Toilet Review

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Squat Toilets

Yes! Finally! This is how I’ve been using public toilets all my life, but these ones are made for squatting. I’m all for taking your time at home, but when you’re on the road, you don’t need a throne. Just squat and go!

Caution: you may have to buy toilet paper from a vending machine before you go. Check.



Butt Rinsing

Just press the button that says おしり(oshiri) and a wait in suspense as you hear the mechanical arm slowly extend. Then it’s a surprise jet of warm water to your behind. Do you have to use it? Not if you have toilet paper. But you can use both. There’s a mode for women (ビデ) but I can’t say how it is.



Heated Seats

Come on, is this really necessary? Sure it’s nice in the morning, but unless you plan to camp out, it might be a waste of energy. (See squat toilets.)



Hand Drying

No paper towels. Air dryers often present in larger locations, but not always used. It’s common for Japanese men to carry handkerchiefs, but I never see them use it for hand drying. It’s usually a few hard shakes and out they go. So what happens to the water? Do they wipe it on their pants? I do. But maybe they just have the patience to let it evaporate.



Multi-Purpose Tank Water

When the home-style toilets refill the tank upon flushing, it runs water from a faucet on top of the tower into the tank that you can wash your hands with. What a neat way to conserve water. Now what can I dry my hands on?




Flush Strength Control

A lot of toilets have two flush modes. Pull the handle for a small flush and push it for when you need that extra oomph.

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Photos

Squat Toilet
The way to go when you're on the go.

Choose your Flush
The way you pull the handle gives you a big flush (lower kanji) or smaller flush (upper kanji).

Comments

[Jon]

Butt Washing
Did you know there's a butt washing hose in a hospital bathroom? Unfortunately I didn't and now there's water all over the ceiling. Good thing we're checking out and moving to a new hospital tonight!

[Uncle Bob]

Temporary phone
Wow Gregory! First, we didn't hear a word from you, now this flood of news. I'm glad you're having a good time. You might see if you can rent an NTT smartphone. Or, buy a SIM chip with a month's worth of time. In some countries that's what tourists do to stay in touch. Thanks for keeping us informed. --Uncle Bob