Japan's Toilet SituationToilet Guide Signs

There are different ways to express a toilet in Japan. There are direct ways as well as roundabout ways to express them.
They are differentiated by the location of the facility and TPO. For example, during meals, instead of toilet, "keshoushitsu" (powder room) might be used.
To avoid confusion, you should be aware of the different signs.

Characters

  • Toilet
  • lavatory
  • W.C
  • RestRoom

Signs

  • TOILET

Various guide symbols are displayed to indicate the purpose and equipment of Japanese toilets in an easy-to-understand way for users.
We will introduce the main types of guide symbols and their meanings.

Guide Symbols Display and Meanings

RestroomsIndicates location of Restrooms and Facilities
Men’s RestroomsIndicates location of Men’s Restrooms and Facilities
*May indicate facilities for men, not limited to restrooms
Women’s RestroomsIndicates location of Women’s Restrooms and Facilities
*May indicate facilities for women, not limited to restrooms
Restrooms for use by both Men and WomenIndicates Restrooms that do not discriminate between Men and Women and also restrooms for people under nursing care with their helpers.
Children’s RestroomsIndicates Restrooms for Children who can use them on their own.
*May indicate facilities for children, not limited to restrooms
Facilities that can be used by people with disabilitiesShows the location and existence of facilities that can be used by people with disabilities, such as people using wheelchairs.
Spray SeatShow the location and facilities of Spray seats.
This symbol also indicates that it is a Western-style toilet.
Western-style toilet (seat-type toilet)Indicates that a Western-style toilet (seat-type toilet) is installed.
Japanese-style toilet (squat-type toilet)Indicates that a Japanese-style toilet (squat-type toilet) is installed.
Facilities for InfantsShows the location and facilities for use with infants, such as breastfeeding and changing diapers.
Diaper Changing TableShows the location and facilities where diapers of infants can be changed.
Baby ChairShow a fixed baby chair is inside the restroom.
Changing TableShows facilities for changing clothes are in the restroom.
Facilities for OstomateShows location and facilities for pouch (colostomy bags) washing for people with artificial anuses and artificial bladders.
Facilities for Simple OstomateShows the location and facilities of toilets equipped for pouch (colostomy bags) washing for people with artificial anus and artificial bladder.
Nursing Care BedShows facilities for multi-purpose use such as changing diapers and provide nursing care.

Source: Website of the Foundation for Promoting Personal Mobility and Ecological Transportation