Japanese bathrooms are known for their high-tech features, especially the control panels for baths and ventilation. But if you can't read Japanese, using these systems can feel overwhelming. This simple English guide helps you understand the most common buttons—like “Auto Fill,” “Reheat,” and “Ventilation”—so you can enjoy a comfortable bath or shower during your stay in Japan, whether you're a traveler or long-term resident.

There are typically two separate panels in Japanese bathrooms: one for the bath and one for ventilation and drying. While the bath panel controls functions like filling the tub and reheating water, the ventilation panel focuses on drying, heating, and air circulation. This guide covers both panels to help you navigate the controls with ease.

We also have simple English guides for other common home appliances in Japan, including the air conditioner, washlet toilet, and washing machine. If you’re new to Japan or just want to feel more confident using your appliances, be sure to check those out too.

Bathtub Water Heater Panel

Usually located near the bathtub or in the kitchen. Controls water temperature, bath filling, and reheating.

Note: This is a typical example of a Japanese bathroom control panel. Please be aware that the button names and functions may vary depending on the manufacturer and model.

 

優先 Yusen	Priority*	Gives control to this panel only. Other panels (e.g., in kitchen) cannot make changes while this is ON. *For more details, please read further below.
たし湯 Tashiyu	Add Hot Water	Adds more hot water to the bath.
たし水 Tashimizu	Add Cold Water	Adds cold water to adjust temperature.
音量 Onryo	Volume	Adjusts speaker volume for voice guidance.
時計 Tokei	Clock	Sets the internal clock (sometimes used for timers).
呼出 Yobidashi	Call	Sends a call signal (e.g., to the kitchen) to request assistance.
追いだき Oidaki	Reheat	Reheats bathwater to preset temperature.
ふろ自動 Furo Jido	Auto Bath Fill	Automatically fills the bath to your chosen level and temperature.
給湯 Kyutu	Hot Water Supply	Controls hot water supply for sinks/showers.
湯量 Yuryo	(Hot) Water Amount	Sets or shows how much water to use for the bath.
ふろ（風呂） Furo	Bath	Displays current bathwater temperature.
運転 Unten	Power / Start	Turns the bath system ON or OFF.

What is the “Priority” Button?

If the “優先” (Priority) button is ON in the bathroom, you won’t be able to change the hot water temperature from the kitchen panel. This is a safety feature to prevent someone from accidentally increasing the temperature while another person is showering, which could cause burns.

This simple system prevents sudden temperature changes and ensures a safer bath or shower time for everyone in the house.

Bathroom Ventilation / Dryer Panel (浴室乾燥機・換気パネル)

Typically found outside the bathroom door. Manages air flow, drying, and heating.

 

時間設定 Jikan Settei	Timer Setting	Sets operation time (e.g., 0.5 to 8 hours).
乾燥 Kanso	Priority*	Clothes-drying mode using warm air.
涼風 Ryofu	Cool Air	Blows cool air into the bathroom.
暖房 Danbo	Heater	Heats the bathroom – great in winter.
ブロー換気 Buro Kanki	Fan Ventilation	Circulates air while ventilating to help dry the ceiling, walls, and floor faster.
換気 Kanki	Ventilation	Standard air circulation to remove moisture and odors.
点灯: 24時間 Tento: Niju-yojikan Kanki	Lit: 24-hour mode is active	-
点滅: 一時停止 Tenmetsu: Ichiji teishi	Flashing: Paused	-
24時間換気 Niju-yojikan Kanki	24-Hour Ventilation	Keeps fresh air flowing all day – helps prevent mold.
停止 Teishi	Stop	Stops all current operations.
運転切替 Unten Kirikae	Mode Switch	Cycles between modes (drying, ventilation, heating).
リセット Risetto	Reset	Restores default settings.

 

Helpful Reminders

Japanese bathroom control panels often beep or play voice messages in Japanese to confirm your selections—this is completely normal and nothing to worry about. If you're unsure about a button, placing small English labels near the panel can help make daily use easier and more stress-free.