By Toshi Guide from Japan
For anyone planning a trip to Japan, navigating the world of public restrooms can be surprisingly daunting. As a seasoned local guide, Toshi from ‘Toshi Guide from Japan’ addresses one of the most common traveler concerns: how to find and use toilets throughout Japan. This comprehensive 2025 updated video brings together the 12 key things any visitor should know, ensuring you never feel lost or stressed about bathroom breaks while exploring the country.
The guide starts by outlining the best places to locate restrooms in both urban and rural settings. These include train stations (a reliable option in nearly every city and town), convenience stores (ubiquitous across Japan and usually with clean facilities), public parks, shopping centers, public facilities, coffee shops and fast food chains, as well as hotel lobbies. Toshi explains the cultural expectations and etiquette involved in using toilets in these venues, including whether you may need to ask staff permission.
Toshi also demystifies the different toilet types you may encounter: from traditional squat toilets to accessible facilities, with an in-depth walkthrough on using Japan’s famous high-tech toilets. He offers practical demonstrations on buttons, bidet functions, seat warmers, and more. The video includes a unique highlight of the ‘Tokyo Toilet Shuttle Tour,’ showcasing some of Tokyo’s most innovative and stylish public toilets, and wraps up with key Japanese phrases travelers can use if they ever need to ask for a bathroom or clarify toilet locations.
Whether you’re concerned about finding a restroom in remote countryside locations, or simply nervous about pressing the wrong button on a high-tech model in downtown Tokyo, this video is an invaluable resource. With guidance on etiquette, accessibility, and helpful language tips, Toshi’s advice will ensure you enjoy stress-free sightseeing wherever your Japan journey takes you.