how seasonal changes influence daily habits, food, and traditions. It’s a great way to understand why Japanese products and lifestyles adapt so seamlessly throughout the year.
Safety Precautions
To ensure long-term performance and safety, it’s important to follow the instructions in the user manual. Don’t unplug the toilet with wet hands or let the plugs get wet, and avoid plugging too many things into one outlet. Check the hoses and power cords regularly for any damage or wear. Never use cleaners with chlorine because they can damage the inside parts. Also, avoid pressing too hard on the lid. If you won’t be using the toilet for a while, drain the water and unplug it. Following these easy steps helps keep your toilet safe and operate reliably.
ENJOY JAPANESE SWEETS
Looking for something sweet after your trip to the bathroom? Our Ultimate Guide to Japanese Sweets covers wagashi, mochi, and more.
Final Thoughts
Using a Japanese toilet might feel like stepping into the future at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes a smooth and even enjoyable part of your daily routine. From moving water sprays and heated seats to relaxing music and automatic features, everything is designed to make your bathroom experience more comfortable. Just take some time to read the manual for your specific model, and soon using a Japanese toilet will feel more like a relaxing spa visit than a regular chore.
Technology in Japan often reflects a balance between modern convenience and tradition. For a cultural experience that combines both, the Guide to the Japanese Tea Ceremony in Tokyo walks you through the meaning, rituals, and etiquette of this iconic tradition. It’s a perfect next step after exploring daily habits like toilets.
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