Why Public Toilets in Japan Are Tidier Than Our Guest Bathrooms

It might sound odd, but some of the cleanest, most well-organised places I visited in Japan were the public toilets. Yes, public. In stations, restaurants, convenience stores – even in the middle of nowhere – they were consistently clean, thoughtfully designed and never, ever chaotic.

Meanwhile, back home, I’ve seen guest bathrooms that are… let’s say, less inspiring. Overflowing bins. Half-used toiletries shoved in the corner. Toilet paper balancing precariously. You get the picture.

Now, I’m not here to shame anyone. But I do think there’s something to be said about the Japanese approach to bathrooms – and how we can apply their quiet genius to our own guest loos, powder rooms and shared bathrooms.

Clean isn’t just for special occasions

In Japan, cleanliness isn’t a one-off thing. It’s built into daily life. Public toilets are cleaned constantly, and even the design of the space helps keep things neat. There are bins everywhere, signs to guide you, and tools (like toilet seat cleaners or sanitising sprays) that encourage people to clean up after themselves.

There’s no sense of “we’ll tidy this when someone important visits.” It’s always kept clean, out of respect for everyone who uses it – including strangers.

Now, compare that to how we often treat guest bathrooms: barely used, rarely cleaned until someone’s coming over, and usually packed with products we don’t actually use but can’t bring ourselves to throw away.

What if we shifted our mindset to treat our bathrooms as spaces of daily respect – not occasional panic cleans?

Design helps cleanliness

Japanese restrooms are laid out in a way that naturally supports tidiness. Surfaces are smooth and easy to wipe. Storage is hidden but accessible. Everything is compact, clear and considered.

In our homes, bathroom clutter often comes down to poor layout. No bins. No proper storage for spare toilet paper. Too many toiletries and nowhere to keep them.

Here’s what you can borrow from Japanese design, even in a small space:

• Clear surfaces – keep only the essentials on show

• Closed storage – use lidded baskets or cupboards for backups and extras

• Hooks and shelves – give everything a home, including hand towels and air fresheners

• A proper bin – with a lid, emptied regularly (it makes such a difference)

You don’t need a full remodel – just a little strategic organising.

Less is more (yes, even in the loo)

I remember using a toilet in a Kyoto café where there were two perfectly folded towels, a discreet box of tissues, and a single bottle of hand soap. That was it. But it felt luxurious.

Meanwhile, some bathrooms I’ve seen back home are filled with half-used hotel minis, mystery lotions, and way too many cleaning products shoved under the sink.

Decluttering your guest bathroom doesn’t take long. Try this:

• Remove any products you haven’t used in the last 3 months

• Keep just one hand soap, one air freshener, and a clean towel out

• Store extra toiletries elsewhere – this space isn’t your backup shelf

You want it to feel intentional, not like a jumble sale.

The small hospitality touches

The Japanese are masters of thoughtful hospitality. Even public toilets have little touches to make guests feel cared for – whether that’s a sound machine for privacy, a heated toilet seat, or a sanitising wipe.

Now, I’m not suggesting you install a bidet and sound system (unless you want to – and honestly, go for it). But you can add a few touches that make your guest bathroom feel calm and welcoming:

• A reed diffuser or subtle candle

• A hand towel that’s clean and folded

• A spare roll of toilet paper in clear sight

• A small sign that says “Welcome” or just a gentle reminder to wash hands

These details don’t cost much, but they transform the space from purely functional to quietly lovely.

Maintenance is everything

Here’s the real difference: Japanese toilets stay clean because they’re cleaned regularly. Not just when something spills. It’s part of the routine.

If you want to keep your guest bathroom guest-ready all the time, don’t wait for a visit to clean it. Add a quick 2-minute tidy into your weekly rhythm. Wipe the sink. Change the towel. Empty the bin. That’s it.

Doing little and often means you never have to do the dreaded deep-clean again.

Final thoughts

I never thought I’d come home from Japan with a new appreciation for toilets, but here we are. Their public loos reminded me that even the most mundane spaces deserve respect, care and thoughtful design.

Our guest bathrooms might not see daily traffic, but that’s no excuse for clutter or neglect. With a few tweaks – and a bit of inspiration from Japan – you can turn your loo into a space that’s as lovely as it is functional.

And honestly, if a public toilet in a Tokyo train station can stay spotless, surely our guest bathrooms can manage it too?