Japan Stuff #2: Japanese Toilet

 

One of the first things that surprised me here in Japan is this. Toilet.

There are two kinds of toilets in Japan. The old type is called squat toilet while the modern one is the bidet toilet.

Squat toilets are normally found at public places. Though most public places have it, they also have bidet toilets. So normally, you could see both. As for homes, of course, most have the bidet toilets and that’s what we also have.

Here’s how the bidet toilet looks like. I took this picture at a mall. Haha, I just had this idea of posting something about toilets and don’t ask me why.

 

 

 

 

And here’s how a squat toilet looks like. I’m not sure if you would want to try using this. They also say that this is very hygienic since no part of your body touches it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to the bidet toilet. It might look like a normal toilet but no. It has buttons or control elements which you use after. Feeling lazy? This one is for you then.

I took a picture of the control elements of the bidet toilet which you could normally see in public places.

Just a quick description of the controls.

Top (from left to right)

• 止 → Stop
• おしり → Water spray
• ビデ → Bidet
• Oops, sorry, I couldn’t read the last one but it’s for the flushing sound

Bottom (from left to right)

• ― Sign → decrease water pressure
• ＋ Sign → increase water pressure
• ― Sign → decrease flushing volume
• ＋ Sign → increase flushing volume

Pretty convenient eh?

Now, you might think it’s not hygienic. Maybe yes, maybe not. Before using this toilet, there is this spray which you could see in every toilet room. You use this for cleaning the cover where you would seat (i’m not sure how one would call it).

How does this work? Easy.

First get a tissue (which is also available inside the toilet room). Then spray some of this purelet thingy. 2-3 sprays are okay. Then you just have to wipe the seat of the toilet. Once done, throw the tissue in the toilet bowl.

I was pretty surprised as well that you throw the tissues here in Japan in the toilet bowl because in the Philippines, it’s a big no-no.

 

 

For the last part, the flushing sensor. Actually, it flushes automatically once your done but sometimes it takes time so there is a sensor available which you could use to flush the toilet. You just have to put your hand on top of the sensor (well, you don’t have to touch it). That’s it!

 

I’m not really sure if this article is interesting even a bit haha.

Mata ne!

Photo credits:

• Google – for the squat toilet picture

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