Japanese toilets – the cutting edge of technology and comfort!

One thing that foreigners who come to Japan are almost always surprised by is the quality of the toilets.
Normally, you wouldn't be impressed by anything when you go into a toilet.
However, in Japan, this concept is completely overturned!
It has a warm water cleaning function, automatic opening and closing, and even a "sound princess" for privacy.
This time, we'll be sharing an entertaining story about the cutting-edge technology and comfort of Japanese toilets!

1. Heated toilet seat – a treat for your bottom!

First of all, the most famous toilet in Japan is the "warm water cleaning toilet seat (Washlet)."
This function washes your bottom with the push of a button, and foreigners who try it for the first time say they can't help but smile at how "surprised and comfortable it is." What's more, it doesn't just wash, it also has the ability to adjust the strength and temperature of the wash, and even dry your bottom with air. It's truly a "spa for your bottom"!

What's more, recent models are mostly remote-controlled and have a sleek appearance. Some models even have a toilet lid that opens automatically with the push of a button, allowing you to use the toilet without using your hands, which is truly futuristic.

2. Otohime – Small details to protect your privacy

Do you know what "Otohime" is?
This is an acoustic feature unique to Japanese toilets, and when you press a button it plays the sound of running water.
The purpose of the Otohime is to protect privacy by masking the sounds made in the toilet. Flushing water to muffle noise is bad for the environment, and so it was born. Foreigners who use it for the first time are amused, asking "What is this!?", but it is also an item that causes a big cultural shock.

Since it is especially popular among women, you can often see it in department stores and tourist attractions, but once you get used to it, you won't be able to do without it!

3. I was amazed at the quality of the public toilets!

In Japan, at stations and parksPublic toiletsEven the bathroom is surprisingly clean.
While many countries have the image that "public toilets = dirty," most public toilets in Japan are free to use and are very well-cleaned. For example, in tourist spots in Tokyo and Kyoto, stylish public toilets with a particular attention to design have appeared, and they are so beautiful that they look like they are part of a museum. It doesn't feel like a place you need to rush to visit!

4. The future of toilets – AI and IoT technology are evolving!

Japanese toilets continue to evolve.
Recently, "next-generation toilets" that utilize AI and IoT (Internet of Things) have also appeared. For example, there are functions where the toilet can check the user's health condition and give advice, and there are also systems that can check the availability of toilets in real time by linking with a smartphone. This may also relieve the stress of waiting for a toilet.

Another point is that heated toilet seats and flush toilets are becoming more energy efficient. We are now in an age where toilets are also eco-friendly.

Japanese toilets are a part of the cultural experience

Japanese toilets are not just a place to relieve yourself, but also entertainment where you can experience the latest technology. For foreign tourists, this can be a real "toilet culture shock."
Japanese toilets are clean, comfortable, convenient and technologically advanced, so once you've experienced them, they're sure to become an unforgettable memory of your trip.

The next time you visit Japan, be sure to try out a "toilet" themed trip. There aren't many countries where toilets can be talked about so much!