Japanese Toilets – Your Top 5 Questions Answered
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Japan is a global leader in technology and innovation, so it probably comes as no surprise that Japanese bathrooms are some of the most high tech on the planet! If you’ve heard about Japan’s famous “smart toilets”, you might be wondering if they’re worth the hype. We’ve got answers to all your questions about Japanese toilets, plus the inside scoop on how to enjoy one of these feature-packed porcelain thrones without jetting halfway around the world.
1. What is a Japanese Toilet?
Toilets in Japan fall into two categories, traditional squat toilets or western style flush toilets. Traditional toilets, known as washiki toire, look like an oblong toilet bowl embedded in the floor. One end of the porcelain bowl is raised to create a “shield”, and there’s a drain in the bottom. Traditional Japanese style toilets are usually only found in older buildings or public restrooms.
Using a squat toilet may be unfamiliar to westerners, but it’s a pretty straightforward process. Straddle the bowl and squat down, facing the raised portion. Once you’re finished, press the flush lever or foot pedal, or pull the flush handle. This releases a stream of water that will sweep waste out of the trough-like bowl and down the drain.
Most Japanese homes and businesses have Western style toilets with a raised bowl that users sit down on. Many of these offer high tech features like a heated seat, bidet washing, or the ability to play music. Often called “smart toilets”, “super toilets” or “bidet toilets”, these cutting edge toilets provide an ultra comfortable, convenient and hygienic cleanse. Because they originated in Japan, they’re also referred to as “Japanese toilets” or “Japanese bidet toilets”.
2. Why Buy a Japanese Toilet?
Japanese bidet toilets offer an insanely deluxe cleansing experience. The most important is the bidet function, which sprays your private areas with water to wash away waste after you go to the bathroom. All bidet toilets have a heated toilet seat and a built-in water heater for a deliciously warm cleanse. Most have a warm air dryer that blow dries your undercarriage, so there’s no need for toilet paper.
Most Japanese bidet toilets also allow users to adjust the water pressure and temperature, seat temperature, warm air dryer temperature and bidet nozzle position. Most come with a variety of high tech amenities that can include a built in night light, scentless air deodorizer, nozzle sterilization, auto flushing, automatic open/close lid, user memory settings, or even self-cleaning technology.
Buttons controlling the bidet wash and other features are located on a remote control or a panel attached to the bidet. Remotes usually come with a docking station that can be mounted to the wall to keep it within easy reach. Some controls use pictographs to describe the various functions, while others label their buttons with words. All Japanese style bidet toilets that are sold in the US are labeled in English.
3. Are Japanese Toilets Made in Japan?
While Japan is well known for its high tech bidet toilets, very few are actually made in country. Only two of the smart toilets we sell are actually made entirely in Japan: the TOTO Neorest NX1 and Neorest NX2. The bowl for the TOTO Neorest RH and Neorest AH bidet toilets are also made in Japan, but the other components are manufactured elsewhere. In fact, most of the Japanese bidet toilets on the market are made in China or Malaysia.
4. How do I Buy a Japanese Bidet Toilet?
If you’d like to try one of these amazing Japanese bidet toilets for yourself, you’re in luck! Japanese style smart toilets (and bidets in general) are becoming popular in North America too. While you won’t find one in a public restroom like you might in Japan, you can easily purchase one for your home bathroom. Many Bidets is proud to offer a wide selection of feature packed bidet toilets from well known companies like TOTO, Axent, Studio Lux and Bio Bidet.
TOTO
The Japanese company TOTO is known around the globe for its high quality bidets and bathroom fixtures. Most of TOTO’s bidets are manufactured outside of Japan, but all of their products highlight the company’s commitment to superb design and construction. We carry all of TOTO’s bidet toilets in our online store, but you can check them out in person at a TOTO showroom near you!
Axent
Swiss based Axent is another company we’re especially excited to carry. Like TOTO, Axent’s bidet toilets are thoughtfully designed and offer high quality bidet cleansing.
Studio Lux
Studio Lux is a third fantastic company to consider when purchasing a bidet toilet. The Studio Lux bidet toilets aren’t manufactured in Japan, but they offer the same uber-sleek design and high end features as a Japanese bidet toilet. Plus, Studio Lux bidets are more affordable than many of the other options on the market, making them a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a great deal.
5. What’s the Best Japanese Bidet Toilet? (Answer: the TOTO Neorest NX1 or NX2!)
If you want to purchase a Japanese toilet that’s actually made in Japan, you’ll want to check out the TOTO Neorest NX1 and the NX2. These state of the art bidet toilets have a streamlined silhouette and offer some of the finest features of any Japanese toilet on the market. If luxury, elegance, and quality are what you’re after, the Neorest NX1 and NX2 bidet toilets won’t disappoint!
Design & Toilet Features
- Updated Tornado Flush system can be operated by remote, sensor (auto flushing) or manually
- Eco friendly dual flush – 1.0 & 0.8 GPF
- Super sleek silhouette
- Ultra comfortable seat
- CeFiONtect Ceramic glaze stops waste from sticking to the bowl
- ADA compliant
- Universal height
- Rimless bowl makes cleaning easy
- Bowl premisting sprays the bowl with water to prevent waste from sticking
- Floor Mounted (requires a 12″ rough in)
- Available in white only
- TOTO Neorest NX2 only: Actilight self-cleaning system uses UV light to break down waste, dirt and grime, making it easy to keep your toilet clean
Bidet Features
- Heated seat
- Instant water heater provides unlimited warm water
- Front, rear, soft & wide wash modes
- Oscillate & pulse spray options
- LED Night light
- Air deodorizer (does not add scent)
- Warm air dryer
- Adjustable water temperature and pressure, nozzle position, seat temperature & warm air dryer temperature
- Two user presets
- Automatic open/close seat
- Auto Flush option
- EWATER+ sanitizing system cleans the wand and bowl after each use
- Energy saving mode
- Operated via wireless remote (wall mount included
There’s no question that the Neorest NX1 and NX2 are amazing Japanese toilets. However, their chic design and cutting edge features do come with a high price tag. If you’re looking to spend less and are open to a Japanese style smart toilet that’s manufactured outside of Japan, there are several additional models we’d recommend:
- Best Wall Hung: TOTO Neorest EW Integrated Bidet Toilet
- Best Value: TOTO Neorest RH Integrated Bidet Toilet
- Customer Favorite: TOTO Neorest 700H Integrated Bidet Toilet
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got questions about Japanese toilets that we haven’t answered here, please reach out! Our team of experts love talking about all things bidet, and we’re happy to help you find a smart toilet that’s perfect for your needs. Here are the best ways to get in touch:
- Live Chat on our website
- Phone: 248-974-4030
- Email: [email protected]
Hannah Ramsey
Hannah Ramsey is a former writer at Many Bidets, where she spent seven years crafting and managing website content. With a background in psychotherapy and a lifelong passion for writing, Hannah enjoyed combining these interests to make a meaningful impact. Now retired from the bidet business, Hannah still enjoys sharing her knowledge about bidets with friends and family, proving that once a bidet enthusiast, always a bidet enthusiast!