4. Don’t Expect Western Toilets
If you’re lucky, you may encounter one of those high-tech wonder thrones in Japan, with a control panel of buttons that warm the seat, spray your bits, blow you dry, spritz a scent and play a tune for you. Some even take your blood pressure while you’re waiting. At some point on your trip, however, you’ll probably be faced with a traditional Asian hole-in-the-ground squat toilet. Granted, if you stick to western-style restaurants, hotels and the big cities, you’ll find plenty of familiar seated commodes just like back home. But venture out into smaller towns or more traditional establishments and squat toilets are the norm. Don’t be intimidated. Just bend your knees, straddle and watch your balance as you hunker down to do what comes naturally. Note, toilet paper is rarely provided for you, so always have a pack of tissues in your pocket for this purpose.
