⚡ The Short Version
- Always flush toilet paper — never bin it
- Change into toilet slippers when you see them
- The stop button on the washlet is your friend
- Public restrooms are everywhere and free
- Squat toilets: face the hood, not the door
Japan plumbing handles toilet paper fine. Don't bin it.
Flush all toilet paper. Bins are for sanitary products only.
Walking into toilets with regular slippers is unhygienic.
Swap to toilet slippers at the door. Swap back when leaving.
Washlet panels have many buttons. Tourists panic when water won't stop.
Press the 止 (stop) button. Start with low pressure. Icons show spray vs bidet.
The Otohime plays flushing sounds to mask noise. Tourists don't know what it does.
Press once when you enter. It runs ~25 seconds. Press again if needed.
Squat toilets still exist. Tourists struggle with orientation.
Face the hood (curved part). Squat low. Use rail if available. Western toilets usually available too.
Leaving a dirty toilet is very disrespectful in Japan.
Always flush. Wipe seat if needed. Leave it as you found it.
Japan has public restrooms everywhere — konbini, stations, parks.
Use any konbini or station restroom. They're free and clean.