Public restrooms – a reason to attract tourists in Japan

Toilets rank among the top 5 reasons Japan attracts tourists, and you'll find that to be very true when you're here.

Public restrooms – a reason to attract tourists in Japan

Most people visiting Japan feel satisfied the first time they use a restroom here. Not only clean, but these facilities also vividly reflect the Japanese character: modern, meticulous, unique, caring about every detail, every individual, and clearly demonstrating social equality.

– Cleanliness: When it comes to cleanliness, Japan is on par with European and American countries. But in many European countries, you have to pay, whereas in Japan, you don't. Additionally, Japanese people encourage everyone to maintain cleanliness themselves. Many restrooms even have instructions (with cleaning solutions) on how to clean the toilet bowl. Soap and paper towels are always fully stocked.

– Comfort: In places with cold winters like Hanoi, not only children but also adults hesitate to sit on freezing toilet seats. However, in Japan, that's not the case; toilet seats are always warm. You can even adjust the temperature. The odor control system they use is also excellent; there's no smell. Restrooms also have hand dryers with warm air.

– Pre-wash and post-wash: One thing that can be bewildering for first-time travelers to Japan is the multitude of control buttons in the WC, most of which are in Japanese with accompanying symbols (some places have English annotations). There are three basic buttons for temperature, pre-wash, and post-wash, which are very clean and convenient for ladies. Note that the water flush button is usually located in a separate position near the water tank, so don't try to find it on the control panel.

– Concern for mothers, children: In all public transportation (trains, buses) in Japan, there are areas designated for special groups. The same goes for restrooms, where there are always rooms for mothers carrying small children. In these rooms, there's a seat for mothers to place their little ones, without needing anyone else to hold the child.

– Concern for the disadvantaged: In addition to spacious rooms for wheelchair users, many restrooms also have raised lettering on notice boards and control buttons for blind individuals.

It can be said that by just looking at public restrooms in a country, you can somewhat evaluate the level of civilization and the character of the people there. For example:

– Germany: Restrooms are always as clean as a whistle, tidy, with someone diligently cleaning. However, you often have to pay to use public restrooms as I experienced when I visited in 2007, with prices ranging from 0.5 to 1 euro (15,000 – 30,000 dong). But like using the subway in Germany, you voluntarily leave money on the tray, and nobody checks. And Germans are generally conscientious; nobody skips out.

– China: Both traditional (squat) and modern toilets coexist. Most Chinese restrooms are not dirty, and many are even lavishly built, but what you need to be aware of is that many toilets lack toilet paper and soap. When entering, you often find yourself squeezed in line and bothered by loud conversations.

According to The Star

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide