Japanese Toilets: It's a whole 'nother experience
When it comes to toilets Japan likes to give you the extremes. Either you’re awkwardly squatting over a glorified hole in the ground or your sitting on the throne of gods. Perhaps that was a bit hyperbolic but seriously these toilets, man. I try to avoid the squatting ones at all times, but sometimes shikata ga nai (there’s not other option) but it’s been pretty rare so I don’t have much to tell you on that front. As far as porcelain holes in the ground go, their pretty generic. You go in, squat over what looks like a lying down urinal, and do your business. Luckily in Japan, unlike some other countries that prefer this style of loo, toilet paper is always available and flushable. When you flush there’s often a little sink that will start running water as the toilet flushes. I think this is to rinse off your hands before you head to the sink outside of the stall.
Warning: I’m not sure why, but Japanese bathrooms often don’t have soap. But if they DO have soap they also have hand sanitizer. Kind of an all or nothing deal. Also, they rarely have paper towels. Sometimes they’ll have those cool air jet dryers, but more often than not just do the ol’ shake your hands in the air until they’re dry enough to wipe on your jeans.
If you’re not precariously squatting above the ground toilet then you’re sitting on a Western toilet. You’d think I wouldn’t have to explain how these work but they’re more complicated than you’d think. I guess the Japanese figured that if you’re going to be sitting down you might as well go all out. Many Western toilets here have:
Warmed seats so you never have to sit on a cold toilet
Eco-friendly options for flushing: a small flush for number one, a large flush for number two
Note: the flush options are often buttons and not levers
A “sound princess”: this is kind of a peculiar part of Japanese culture. The sound princess will make the sound of running water and toilets flushing for 10-20 seconds so that you can do your business without being embarrassed
A button for a stream of water that will clean your backside
A button for a softer stream of water to clean your backside
Oscillation options for these water works
A massage option (I haven’t used this so I really don’t know what that means)
And (sometimes) an emergency button in case of emergencies (probably not restricted to bathroom emergencies)
I was timid at first on trying the various hydro-cleaning options, but they’re actually quite pleasant. And I feel so pampered (and grateful) every time the seat is warm on a cold morning. However, I suggest bringing a Japanese dictionary into the bathroom just so you’re sure what everything does before your press any buttons.
