Toilets in Japan: High-Tech Hygiene
If you travel widely around the world you will certainly be seeing a lot of the toilets, and along the way you may notice many differences as you go.
In Japan, you might find that there are some things that are unique or especially distinctive about Japanese toilets, especially when compared to Western-style bathrooms.
typical High-Tech Japanese toiletHigh-Tech Features
- Automatic Lids: Toilet lids that open and close as you approach or leave. A little disconcerting the first time it happens!
- Control Panels with Many Buttons: There can be many buttons around the toilets, with seemingly obscure icons or Japanese text, which can be particularly overwhelming for tourists and first-time users.
- Heated Seats: in the Winter months a warm seat can be especially appreciated, if not unsettling.
- Bidet Functions: There can be built-in water sprays (often with adjustable pressure and temperature) for cleaning after using the toilet. Also, there may be warm air dryers to dry you after the bidet spray.
- Deodorizing Functions: Fans that neutralize odors automatically.
- Automatic Flushing: Touch-less flush activated by sensors or button panels, and very hygienic addition.
- Noise-Masking Sounds: there can be devices that play flushing sounds or music to preserve privacy. I like that!
- Toilet Training Music & Child Settings: Some toilets have features for kids, including child-sized seats or musical encouragement.
Unique Designs
- Integrated Sink on Top of Tank: A sink used to wash hands above the toilets can then recycle the water to fill the toilet tank.
- Eco Flush Options: "Small" and "large" flush buttons to conserve water.
- Compact Design: Along with all other aspects of accommodation, saving space is prioritized. Even high-tech toilets often fit into small spaces efficiently.