· Most trains that have toilets (i.e. all Shinkansen and most Limited Express and sleeper trains), and probably almost major stations, no matter how small, will have Western-style toilets. Directions for finding toilets (in English or by symbol) are found on all Shinkansen trains, as well as on many Limited Express trains. Stations also will generally have signs giving directions. 

· Western toilets, even on trains, may be of the ‘high-tech’ type with many comfortable and practical functions. Although there are usually English directions, users can be advised that a simple ‘flush’ function is always available if it all seems intimidating. Unwittingly pressing ‘bidet’ can indeed give the user quite a shock! 

· Trains may also have other features that are unusual for foreigners: the men’s urinals in little ‘telephone booth’ size compartments, or wash basins in the corridor rather than in the rest room. Unisex toilets may still be encountered in smaller locales; foreign users may be slightly surprised but ‘stalls’ in Japan are completely private with partitions down to the floor. 

· Train and station staff are helpful about directing tourists to facilities. Confused travelers should never hesitate to ask for help. The English ‘toilet’ and the Japanese ‘toire’ are fairly similar. But it may be better to stick to English if in doubt, since we know of someone who got led far astray by asking for ‘o-tera’ (temple) instead of ‘o-tearai’ (lavatory)! Being a relatively crime-free society, Japan is quite free about letting people use toilets in hotels, restaurants, department stores etc.