Why I Made It My Mission to Explore Washrooms in Japan (And Why You Should Too!)

Konnichiwa!

Before my Japan trip, I had one oddly specific goal in mind – not just to eat sushi or see Mount Fuji, but to use as many washrooms in Japan as I possibly could.

Why? My curiosity was sparked when my brother visited and returned with endless praise for their public washrooms. He talked about how high-tech they were, how immaculately clean, and how every washroom felt like an experience. From auto-lifting lids and heated seats to bidet functions and soothing sounds – it all sounded futuristic and, frankly, too good to be true.

So, I decided I was going to make the washrooms in Japan a core part of my travel experience. And I did. From airports and shopping malls to convenience stores and train stations – I tried them all.

Pre-Trip Washroom Anxiety

I was so excited to use Japan’s washroom that in my letter I wrote to myself before my Japan trip, I said that I would visit the washroom 10,000 times.

But there was another layer to this anxiety – what if Japan doesn’t have jet sprays? I’ve grown up using them and couldn’t imagine going 15 days without one.

I told myself, “I’ll use every washroom I can. I’m going to fully embrace the tech, even if there’s no jet spray.” I mentally prepared myself to be brave and try bidets. It was oddly one of my biggest concerns before the flight. I didn’t want to feel awkward or uncomfortable every day.

To my surprise, while most washrooms in Japan use bidet functions instead of jet sprays, I didn’t feel like I was missing out. The water pressure settings and angle adjustments worked like a charm. My skepticism faded on Day 1.

My anxiety turned into admiration. My experience with washrooms in Japan was beyond reassuring – it was transformative.

Tokyo Airport: My First Washroom in Japan Experience

We landed at Narita Airport, and the moment I stepped into the terminal, my washroom journey officially began. I was sleepy and not ready for a surprise – but wow. The toilet had:

• Auto-lifting lids
• Heated seat
• Digital control panel
• Bidet with front and rear spray
• Water pressure and temperature control
• Deodorizer and air dryer
• Sound masking to cover up noises

That first washroom stop in Japan set the bar extremely high.

Washrooms in Japan: My Mission Begins

Even the public washrooms in Japan, like those at Ueno Park and Fushimi Inari Shrine, were surprisingly clean and thoughtfully equipped.

And yes – wherever I went, I checked out the washroom. From theme parks to sky-high viewpoints:

Universal Studios Japan (Osaka):

Even amidst rollercoasters and crowds, the washrooms were spotless, spacious, and had full bidet functions.

Tokyo DisneySea:

You’d expect a theme park washroom to be chaotic, but this was like a luxury hotel’s restroom – air fresheners, heated seats, and calming music.

Nara Deer Park:

After feeding the adorable (and slightly aggressive) deer, I stopped at the public washroom near the entrance. It was minimal, tidy, and had hand dryers and automatic flush sensors.

Umeda Sky Building (Osaka):

The view from the observatory is iconic – but the washroom? White walls, clean setas, and futuristic toilets. Unforgettable.

Restaurants and cafés:

Every eatery had surprisingly clean and well-equipped restrooms – even in tiny ramen joints. And so on, every location I visited was another chance to test a new washroom

What Makes Washrooms in Japan So Amazing?

Let’s break it down. Why are washrooms in Japan often called the best in the world?

1. Immaculate Cleanliness: No matter where you go – from public places to luxury hotels the hygiene standards are off the charts.
2. Smart Toilet Technology: Heated seats, bidets, noise masking, and air fresheners are just the basics. Some even play music!
3. Consistency Across Locations: Whether you’re in a small town or a busy city, the washroom quality is almost always top-tier.
4. Inclusivity and Accessibility: Almost every washroom has options for people with disabilities, baby changing stations, and gender-neutral stalls.

The Role of TOTO: Japan’s Toilet Royalty

One name kept popping up wherever I went – TOTO. This Japanese brand dominates the washroom scene, and for good reason. TOTO toilets come equipped with:

• Multiple bidet settings
• Warm seats
• Auto open-close lids
• Deodorizing features
• Noise control buttons
• Nozzle positioning

I even saw TOTO toilets in Shinkansen bullet trains, which blew my mind. And to my surprise, when I landed at Mumbai Airport, I saw a TOTO toilet there too!

Japan Changed My Outlook on Washrooms Forever

I never thought I’d write an entire blog dedicated to toilets, but my experience with washrooms in Japan deserves it. What started as a curious challenge turned into one of the most unexpectedly delightful parts of my trip.

These were not just places to “go” – they were places to pause, refresh, and experience comfort in the most ordinary moments. Japan’s approach to something as basic as washrooms taught me that functionality can be beautiful, hygiene can be high-tech, and care can be shown in the smallest ways.

And if you’re curious about another unique aspect of my Japan trip, don’t forget to check out my blog about matcha in Japan — it’s full of tasty discoveries and authentic experiences.

And if you’re wondering what else was going through my mind before the trip, don’t forget to read the letter I wrote to myself before my Japan trip.