Toilets n Buckets

So how challenging was it , picking  one of our bucket list tours to  fabulous Japan , when to travel ,which duration , which cabin, and when ?, but the last thing you thought might be a challenge is how to operate the toilets !

Of course ,the world leader in confusing toilets is Japan, with an array of functions that makes the modern remote seem simple.I have never actually been asked by a customer about this before  they booked ,but had lots of great feedback after they come back, the cruise, tour and the toilets ! But why even cruise Japan in the first place ? I am sure many people have heard that it is expensive, but cruising is a great way to side step some of the costs and still enjoy the local culture and food .                                                                             

The efficient and  polite manner of all kinds of service culture is also a draw ,in November 2017 some customers were aghast at the announcement and sincere apology from the train operator because the bullet train was early by 20 seconds ! , but lets get back to the Toilets.                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Firstly, don’t worry, let’s first know how to ask ,where is the bathroom ?.  Try using  Otearai   , the general word for bathroom or toilet , that should get you to the door. Ladies ,if you are in a fabulous restaurant or even being served by your robot waiter you can ask for Keshooshitsu which is a more elegant word for powder room.(Easy to remember if have the fluffy Japanese canine !).

To begin,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     On many toilets the lid opens automatically to greet you !                                                                                                                                            The  hand sign means  flush melodic sounds for about 25 seconds -this produces a flushing sound to mask your blushes (the Japanese   Goverment found too much water was being used by using the actual flush when not needed)                                                                                Bidet style or Butt wash ?, these symbols will be self explanatory, just do not be alarmed when an arm (not a real one, you are not in a   Japanese game show) automatically slides out and dispenses a flow of water                                                                                                       Look around for the controls ! they could be wall mounted, remote control or a touch screen device but there will be something.   Massage and heat functions are also optional.

If in doubt leave everything, just find the flush button or sensor,and exit.

On our special escorted tours ,you can expect from our Tour Guides and National Escorts –  

• A minimum of five years experience in guiding
• Are fluent in English
• Are born and raised in the local area making them unparalleled experts
• Go through rigorous and ongoing training programmes
• Are at your service 24 hours a day

So whether its a bathroom conundrum or a problem with the latest technology,you are covered.

Check out all our fabulous Japan itineraries At Cruise .co.uk

https://www.cruise.co.uk/holidays/tailor-made-asia-and-the-orient/