How to Use a Traditional Japanese Washiki Toilet Correctly

Travelling to Japan brings surprises that extend well beyond its exotic cuisine. One cultural shock can be found in traditional toilets, where the squat design requires a posture unlike the Western standard used in our everyday lives.

How does a traditional Japanese toilet work?

Known locally as a washiki, this toilet is set directly into the floor and has a distinctive oval-shaped structure. Its design features a rounded cover at one end, created specifically to guide waste and ensure the greatest possible hygiene within the space during use.

Unlike modern models fitted with heated seats, this older version retains the simplicity of Japan’s past. Its central system relies on gravity and running water, so users need to understand the correct operation to avoid unwanted mishaps in the toilet.

The main structural parts of this traditional toilet are:

• Floor opening: the precise point in the unit where waste is deposited.
• Kinkakushi: the rounded front cover, which acts as an essential protective shield.
• Flush mechanism: a lever positioned conveniently near the front wall.
• Side footrests: textured, non-slip areas that allow feet to be placed securely.
• Toilet-roll holder: a fitting installed within easy reach of the user.

Why should you face the flush?

The key reason for facing the flush is the engineering of the plumbing itself. By positioning the body towards the front wall, the user is aligned with the water outlet, helping waste drain efficiently into the underground system.

The well-known front semi-dome, called the kinkakushi, also serves as an indispensable protective screen. This physical barrier prevents unwanted splashes and protects the user’s clothing, maintaining excellent order and fully preserving personal cleanliness.

Below is a video from the Rachel and Jun YouTube channel that explores the points discussed in greater depth:

What are the benefits of this unusual position?

Using the correct position offers surprising anatomical advantages for digestive health. Squatting in the proper direction improves the angle of the rectum, allowing bowel movements to happen naturally, quickly and without the harmful straining associated with conventional seats in modern society.

Advantages of tradition

Why does the Eastern design remain in use?

The engineering behind the washiki focuses entirely on user wellbeing and the sustainable preservation of shared spaces.

Avoiding direct contact with common surfaces greatly reduces the spread of microorganisms harmful to the health of the local population.

Another essential advantage is the complete lack of contact with a shared toilet bowl. Since users do not need to sit on a surface used by strangers, the risk of bacterial contamination is dramatically reduced, making the process much more safe and highly recommended.

The principal benefits of this centuries-old sanitation practice can be summarised as follows:

• Better posture: ideal anatomical alignment for the human body.
• Improved hygiene: no skin contact with a public toilet bowl.
• Easier cleaning: a simplified structure requiring less maintenance.

Where can these toilets be found in Japan today?

Although high-tech toilets dominate luxury hotels and modern homes, the traditional model remains in use in many public places. Tourists often encounter these classic facilities while walking through municipal parks or visiting older railway stations across the country.

Historic temples and Shinto shrines carefully retain this functional architecture to remain faithful to the country’s ancestral traditions. Rural areas far from the major cities also continue to rely heavily on this practical system, making it an essential stop for travellers exploring authentic Japanese culture.

The most common places to find these classic toilets include:

• Older railway stations: platforms outside major urban centres.
• Public parks: municipal toilets in open green spaces.
• Historic temples: architectural preservation within traditional monuments.

How should you use the toilet correctly?

To use a washiki without making mistakes, approach the toilet and stand directly over the marked footrests. Keep your body facing the rounded front cover, then lower yourself fully into a stable, balanced squatting position for the entire process.

Pull up the hems of long trousers to prevent accidents involving the water from the toilet flush. Once finished, operate the front lever while maintaining the correct posture, ensuring the water flow cleans everything as properly and hygienically as possible during your trip.

Read also: Why do Japanese people sit on the toilet facing the flush