Best Japanese Smart Toilets: TOTO NEOREST, LIXIL and More
Which Japanese smart toilets you can actually buy in the US, what sets them apart, where the washlet came from, and how to choose between TOTO NEOREST models and the alternatives.
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For US buyers, a “Japanese smart toilet” in practice means a TOTO NEOREST. TOTO is the Japanese company that popularized the warm-water washlet, and NEOREST is its integrated smart toilet line sold through TOTO USA. Japan’s other big names, LIXIL (INAX) and Panasonic, sell their integrated toilets mainly at home in Japan. LIXIL reaches US buyers through its American Standard and GROHE brands instead.
This guide covers what makes Japanese toilets different, where the idea came from, which NEOREST models TOTO currently lists, and how to choose. It’s based on manufacturer documentation; we have not physically tested these toilets. See our methodology for how we research products.
What makes a Japanese toilet different
A standard American toilet is a ceramic bowl, a tank and a seat. A Japanese-style smart toilet builds the electronics in. The bowl, the bidet seat and the control unit come as one product, and they share one power supply and one water connection.
The defining feature is the warm-water wash. A retractable wand comes out from under the seat, sprays warm water for rear or front cleansing and then retracts. Around that core, Japanese makers have added layers of comfort and hygiene features over several decades:
- Heated seat with adjustable temperature.
- Warm-air dryer that follows the wash.
- Automatic lid that opens as you approach and closes when you leave.
- Automatic flush after you stand up, usually with a manual backup.
- Bowl pre-mist, which wets the bowl before use so waste is less likely to stick.
- Deodorizer that draws air from the bowl through a filter or catalyst.
- Self-cleaning wand that rinses itself before and after each use.
- Remote control with memory settings for several users.
The other big difference is attitude. In Japan, warm-water washing is mainstream, so manufacturers compete on hygiene details such as glazes, sterilizing water and lighting rather than on whether to include a bidet at all. Each of these functions works much the same way whether it sits in a seat or a complete toilet.
A short history of the washlet
Japan didn’t invent the bidet, but it turned the electric bidet seat into an everyday household product. Here is the timeline as the manufacturers themselves tell it.
INAX and the first Japanese shower toilet (1967)
LIXIL’s corporate history lists 1967 as the year INAX launched the first made-in-Japan shower toilet. INAX later merged with TOSTEM and other companies, and LIXIL Corporation was established in 2011. LIXIL’s timeline also notes that American Standard Brands in the US became a LIXIL subsidiary in 2013, and that GROHE became a consolidated subsidiary in 2015.
TOTO launches the WASHLET (1980)
TOTO, founded in 1917 as Toyo Toki, launched the WASHLET in 1980. TOTO describes it as the start of a new habit: cleaning with warm water instead of relying only on toilet paper. “Washlet” is TOTO’s trademark, but many people now use it as a generic word for any Japanese-style bidet seat.
TOTO USA’s WASHLET timeline lists these milestones:
| Year | Milestone (per TOTO) |
|---|---|
| 1980 | WASHLET launched |
| 1983 | Self-cleaning wand introduced, cleaning before and after each use |
| 1986 | WASHLET sales begin in the US |
| 1987 | The Queen becomes the first WASHLET integrated toilet |
| 1993 | NEOREST EX launches as TOTO’s first tankless toilet design |
| 2011 | EWATER+ developed for the wand |
| 2017 | NEOREST NX introduced as the global flagship |
| 2022 | EWATER+ extended to the under-seat area |
| 2025 | 70 million WASHLET units sold worldwide |
Panasonic
Panasonic is the third big Japanese name in electric toilets, and its Alauno tankless toilet is sold in Japan. We couldn’t find Panasonic integrated toilets offered through Panasonic’s US channels, so we don’t cover them as a US buying option here. If you see one imported through a marketplace, check that it is certified for US electrical and plumbing codes and that the warranty applies in the US.
Japanese smart toilets you can buy in the US
TOTO NEOREST
As of November 2026, TOTO USA’s NEOREST page lists seven models: the floor-mounted NX1, NX2, LS, AS and RS, and the wall-hung WX1 and WX2. Several product pages (NX1, AS, RS, WX1 and WX2) carry a “limited inventory” notice saying the product may not be available from all suppliers, so ask a TOTO showroom what is in stock before you plan around a specific model.
Features TOTO lists across the floor-mounted models include:
- Dual flush at 1.0 or 0.8 gallons per flush with TOTO’s TORNADO FLUSH. That’s below the EPA WaterSense threshold of 1.28 gpf.
- EWATER+, which TOTO describes as electrolyzed water made from ordinary tap water. On the NX, LS and AS models it cleans the wand, the bowl and the under-seat area after each use. On the RS, TOTO lists it for the wand and bowl.
- PREMIST bowl misting, auto flush with a manual backup for power outages, and an automatic lid.
- Instantaneous water heater, a warm-air dryer with five temperature settings, a heated seat and an automatic deodorizer.
- CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze, which TOTO says minimizes waste sticking to the bowl surface.
- 120V GFCI outlet required.
