You probably thought you would never need to be potty-trained again after moving past your toddler years. While that is true for most people around the world, you have many new things to learn when encountering a Toto Washlet in Japan. This fancy toilet flushes your bodily waste down the drain just like any other toilet, but it differs with its vast array of buttons on its control panel. For most people, their functions can be unclear if you have never used them before.

Toto Washlet - Hi Tech Japanese Toilet — PHOTO COURTESY OF TOTO LTD. © COPYRIGHT

what is a Japanese toilet? Types of Toilets in Japan

When you’re in Japan, you will most likely find that toilets in Japan come in different shapes and features.

There are mainly two types: Sitting and Squatting.

Sitting - Western Style (yo shiki)

洋式 - yo shiki - literary means “western-style”, and as you guessed, it refers to a normal toilet with sitting down seat. You might think it’s just a well-designed polished toilet, however, there are more. Nowadays, many of the western-style toilet seats you will find in Japan are heated (yes, it’s even warm on a cold wintery night). Some also comes with a washing/bidet features as well as a noise-canceling music feature called Otohime.

Squatting - Japanese Style (Wa shiki)

和式 - washiki - toilet is a type of toilet used in a squat position rather than sitting. Seeing this almost “a hole in a floor” type of toilet in a seemingly advanced country like Japan might throw people off first, especially if you are more familiar with the western sitting style. This almost “a hole in a floor” toilet had first become common amongst major cities in Kamakura Period (1185–1333) and at first, it was just a simple hole and a wooden lid to stop the odor from spreading. The squatting style toilet can also be found in some parts of Asia, such as China and the Philippines, however, the half-dome shape cover that stands in the front of the toilet is unique to Japanese ones and it effectively prevents liquid from splashing all over. It is also suitable when you’re wearing Kimono.

what does a Japanese hi-tech washlet toilet look like?

A standard Washlet has around seven or eight features. Before being able to use these features, you must first sit down to activate them. The buttons “rear” and “front” perform similar functions but have different purposes. “Rear” is to clean your backside, while “front” is a bidet for ladies. You can adjust the pressure of these features with the plus and minus sign buttons above the word “pressure.”

Toto Washlet Bidet Seat - Japanese Hi Tech Toilet - Learn about Japan | Travel Japan with Amnet — PHOTO COURTESY OF TOTO LTD. © COPYRIGHT

The Japanese always take convenience into account in everyday life and the “privacy” button is no different. This is used to mask any unpleasant noises that may occur when using the toilet. It will play a flushing sound, a song, or some kind of ambient noise for a short while before shutting off automatically. You can adjust the volume with the plus and minus sign buttons above the word “volume.”

A hand testing water pressure of Toto Washlet Bidet Seat - Japanese Hi Tech Toilet - Learn about Japan | Travel Japan with Amnet. — PHOTO COURTESY OF TOTO LTD. © COPYRIGHT

How to use a Japanese Toilet

A couple of other features that usually come standard are the “stop” button, the “deodorizer” button, and a heated seat. The “stop” button is pretty self-explanatory as it simply ceases any feature that is already in use. The “deodorizer” will act as a vacuum of sorts by cleaning the foul air around the toilet. Finally, many Washlets will have heated seats to make your experience as pleasant as possible.

Visit TOTO Museum

Since it was founded in 1917, TOTO Ltd. has been leading the Japanese toilet industry. At the TOTO Museum, you will get to see behind the scenes of the company’s development over the past 100+years as well as the product developments and items that are limited to certain markets, such as the American market.

Opening Hours and Admission Fees

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: Mondays/summer holidays/year-end and New Year holidays
Admission fee: Free

*Reservations are required for groups (of 20 or more or in chartered buses). Please contact us from here for any inquiries.
*Please be aware that our opening hours and the days that we are closed may change due to certain circumstances.

*Cited from TOTO MUSEUM Official Website

Amenities/Services

Free Lockers
Two locker areas are available on the 2nd floor.
Please consult with the 2nd floor reception desk if your belongings do not fit into one of our small lockers, large lockers, or clothing lockers.
Nursing Room
Located in the back of the 1st floor on the right side.
Accessible Toilets
Located in front of the 1st floor women’s toilets and next to the 2nd floor women’s toilets.
Wheelchairs/Strollers
We have three wheelchairs and two strollers available to lend to visitors.
*We do not accept reservations for these items.
These items cannot be used if they are already being used by other visitors. If this is a concern, we recommend preparing these items yourself before visiting the museum.
Free Wi-Fi
You can connect to free Wi-Fi inside the museum. You may also use free Wi-Fi when utilizing our exhibition information service. If you have any questions, please consult with the reception desk on the 2nd floor.
Free Exhibition Information Service
Free audio guide pens and QR translators are available.
*Cited from TOTO MUSEUM Official Website

How to access

2-1-1 Nakashima, Kokurakita, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-8601 JAPAN Direction in Google Map

Via Nishitetsu Bus from JR Kokura Station:

The museum is located about 15minutes from Kokura Station Bus Center, which is accessible from JR Kokura Station’s Kokurajo Exit. Get off at the Kifunemachi stop.
Reference link: Nishitetsu Comprehensive Timetable/Fare Guide (BusNavi)

Via taxi from JR Kokura Station:

The museum is located about 10minutes from the taxi waiting area at JR Kokura Station’s Kokurajo Exit.

Via Kitakyushu Monorail

Get off at Kawaraguchi Mihagino Station and take the South Exit. The museum is located on Route 3 about 10minutes on foot in the direction of Yahata.
Reference link: Kitakyushu Monorail

Via car

Coming from Yahata, turn left off Route 3 to enter the museum.
*Free parking is available.