One of the most common questions I’m asked by friends traveling to Japan for the first time – how do I use a squat toilet. First of all, nearly everyplace in Japan has both Western style toilet in addition to the squat variety. So unless you are way out in the sticks, you could spend your entire time in Japan without ever using one.
What is a squat toilet? Well, it’s the modern flushing version of the proverbial hole in the ground. For a more detailed description check out Japan Guide for good photos and more.
That being said, knowing how to use a squat toilet is a good idea because:
- The Western toilet could be so grossed out that the squat toilet looks cleaner. In terms of sanitation, with a squat toilet, your skin touches nothing. Think about it.
- You gotta go bad and all the Western toilet stalls are taken.
So how do you use it? Well a picture is worth a thousand words and this picture can show you much better than I can tell you. Check out this animation.
Additional fun facts:
- Try using a squater while riding on a moving train.
- Guys, don’t piss on your pants.
- Don’t miss. This woman did. This photo below was taken by my wife in a public restroom in Osaka. That brown object on the outside of the bowl is what you think it is.
With this parting image burned in your mind, let’s close this subject.
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I recall my first encounter with a squat toilet. It was actually at a cafe near the Eiffel Tower in Paris. I had to go and it was the only one available. You are right as in many ways, it is cleaner since nothing touches. However, one cannot sit there to read the newspaper anymore …
Clint
Left by Clint on March 9th, 2006
Suprized. I am a Japanese, I useally useing it without wondering…
But, I have been never knew the squad toilets are tough for westerners.
We have to think about if we useing it !!
Left by senmu on May 31st, 2006
I am half japanese. When I was a little girl , I had to use a squat toliet
that did not flush and I almost fell in the hole. I was very scared.
Left by Rose on December 18th, 2008