How to use a Japanese washlet toilet

1. 1Sit down first. The wash and bidet sprays won't fire unless the seat senses your weight — a safety cut-off — so pressing them while standing does nothing.
2. 2Find the panel. It's either a row of buttons built into the side of the seat, or a separate control pad mounted on the wall beside you.
3. 3The button you actually need is 止 ("stop"), usually the big one, often red or orange. It stops the spray instantly. Memorise this one and the rest is low-stakes experimenting.
4. 4おしり sprays the rear; ビデ sprays the front (bidet). Press once to start, 止 to stop. The spray builds up over a second or two — it isn't broken.
5. 5水勢 / a +/− slider adjusts water pressure; 位置 nudges the nozzle position. Optional.
6. 6Flush separately. The spray buttons do NOT flush. Look for 流す, a 大 (big) / 小 (small) lever or button, a wall panel, or — on older toilets — a manual handle on the tank.

Heads up. If you panic, press 止. It stops everything. You can't break it, and the water won't keep going on its own.

← All of How to use Japan