Are public restrooms in Japan clean? How do you use high-tech Washlets?

Hey there! This question brings back such familiar memories—when I first went to Japan, I was totally baffled staring at that “high-tech toilet,” studying it for ages. Now I'm practically a pro, so let me walk you through it!

About Japanese Public Toilets: How Clean Are They?

In a nutshell: Absurdly clean!

Seriously, just toss those old stereotypes about "public toilets" out the window. In Japan, spotless restrooms are a point of national pride.

• Where to find them? Pretty much everywhere: subway stations, malls, convenience stores, parks, tourist spots… you’ll run into one every few steps. And most are free.
• How clean? Floors without puddles, toilet seats gleaming, barely any lingering odors. Cleaning crews work tirelessly and thoroughly. Most importantly, there’s ALWAYS toilet paper! That alone is a game-changer.
• Thoughtful touches:
  • Many women’s restrooms have an "音姫 (Otohime)" device. Sit down or wave your hand, and it instantly plays flushing sounds to mask awkward noises—genius.
  • Nearly every stall has hooks for bags or coats.
  • Baby facilities are top-notch. Changing diapers on-the-go? Zero stress.

Of course, there are exceptions. You might find a less-than-ideal restroom in a remote village or an aging park, but this is extremely rare. Overall, set your expectations sky-high for Japanese public toilets.

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How to Use High-Tech Washlets?

They look complicated, but relax—they’re just "toilets with remotes." The control panel is either attached next to the seat or wall-mounted like a remote. Buttons show Japanese text and icons; understanding the icons is key.

Remember: The golden rule—you MUST be seated! Most Washlets have weight sensors. Nothing works if you’re not sitting—that stops pranksters spraying water everywhere.

Core Buttons (Just learn these):

1. 止 (Stop)
   • Icon: Usually a square or red "止" character.
   • Function: Your panic button! Hitting this instantly stops everything, whether you tapped the wrong option or got surprised by water pressure/temperature. Learn this button first—peace of mind achieved.
2. おしり (Rear Wash / Bum Clean)
   • Icon: A seated figure with water aimed at the rear.
   • Function: The essential button for post-business cleaning. Press it, and a nozzle extends to spray warm water.
3. ビデ (Bidet / Feminine Wash)
   • Icon: Typically a female silhouette with water directed forward.
   • Function: Designed for women; gentler water flow for front cleansing.
4. 乾燥 (Dryer)
   • Icon: Wavy lines (heat symbols).
   • Function: Blows warm air post-cleaning. Fair warning, they’re often weak, so drying takes time. Most people still opt for a quick paper pat-down.

Pro Adjustments (For comfort):

• 水勢 (Water Pressure)
  • Icon/Text: "+/-" symbols or 強 (Strong) / 弱 (Weak).
  • Function: Adjusts spray force. Beginners, start "Weak."
• 洗浄位置 (Nozzle Position)
  • Icon/Text: Forward (前) / Backward (後) arrows.
  • Function: Fine-tunes the nozzle for "precision targeting."
• 便座 (Seat Temperature)
  • Icon/Text: A seat icon with "High/Mid/Low" or thermometer.
  • Function: Warms the seat. Heaven in winter! Turn it down or off in summer.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sit: Cozy up—the seat’s warm in winter.
2. Do your thing... (You know the drill).
3. Clean: Hit 【おしり】 or 【ビデ】. Adjust with 【水勢】 or 【洗浄位置】 if needed.
4. Stop: Press 【止】 once clean.
5. Dry: Use 【乾燥】 or paper.
6. Flush: DON'T FORGET! Look for flush buttons on the panel ("大"/"小"), handles, or sensors (wave your hand above the tank).

Pro tip: DO NOT hit cleaning buttons while standing—unless you want a surprise bidet facial. 😅

Hope this helps! Dive in fearlessly—once you try it, you’ll be hooked!