Do I need to bring toilet paper to Japan?

Although the situation has improved dramatically in recent decades, toilet paper is not always provided in public washrooms, in which case it can be useful to carry a small package of tissues with you. Similarly, because paper towels or dryers are not always provided, it is recommended to carry a handkerchief.



No, you do not need to bring your own toilet paper to Japan. In 2026, Japan remains world-renowned for its exceptionally clean and high-tech public restrooms. Almost every toilet—from those in high-end department stores and train stations to small convenience stores like 7-Eleven—is equipped with a "washlet" (bidet) system featuring heated seats, adjustable water sprays, and drying functions. Standard toilet paper is always provided for free and is designed to be flushed directly down the toilet, as Japan has a very advanced sewage system. In fact, carrying your own paper might be counterproductive, as thick, non-dissolvable tissues from other countries can cause clogs. The only rare exception might be in very remote hiking trails or ancient temples in rural areas where "squat toilets" are still used, but even then, most provide paper or have a small vending machine nearby for pocket tissues.

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The most advanced washlets can mix the water jet with soap for an improved cleaning process. The washlet can replace toilet paper completely, but many users opt to use both wash and paper in combination—although use of paper may be omitted for cleaning of the vulva.

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Almost all toilets in Japan are well maintained and kept spotlessly clean to ensure the utmost comfort for all travelers to Japan. On the whole, toilets are free to use and toilet paper is always provided.

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Yes, drinking water from taps in Japan is safe. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water in Japan. Metro train stations have public water fountains, but otherwise these can be hard to find (this is the land of vending machines after all).

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No one knows the reason why, but seem to guess that it's to save money in the public restrooms (both the cost of soap and of water). And a lot of Japanese homes have (or used to have) the toilets with the faucet on top and (for some reason) you wouldn't want the hand soap to run back into the tank.

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The modern bidet seats even have drying options. If you press the 'Dry' button, provided there is one, the air dryer will dry the area. If you are using the traditional bidet, you can dry using toilet paper or a towel. In most public toilets with bidets, towels are provided on a ring next to it.

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Bringing a small towel and toiletries to thoroughly clean yourself beforehand is recommended. “For smaller more traditional onsens, don't get caught out without body wash. If you're not squeaky clean before you go in, you won't be making any friends, and products aren't always provided at the less touristy spots.”

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Thankfully, Japanese hotels offer so many free amenities you can leave most of these at home. Three and four-star accommodations almost always include necessities like razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, and hair dryers. Some might go the extra mile and also have bath salts and facial treatments.

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