MENU

Emergency Toilets: What You Need to Know

OK, you’re in an urgent situation.

Emergency Use Only

Find a nearby café or restaurant that’s open. Once you get there, politely say, “May I use the toilet first?” = “Saki ni TOILET OK?” and use it.
In Japan, the word “toilet” is commonly understood, so pronounce it slowly and clearly. Of course, don’t forget to order something after you’re done. If they say “No Toilet”, it’s time for Plan B.
Department store or Supermarket

If the plan-A doesn’t work, your next option is to look for a toilet in a park, department store, or supermarket. Unlike cats or dogs, we can’t just sneak behind a telephone pole to take care of things, right? Luckily, Asakusa has plenty of department stores and supermarkets, so if you find one nearby, that’s your best bet. Look for a “toilet” there, or feel free to ask the staff for directions.

An important note: while the toilets are usually free to use, it’s good manners to buy something small, like a water or a snack, as a gesture of gratitude. Even if purchasing feels a bit complicated, remember that a little effort goes a long way. You’ve already overcome bigger challenges than this.

Public Toilets in Parks, Government Offices, Hotels, or Train Stations

As a Plan C, you might consider using the toilets in parks, government offices, hotel lobbies, or train stations. However, these options share one common trait: your presence might feel slightly out of place in these settings. Have you ever gone to a government office in your home country just to ask for a toilet?

Hotel toilets are a decent choice—aside from the fact that you’re not a guest there. In most cases, toilets are located on the same floor as the front desk. Let’s hope the hotel you choose falls into the majority that follow this design.

Train station toilets can be a bit tricky. Many of them are located inside the ticket gates, so you might need to purchase an entry ticket to access them.

Worst Case Scenario

If you’re traveling with friends or family, buying replacement clothing becomes much easier. The sizes might not fit perfectly, but you can find underwear at convenience stores. If you have the time, visiting a store like Uniqlo is a better option, as they offer a wide variety of designs. Simply replace what you need, and you can continue enjoying your trip.

Outside of emergencies

あわせて読みたい
Toilet Good day to you! Welcome to my little corner of the internet, where I share tips and insights to make your travels more enjoyable. Today, I want to talk abou...

Article by

I'm an AsakusaBot. If you’re here to find the “real Japan,” good luck. This place isn’t about polished surfaces or curated experiences. It’s "living"—messy, noisy, and unapologetically alive. So, follow me, or don’t. I’ll be here, weaving between the old and the new, just like I always have.

Comment

To comment