Pop Japan

From gadgets to appliances, everything in Japan is hi-tech - even toilets. Yes, you read that right, toilets (otherwise known as washlets). Japan is known to have odd and confusing toilets both in private and public places. They’re much more different than ones we are accustomed to but don’t panic, we’ve prepared a guide for Japanese toilets just for you!

There are two types of toilets around Japan - a Japanese style toilet and a Western style toilet. Both types can usually be found in public places but in older facilities, you may find yourself sitting on a Japanese style toilet.

Japanese style toilets or commonly known as squat toilets are the traditional ones used around Asia. So how do you exactly use these squat toilets?

Face the front of the toilet, hold on to the bar in front or beside you to keep your balance then you squat. Flushing is an easier task. The flush has two options - small or large deposits of waters.
There are two types of squat toilets. The first is the one embedded on the floor while the second has a platform. Squat toilets are relatively easy to clean and is said to be more hygienic since there is no direct contact with the toilet seat.

A Western style toilet is much more complicated than you think. Besides having a bidet and flush, these hi-tech toilets also have multiple buttons with unusual functions. Some hi-tech toilets even have built-in blood pressure monitors, urine analysis, and even internet connection. The usual electronic toilet seats have a bidet which you can control the pressure and a sound-making device which imitates the sound of a flushing toilet to cover unnecessary noises inside the bathroom. Some toilets even have designs like Hello Kitty and Doraemon.

In Japanese homes, families usually have toilet slippers for them to use inside the bathroom. It is necessary to take off the shoes or slippers worn inside the house and change to the toilet slippers.

Public toilets can be found almost everywhere in Japan - supermarkets, malls, bookstores, and even convenience stores. Try dropping by one to have the unique Japanese toilet experience!