Male using change tables in female restrooms in Japan

4/19/2016 5:27:55 PM

It is quite rare these days (even inside trains) for the changing tables to be in the women’s section, usually they will be somewhere in between the two sections, or inside the separate large restroom with the wheelchair icon (yes, you can use it too).

If you do encounter such a case, though, it’s not different than elsewhere. An apology (shitsurei itashimasu) and a bow are usually de rigueur, but as a foreigner you could dispense with them. When leaving, do the same but in the past sense (shitsurei itashimashita).

Try as I may, I cannot find a single Japanese news report of it ever causing a problem (and, in particular, subtantiating any of the stories found on obscure forums such as this one). This Q&A thread on the website of the Yomiuri advises to only do it as a last resort, and even then only after obtaining the staff’s permission, which I suppose seems reasonable. You can copy the following on your phone or print it or whatever:

息子（娘）のおむつ交換が必要ですが、どこで交換できますか。

My son (daughter) needs a diaper change; where can I do it?

In virtually any reasonably modern place, you will be accompanied to the multipurpose room (多目的室) you had not noticed.

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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