The Best Japanese Bidets: Recommendations from My Japan Adventure
In the 1980s, Japanese Washlets redefined the bidet, transforming what I once considered a "butt sink" into a high-tech hygiene masterpiece.
I have to share some nostalgic credit to those early European bidets from my travels, but back then, they felt more like a cumbersome bathroom fixture than a marvel of cleanliness.
Japanese high-tech toilets, however, showed me bidets’ true potential. Either way, why rely on dry paper alone when technology can elevate the experience to an art?
While it wasn’t the sole purpose of my trip to Japan, discovering the best Japanese bidets became a huge part of it. I was on a mission to find the best Japanese bidet toilets and bidet seats, and share them with the rest of the world.
If you’ve ever wondered “are bidets common in Japan?” Or “does Japan have bidets?” The answer to both is a resounding yes!
Discovering the Japanese Commode
Fast forward to my recent trip to Japan—the undisputed mecca of modern toilets. Over two weeks exploring Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and rural Hakone, I admired that in Japan, bidets are not a novelty; they’re a cultural staple.
Japanese toilets, from quaint cafes to bars and even the famed Shinkansen bullet trains, feature bidet toilet seats as an expected standard, bringing a sense of luxury and ingenuity to every restroom.
In Japan, even the most everyday spaces are thoughtfully designed, with artistic and cultural expression blending perfectly with function. This reverence is illustrated in the recent, highly-rated film Perfect Days, which follows a Tokyo janitor who finds quiet meaning in caring for the city's public bathrooms.
Inspired by this, some travelers even embark on bathroom tours, viewing these spaces as more than conveniences—they are reflections of Japanese culture, where beauty, comfort, and hygiene meet precision.
Watching Perfect Days before my trip added a layer of admiration to my journey through Japan’s high-tech toilets; like the janitor in the film, I found myself viewing each Japanese commode as part of a grand design.
These public bathrooms reflected a deep respect, evident in their pristine condition across even the busiest locations. The public seemingly reciprocates this care, maintaining each space as clean as they found it.
The Best Japanese Bidets
If you’re wondering what are the best bidets to buy, specifically in Japan, there are definitely a lot of options. But on this bidet pilgrimage, I encountered three key players in Japanese toilet tech:
A TOTO bidet is the epitome of what most would consider the best bidet toilet or best bidet seat. There really was no comparison when it comes to quality of design and ease of use, especially for a foreigner.
When it comes to the best bidet toilets in 2024, TOTO is at the top of the list in most categories, while also garnering top bidet reviews from customers and publications around the world.
The TOTO Washlet, particularly the TOTO S550e Washlet, dominated nearly every restroom we encountered. This top rated bidet toilet seat boasts advanced features such as:
- Heated seat
- Adjustable water pressure
- Automatic air deodorizer
- Warm air dryer
The TOTO S550e was actually discontinued in 2023 and replaced by the upgraded Washlet S7A.
For an article comparing the differences between these two models and the most up to date TOTO Washlet price, click here.
Experiencing a TOTO Washlet for the first time was like stepping into a luxury universe where every setting could be customized. Naturally, I had my translation app ready to decode the console, but part of the fun was embracing the unknown, testing buttons, and letting each feature surprise me.
TOTO Neorest Bidet Toilets were also common as well, and were the most luxurious of all of the Japanese bidet toilets that I encountered (not to mention also the most expensive bidet).
For a look at the differences between all the Neorest models, check out our TOTO Neorest comparison chart right here.
Features That Set Japanese High-Tech Toilets Apart
Some of the most impressive features in Japanese bidets left me in-awe of what’s possible. Ambient sounds played soft nature tunes, creating a chill and discreet atmosphere that cleverly masked any “less elegant” noises.
The automatic open-and-close sensor was a magical greeting; the lid lifted as I approached and lowered as I left, making the experience feel alive.
Then came the foaming deodorizer and self-cleaning spray—a foam coating that not only freshened the air but kept the bowl sparkling clean, while a pre-mist prevented anything from sticking.
Of course the thoughtful touches didn’t stop there. The soft nightlight, a quiet glow, was perfect for late-night trips, while a UV cleaner sanitized the nozzle, ensuring optimal hygiene without any need for manual cleaning.
Some models even featured a sink built right into the toilet tank, where handwashing water drains into the tank to be used for the next flush.
This dual-purpose design conserves water and maximizes space, a solid reflection of Japan’s commitment to efficiency and environmental consciousness.
Traditional Japanese Toilets and Modern Innovation
There were a few exceptions to the high-tech toilets that seem to reign in Japan. In a retro American-style cafe I witnessed a 1960s style toilet with no bidet, true to detail.
At an older restroom near Golden Gai’s iconic bars, I encountered a traditional 和式 (washiki) squat toilet—a stark reminder of just how far bathroom tech has come. While traditional Japanese squat toilets can still be found in older or rural locations, their use is quickly waning as modern bidet innovation sweeps the country.
The Japanese commitment to cleanliness is evident everywhere, from spotless streets to beautifully presented food, and this dedication extends even to toilets, where the humble commode has evolved into an advanced, user-friendly system that elevates comfort and hygiene to an art form.
Bringing the Japanese Bidet Experience Home
After experiencing Japan’s high-tech toilets, travelers like myself return home eager to recreate the comfort and luxury of Japanese bidet toilet seats.
If you’re new to bidets, starting with the best bidet attachment or a top-rated bidet toilet seat, like the TOTO Washlet S7A, is an excellent way to introduce this technology into your home.
With options available at varying price points, it’s possible to enjoy features like a heated seat or adjustable water pressure without investing in a full Japanese bidet toilet.
Final Thoughts: Why Japan is the Ultimate Destination for Bidet Enthusiasts
Japanese commodes have transformed my view of restroom hygiene, combining cultural reverence for cleanliness with cutting-edge technology to create a unique experience that we all deserve.
From traditional bidet unit toilets to the latest TOTO Washlet and TOTO Neorest toilets, Japan has not only mastered the art of bathroom innovation but set a global standard for cleanliness, efficiency, and comfort.
After experiencing the best Japanese bidets in Japan, I can’t imagine going back to a standard restroom. The Japanese approach to bidet toilets has turned a once routine visit into an incredible adventure—one I look forward to recreating at home.
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