Here’s one for all the parents out there!
We’re travelling to Japan in a few weeks with our toilet training little one, and I’m feeling concerned about the public toilet and toilet seat situation.
We’re using a booster seat at home, and I plan to bring along a portable toilet seat that will fold up so easy to get around with, but it’s unclear whether ours will fit on Japanese toilets.
Are there any go to stores where we can purchase a portable toilet seat in case ours doesn’t fit? I’ve found some on Amazon but they’re no longer available, so looks like buying there might be the only option.
And I see there are public toilets for kids in some places – how widespread are they?
For context, we’re only going to be in Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and probably make a day trip to Nara.
Thanks in advance!
5 comments
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> Are there any go to stores where we can purchase a portable toilet seat in case ours doesn’t fit?
Babysrus is your friend
> And I see there are public toilets for kids in some places
I’ve seen some at shopping malls and the children’s floor at department stores.
Most public toilets in spots like department stores have kid toilet seats you can put over the toilet seat. Not in every stall but there’s usually a couple baby/kid stalls with a baby seat and even sometimes kid size urinals or the smaller kid size toilet. Japan is surprisingly kid friendly.
[Department stores](https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2020/10/baby-tokyo-department-stores-take-your-children/ ) will also be your friend. They have mother/baby rooms where you can breastfeed in privacy as public breastfeeding is not common in Japan. The rooms also have a microwave to warm up bottles/food and baby changing areas and sometimes kid sized toilets. There are usually one or two floors of restaurants on the top floors that are easy to eat at with a wide array of foods and, especially during the day, there will be other diners with small children in many of them. In the basement floors there are awesome food halls where you can get high quality takeaway food to eat at your lodging if you need a midday rest or for dinner. Much better selection than konbini fare. You may find it easier (and a bit cheaper) to have your main/large/nicest meal at lunch too. After lunch, if you’re lucky, your toddler may nap in the stroller so you can explore a bit.
Even if your 4 year old doesn’t use a stroller at home much, still best to bring a lightweight umbrella/fold up type so when they do get tired they can sit in the stroller and you don’t have to carry a heavy 4 year old around.
I would plan your potty break accordingly. Finding a public restroom is not as easy as.you’d think.