How to Use a Japanese Toilet: The Washlet Explained

Updated October 15, 2026 | By Tokyo Paul

Japan has a well-earned reputation for excellent toilets, and for many first-time visitors the biggest surprise is not the sightseeing but the bathroom. A heated seat, a row of buttons, and a nozzle that seems to have a mind of its own can feel puzzling at first. The good news is that these toilets are designed to be comfortable, and a few minutes of preparation makes them easy to enjoy.

What a Washlet Is

A washlet is a toilet seat with a built-in water spray for cleaning. The name comes from the Japanese manufacturer TOTO, which, according to Kanpai Japan, launched the Washlet in 1980. Tabimania Japan notes that TOTO's brand name is now used generically, and that other manufacturers offer similar features under different names. Kanpai Japan lists common washlet features: a heated seat, a rear water spray, a front spray on women's models, an automatic lid that rises and lowers as you approach, and a control panel on an armrest or the wall. Tabimania Japan adds a dryer function, water temperature control and nozzles that clean themselves before and after use.

Where will you find them? Kanpai Japan says washlets are common in large stores, shopping malls, museums, cafes and restaurants (smaller ones may not have them), stations, and most tourist sites. It also notes that long-distance trains have them, while subway and commuter trains generally do not. Features and availability vary by location, so treat this as a general picture.

Reading the Control Panel

Panels differ between brands, and some have English labels while others do not. Fun Japan and Kanpai Japan both publish button guides, and together they cover these common Japanese labels.

Oshiri (おしり): The rear wash. Tabimania Japan says a bottom icon usually means the same thing.
Bidet (ビデ): The front wash, which Fun Japan and Kanpai Japan describe as designed mainly for women. Tabimania Japan says it uses gentler water pressure.
Water pressure (洗浄強さ or 水勢): Adjusts how strong the spray is.
Spray position (洗浄位置): Moves the nozzle forward (前) or back (後).
Dryer (乾燥) and deodorizer (脱臭): Provides warm air drying and odor control on models that include them.
Seat temperature (便座温度): Sets how warm the seat is, which Fun Japan notes is especially nice in winter.
Massage (マッサージ): Makes the nozzle move back and forth.
Stop (止 or 停止): Ends the spray.

Fun Japan also mentions some other buttons you may spot, such as water temperature, an energy-saving mode and nozzle cleaning. Kanpai Japan points out that since January 2017, manufacturers have reduced the control pictograms to a standard set of six to eight symbols, so newer toilets may be easier to read than older ones. If the labels do not make sense, Tabimania Japan says the icons are usually the most reliable guide.

A Simple First-Time Routine

If you want to try the washlet, a calm approach works best. Tabimania Japan recommends a few steps for new users.

Sit properly first. Sit down before pressing any spray button. The Sapporo Tourism Association also cautions that the spray will release cool or warm water as soon as a button is pressed while you are seated.
Start with low pressure. Begin gently and increase only if you like.
Know the stop button. Tabimania Japan says it is usually square, and advises finding it before you begin. Pressing it ends the cycle.

Kanpai Japan notes that the default water is body temperature, and the drying air is slightly warmer. If you prefer not to use the spray at all, you can simply ignore it, since the toilet works like any other.

Flushing and Sound Masking

Flush controls vary. Fun Japan says that on many toilets the flush lever is on the tank behind the seat, where pushing one way gives a stronger flush and the other a lighter one. Some panels use labeled buttons for large (大) and small (小) flushes. The Sapporo Tourism Association adds that some newer toilets flush with a hand sensor or a wall switch, and some flush automatically. Kanpai Japan suggests, especially in busy women's restrooms, that you find the flush before you sit down.

You may also see a sound masking button. Kanpai Japan lists it as Otohime (音姫), and the Sapporo Tourism Association describes flushing sound simulators that play running water to muffle noise. Tabimania Japan notes this feature is especially common in public restrooms for privacy. It is a courtesy feature, not something you need to worry about.

Squat Toilets

Western-style toilets are the most common type, according to Kanpai Japan, but traditional squat toilets still exist. That source says they are found mainly in schools and some tourist sites, and cites government studies from 2016 that found them in a portion of public toilets at major tourist sites. If you do use one, Kanpai Japan advises standing facing the wall with your back to the door, bending your knees and keeping your bottom off the floor. Check the signs outside each stall to see which type it is.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Public toilets are easy to find. The Sapporo Tourism Association says toilets in public places such as subway stations, JR stations, department stores and shopping malls are free to use, and nearly all have toilet paper. Kanpai Japan describes public restrooms as usually well maintained. Check signs for any specific rules at each location.
Carry a small kit. Kanpai Japan suggests hand sanitizer, a handkerchief and extra tissues, since soap can sometimes run out.
Toilet paper can be flushed. Kanpai Japan and the Sapporo Tourism Association both say used paper can go in the toilet. Kanpai Japan advises not flushing tampons.
Slippers in some places. Kanpai Japan mentions that restroom-only slippers are provided in some places, especially ryokan.
Know the phrase. Kanpai Japan suggests asking Toire wa doko desu ka (where is the toilet?) or using otearai.
Emergency buttons. Kanpai Japan notes that some accessible toilets have an alarm button for calling for help.

Why It Is Worth Trying

The washlet is a small piece of everyday Japan that many travelers end up appreciating. A warm seat on a cold morning, a quiet sound button and a clean public restroom are details that make long days of sightseeing more comfortable. With a little patience and a quick look at the panel, the whole system becomes straightforward.

As with all practical travel details, features and labels vary by building and brand. Look at the panel, check the signs and take your time.