How to Use a Japanese Washing Machine & Toilet: Simple Guide for Foreign Residents

2026.01.09

For many foreigners living or staying in Japan, one of the first challenges is learning how to use a Japanese washing machine and how to use a Japanese toilet.
Buttons are in Japanese, functions are unique, and every machine looks slightly different.

This guide explains the basic features, how to operate them, and why staying in a furnished monthly apartment makes everyday life much easier.

How to Use a Japanese Washing Machine

Most Japanese washing machines are simple once you know the basic buttons, but can be confusing at first glance. Here are the key functions you’ll see on most models:

Common Buttons & Their Meanings

Japanese	English
入/切 (いり・きり)	Power ON/OFF
スタート / 一時停止	Start / Pause
標準	Standard Course
お急ぎ	Quick Wash
すすぎ	Rinse
脱水	Spin
洗い	Wash
予約	Timer / Delay Start
水量	Water Level

How to Operate

1. Press the power button (入/切)
2. Load your laundry (don’t overload)
3. Add detergent
   • Many furnished apartments also come with automatic detergent machines
4. Choose a course (Standard is usually fine)
5. Press Start (スタート)
6. Wait about 30–40 minutes

Japanese washing machines generally wash and spin only, so you’ll use a separate dryer or hang clothes to air-dry.

How to Use a Japanese Toilet

Japan’s high-tech toilets (ウォシュレット / bidet toilets) are famous worldwide.

Here are the basic buttons:

Common Toilet Buttons

Japanese	English
おしり	Rear wash
ビデ	Bidet (for front wash)
止 (とまる)	Stop
水勢	Water pressure
温水	Water temperature
便座温度	Seat temperature
乾燥	Dryer
流す	Flush

Flush buttons may be on:

・The tank

・A wall panel

・A lever

・A sensor (wave your hand)

How to Use

1. Sit down (Japanese bidet functions work only when seated)
2. Press おしり or ビデ for washing
3. Adjust water pressure (水勢) and temperature
4. Press 止 to stop
5. Flush using 流す or the tank lever

Tip:
Public restrooms may have simplified toilets, while hotels and apartments often have high-tech ones.

Why Monthly Apartments Make It Easier

Monthly apartments (マンスリーマンション) in Japan often come with:

Furniture & Appliances

・Bed, desk, TV, refrigerator, air conditioner

・Washing machine (sometimes with English manuals)

・Microwave, electric kettle, rice cooker

Daily Essentials

・Towels, slippers, tableware

・Hangers, laundry rack, trash bins

Consumables

・Toilet paper, tissues

・Detergent, cleaning supplies

Since everything is already in place, foreigners can start living immediately with just a suitcase, without having to figure out what to buy or install.

FAQ: Using Washing Machines & Toilets in Japan

Q1. Are instructions available in English?

Some apartments provide manuals, but many machines only have Japanese labels. A simple guide like this can help you understand most machines.

Q2. Can I use foreign detergent?

Yes, but Japanese detergent is low-suds and designed for local machines. It works better and is recommended.

Q3. Do Japanese washing machines have a drying function?

Most standard top-loader machines do not dry.
Some high-end models (ドラム式) include drying, but they are less common.

Q4. Are public toilets in Japan easy to use?

Yes. Even high-tech models always have a Stop (止) button, and basic functions are intuitive once you know the icons.

Q5. What if I break something in a rented apartment?

Report it immediately. Most furnished apartments expect normal usage, but intentional or severe damage may incur fees.

Live Comfortably in Nagoya with NAGOYA APARTMENT

If you’re planning to stay in Nagoya, choosing a place with fully-equipped appliances and easy-to-use facilities can make a huge difference.

NAGOYA APARTMENT offers:

・Fully furnished units with washing machines, kitchen appliances, and essential amenities

・Daily necessities like towels, tableware, and cleaning supplies

・Convenient locations within 10 minutes by train or 30 minutes by car from Nagoya Station

・Properties in Chikusa, Imaike, Ozone, Nagoya Station area, Kasadera, Osu, Ikeshita

For stays of 31 nights or more, NAGOYA APARTMENT can be used as a monthly apartment with:

・No key money

・No security deposit

・Move-in-ready rooms

If you want a smooth start to life in Japan—without struggling with appliances or buying everything yourself—
NAGOYA APARTMENT is the ideal choice for your stay in Nagoya.