Japanese toilets have a near-legendary reputation: a warm seat, a perfectly aimed warm-water wash, a dryer, a deodoriser and a lid that opens as you walk in. If you have wondered whether you can have that experience in an Australian bathroom — and what it actually costs — this guide explains how Japanese and smart toilets work, the features to look for, and how The Bidet Shop's locally certified range delivers the same comfort, the right way for Australia.
What Is a Japanese Toilet?
"Japanese toilet" is the everyday name for a toilet with built-in washing and comfort features — popularised in Japan, where they are standard in most homes. Rather than relying on paper, it cleans you with a stream of warm water and adds conveniences like a heated seat, warm-air drying and automatic functions.
Washlet vs Smart Toilet: Clearing Up the Terms
You will hear several names for similar things. Here is what they actually mean:
Washlet / Bidet Seat
A powered seat that adds washing, drying and comfort to your existing toilet. This is the popular, affordable path to the Japanese-toilet experience.
- Keeps your current toilet pan
- Warm-water wash, heated seat, dryer
- Remote control with adjustable settings
- From around $890 — wide price range
- Faster installation, lower total cost
Smart Toilet Suite
A complete integrated unit — the bowl and all smart features built together. The seamless, premium version of the Japanese-toilet experience.
- Replaces the whole toilet
- Auto lid, foot-sensor flush, 30+ features
- Sleek one-piece design — no visible add-ons
- From around $3,490
- Best for renovations and new builds
How Japanese & Smart Toilets Work
The toilet connects to your existing clean-water supply line and to a nearby power point. Electricity warms the wash water, heats the seat and runs the dryer. A wireless remote or control panel lets you adjust water pressure, temperature and nozzle position, and switch between posterior and feminine wash settings. Premium models add motion sensors that open the lid, flush automatically and run a deodoriser — all completely hands-free.
Key Features of a Japanese-Style Toilet
Warm-Water Washing
The core feature — an adjustable, soothing stream of warm water that cleans far more thoroughly and gently than paper. Better models include oscillating and pulsing modes, plus a dedicated feminine wash.
Heated Seat & Warm-Air Dryer
A heated seat takes the chill off cold mornings, while the built-in warm-air dryer lets you finish with little or no toilet paper. Both are standard on mid-range and luxury models.
Deodoriser
A carbon filter draws air from the bowl and neutralises odours at the source — quietly and automatically after every use. The carbon element typically lasts up to seven years before replacing.
Self-Cleaning Nozzles
Retractable nozzles rinse themselves before and after each use. You never need to clean them manually — the bidet maintains its own hygiene standards automatically.
Automatic & Touchless Functions
This is where Japanese-style toilets feel futuristic — and the features most closely associated with the experience.
Auto Open / Close Lid
A sensor detects your approach and opens the lid automatically, closing it again when you leave. The Throne Smart Bidet Toilet Suite includes this as standard. Smart models also need a constant power supply for sensors to function — factor in a power point beside the toilet.
Foot-Sensor & Auto Flush
Touchless flushing — a wave of the hand or a tap of the foot — keeps the experience hygienic and hands-free. The Throne suite features foot-sensor flushing as part of its 30+ smart features, along with an IPX4 water-resistance rating for safe bathroom use.
Can You Get Japanese Toilets in Australia?
Yes — and this is where it matters to buy the right one. Japanese-market units are built for Japan's 100-volt power supply and are typically not WaterMark certified for Australian plumbing. Importing and installing one can make it non-compliant, difficult or impossible to service, and a safety risk.
Two Ways to Get the Japanese-Toilet Experience
There are two fully compliant paths — one for every budget:
Japanese & Smart Toilet Options at The Bidet Shop
Full Smart Toilet Suites
Throne
Throne Smart Bidet Toilet Suite
The complete Japanese-toilet experience built for Australia. Over 30 smart features including foot-sensor flushing, automatic open/close lid, adjustable warm-water wash, heated seat, warm-air dryer and IPX4 waterproofing. Available in white and black.
From $3,490 $4,490
Save $1,000 — verify current price before publishing
Washlet-Style Bidet Seats
All four seats below deliver the core Japanese-toilet features — warm-water wash, heated seat and drying — on your existing toilet pan, at a much lower price point.
