Toliets in Japan -- The Good, Bad, and Ugly!!!

The REALLY GOOD-- I don't know if you are aware but they have AMAZING toilets here. They have a very special kind of "western" toilet -- but of course it has its own Japanese spin on it. This special toilet has motion sensors so that the lid opens up to "greet" you when you enter the stall. It has a HEATED seat -- so that your bottom feels warm and toasty as you go potty. It also plays music, and it will play "flushing sounds" if you push a button, so that you can discretely cover up any "potty" noises that you are making. Its the craziest thing. It also has a sprayer, or a bidet to wash your bottom when you are done. AMAZING.

Here is a picture of this amazing toilet:

Here you can see this amazing toilet with the "control panel" on the side.



This is a close up of the control panel.



This is a chair to put your baby in while you go to the restroom.

Ok -- so most of these wonderful toilets are found in the hotels and the high traffic touristy areas. You know, the areas where a lot of westerners might be found.

Now -- on to the Bad and Ugly....
The more common toilet in Japan is nothing at all like the automated western toilets described above -- although, many of them do flush automatically. Here is a picture of the "japanese" style toilet:



This is a picture of one of the bathrooms at the train station. The toilet is set into the floor -- and i have to admit, I don't even know how to use it!!! I mean, do you just take your pants down and squat? How do you keep from getting your clothes soiled? Do you sit in the same position as you would on a toilet? I just dont get it. Needless to say, I tried to avoid going to the bathroom today. These same types of toilets were everywhere in Kamakura as well. It was an adventure for sure!!!