9-[Tips for campervan travel] The camper’s toilet

Tips for Camping Car Travel from Expert Taishi Kawanami/川南　大士

Here’s some information about campervan toilets.

１．Toilets in Japan

Japanese restrooms are characterized by world-class cleanliness, advanced features such as heated toilet seats (Washlets), seat warmers, automatic flushing, and sound-masking devices (Otohime), as well as meticulous cleaning based on the spirit of “omotenashi” (hospitality). They are found everywhere—at airports, train stations, convenience stores, and parks—providing users with a comfortable environment.

There are several main reasons why restrooms in Japan are generally free to use:

The Culture of “Omotenashi” and the Sharing of Clean Spaces
In Japan, there is a widespread belief that clean restrooms are a “public asset” and should be accessible to everyone for comfortable use. Restrooms are not merely places for relieving oneself; they are highly valued as spaces for freshening up and taking a break, and this concept of “shared cleanliness” is deeply ingrained in Japanese daily life

Responsibility as a Public Service
It is common for stations, parks, and other facilities to bear the cost of maintenance and provide these services to the public. In particular, in areas where competition among facilities is fierce or in public spaces, free, clean restrooms serve as a key factor in attracting customers.

Voluntary Etiquette
Japanese people have a strong sense of etiquette, believing in “keeping things clean for the next person,” which helps keep the costs of maintaining clean restrooms low. This creates a virtuous cycle where cleanliness can be maintained without charging a fee.

Belief in the “God of the Toilet”
In Japan, there is a tradition passed down from grandparents that there is a god of the toilet. The long-held belief that keeping the toilet clean brings good luck and financial prosperity serves as a spiritual pillar for maintaining and beautifying restrooms.

Tips for Cleaning Toilets: The key to improving one’s luck is not to clean out of a greedy desire for “good things to happen if I keep it clean,” but rather to clean with a sense of gratitude.

Against this backdrop, a culture has developed in Japan where “free public restrooms are the norm.”

　

　　

２．Camper Van Toilets and How to Use Them

We offer two types of toilets.

・Portable Toilet (Simple Type) – Compatible Models (CORDE Bunks, Sieben, Anthony)

A removable, foldable toilet can be installed in the vehicle’s “multi-room” space.

It can be assembled when in use and folded away when not in use, making it easy to save space.

・Built-in Toilet – Compatible Vehicle (LIBERTY 52DB)

A fixed toilet is installed in the toilet room.

　

The procedure for using the restroom at our company is as follows:

１，Lift the toilet seat cover and place a black waste bag in the toilet bowl.

　

２、After using the toilet, sprinkle one packet of solidifier directly into the black bag.

　

３、Please tie up the black bag and dispose of it with burnable trash.

　

Please use the restroom as described above so that all guests can enjoy it in a clean condition.

　

Traveling through Hokkaido in a campervan, you’ll always find restrooms at accommodations such as campgrounds, RV parks, and roadside stations.

As mentioned above, restrooms are also available for free at convenience stores, supermarkets, and various tourist facilities, so you’ll almost never have trouble finding a restroom while in Japan.

Unlike in many other countries, there are very few places where you have to pay to use the restroom or buy your own toilet paper.

Therefore, it’s best to think of the campervan’s toilet as an emergency option for small children or the elderly.

May the toilet gods be with you!

　

　

Hokkaido Campervan Rental

“with DO CAMPER”

Campervan Travel Expert Taishi Kawaminami/川南　大士