Remote-controlled warm wash, heated seat & dryer — popular mid-range choice
World's thinnest bidet seat — instant warm water, remote, ultra-slim profile
Posterior & feminine wash, warm-air dryer, heated seat — NDIS & DVA eligible
Premium InteliSeries seat — full feature set at a mid-range price
ⓘ Prices approximate — verify against live product pages before publishing.
🛒 Browse Full Range 🎯 Bidet Picker Tool
Are Japanese Toilets Suitable for Australian Bathrooms?
Power, Water & Voltage
Australian-certified models are built for Australia's 230-volt supply and connect to standard toilet water lines — so they fit the vast majority of bathrooms. The main practical consideration is the power point: many older Australian bathrooms don't have one beside the toilet. Plan for a licensed electrician to install a safe, RCD-protected outlet if needed before purchasing.
Installation & Australian Compliance
Because a Japanese or smart toilet connects to your drinking-water supply, installation is governed by Australian plumbing law.
Every product in The Bidet Shop's range is WaterMark certified to WMTS-051:2021 (Lic. No. 20094). Your licensed plumber will confirm via the WaterMark Product Database whether your chosen model includes integral backflow protection or requires an external RPZD device. Where an RPZD is installed, it must be tested annually by a licensed plumber.
How Much Do Japanese & Smart Toilets Cost?
| Option | From (approx.) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Entry washlet-style seat | ~$890 | Warm wash, heated seat — basic Japanese-toilet features |
| Mid-range washlet seat | ~$1,290 | Remote, heated seat, warm-air dryer, adjustable nozzle |
| Luxury washlet seat | ~$1,890 | Full feature set — premium wash, deodoriser, soft-close, night light |
| Throne Smart Toilet Suite | ~$3,490 | Complete integrated smart toilet — 30+ features, all-in-one design |
| KING / PRINCE Throne (flagship) | ~$4,890–$5,290 | Top-of-range smart toilet suite — maximum features and premium styling |
| Licensed plumber (installation) | Call-out fee | Required for all models — water connection & compliance certificate |
| Licensed electrician (if needed) | Additional cost | Required if no RCD-protected power point exists beside toilet |
| Annual RPZD testing (if applicable) | Annual cost | Only where an external backflow device is required |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy Japanese toilets in Australia?
Yes — but buy a model made and WaterMark certified for Australia. Grey-import units from Japan are built for 100-volt power (Australia runs on 230 volts), are typically not WaterMark certified, and can be illegal to connect to Australian plumbing. The Bidet Shop's entire range is Australian-certified and voltage-compatible.
Do Japanese toilets work with Australian plumbing?
Australian-certified models connect to standard toilet water supply lines and fit most bathrooms without modification. They must be installed with the correct backflow protection to meet the National Construction Code (NCC Volume Three) — your licensed plumber handles this during installation.
Can I install a Japanese toilet myself?
No. The water connection must be done by a licensed plumber with proper backflow prevention, and any new or altered power point by a licensed electrician. DIY plumbed-in installation is illegal in every Australian state and territory and can void your home insurance. The Bidet Shop can refer you to local licensed installers — call 1300 243 387.
What's the difference between a washlet and a smart toilet?
A washlet (or bidet seat) replaces only the seat on your existing toilet — keeping your current pan, adding warm-water washing, a heated seat and a dryer at a much lower cost. A smart toilet is a complete integrated unit where the bowl and bidet are built as one. Both deliver the Japanese-toilet experience; the difference is whether you replace just the seat or the whole toilet.
The Bottom Line
A Japanese or smart toilet brings warm-water washing, a heated seat, hands-free drying and touchless convenience to your bathroom — and you can have the full experience in Australia with the right, locally certified product. Whether you choose a washlet-style bidet seat or the Throne Smart Bidet Toilet Suite, The Bidet Shop's range is WaterMark certified to WMTS-051:2021 and backed by an in-house Australian support and install team.
Experience the Japanese Toilet — the Australian Way
WaterMark certified, dispatched within 24 hours from our own Australian warehouse.