Here is how the current models differ, based on TOTO’s product pages and spec sheets:
| Model | Mounting | Flush (gpf) | Notable extras TOTO lists |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEOREST NX2 (MS903CUMFX) | Floor | 1.0 / 0.8 | ACTILIGHT clean light in the lid; TOTO’s top model; elliptical shape |
| NEOREST NX1 (MS902CUMFG) | Floor | 1.0 / 0.8 | Same sculpted NX shape without ACTILIGHT |
| NEOREST LS (MS8732CUMFG) | Floor | 1.0 / 0.8 | Metallic trim options; stick-style remote |
| NEOREST AS (MS8551CUMFG) | Floor | 1.0 / 0.8 | CLEAN LIFT raises the top unit for cleaning underneath |
| NEOREST RS (MS8341CUMFG) | Floor | 1.0 / 0.8 | Block-style remote with illuminated touchpad |
| NEOREST WX1 (CWT9538CEMFG) | Wall-hung | 1.2 / 0.8 | Uses TOTO’s WT175MA in-wall tank system |
| NEOREST WX2 (CWT9548CEMFX) | Wall-hung | 1.2 / 0.8 | ACTILIGHT; WT175MA in-wall tank system |
TOTO’s spec sheets for the NX2 and AS list a 12-inch rough-in, a floor-to-seat height of about 17-1/4 inches, and a three-year limited residential warranty. TOTO describes the NEOREST models as “Universal Height” and ADA compliant. Check the spec sheet for the exact model you choose, because figures can vary from one model to the next.
LIXIL brands in the US: American Standard and GROHE
LIXIL’s INAX brand sells its SATIS shower toilets in Japan and some other markets, but INAX isn’t a US retail brand. US buyers who want LIXIL engineering usually find it under American Standard or GROHE.
For example, grohe.us lists a GROHE Sensia Electronic Bidet Toilet (model 131886SH00). GROHE says it has 1.28 / 0.8 gpf dual flush, dual self-cleaning nozzles, a heated seat, a warm-air dryer, an auto-opening seat, a sensor-controlled auto flush, a deodorizer, an antimicrobial bowl coating and a three-year limited warranty. GROHE itself started as a German brand, so this is a LIXIL product rather than a Japanese-designed one in the traditional sense. Our smart toilet brands guide covers American Standard and the other US options.
Japanese-style toilets from non-Japanese brands
Plenty of non-Japanese companies now build integrated toilets with the same washlet-style features. Kohler is the best known in the US. Its Numi 2.0 (K-30754-PA) is listed on Kohler’s site, and Kohler’s spec sheet describes a stainless steel wand cleaned with UV light and electrolyzed water, a hands-free opening seat and cover, a heated seat, a dryer, and lighting you can set through the KOHLER Konnect app. We compare the two brands in detail in TOTO vs Kohler smart toilets.
What are the most expensive toilets?
We don’t publish prices, because they change often and vary by retailer. But we can say where the top of the market sits. The costliest toilets most homeowners will come across are the flagship integrated smart toilets from the major brands. TOTO names the NEOREST NX2 as the top of its NEOREST line. Kohler’s Numi 2.0 is its most feature-heavy intelligent toilet, with app-controlled lighting on top of the usual bidet features.
Three things push these toilets to the top of the range:
- Electronics. Instant water heaters, sensors, pumps or electric flush valves, and self-sterilizing systems such as EWATER+ or UV light all add cost.
- Design and finishes. Sculpted one-piece shapes, skirted sides, metallic trim and colored finishes cost more to make.
- Installation type. Wall-hung models such as the NEOREST WX add an in-wall tank system and usually need wall work, which adds labor.
Beyond the mass market, you’ll sometimes see headlines about one-off designer or jewel-encrusted toilets. Those are novelty pieces, not products you can order for a home bathroom. If budget matters, check current listings, and read our guides on what a smart toilet costs, and weigh it against what you would actually use.
How to choose a Japanese smart toilet
1. Decide between an integrated toilet and a washlet seat
An integrated toilet like the NEOREST replaces the whole fixture. A washlet seat bolts onto the toilet you already have. Seats cost far less, are easy to swap out later and still give you the warm-water wash, the heated seat and usually a dryer. An integrated toilet adds a seamless look, auto flush and features that depend on the bowl itself, such as bowl misting and bowl-cleaning EWATER+. Our comparison of a bidet toilet vs a bidet seat goes into the trade-offs.
TOTO WASHLET S7A
SW4736 (Contemporary, elongated)
TOTO’s upper-tier WASHLET with an automatic opening and closing lid, instant water heating and EWATER+ cleaning of the wand and bowl.
- Automatic open/close lid
- Instantaneous (tankless) water heating
- EWATER+ and PREMIST bowl pre-mist
- Warm-air dryer with 5 settings; auto deodorizer
- Remote with dock and 4 user memories
Check first: Elongated bowls only; needs an outlet near the toilet.
Researched, not hands-on tested Specs checked against the manufacturer’s page, November 2026.
2. Check your rough-in and space
Rough-in is the distance from the finished wall to the center of the floor drain. Most US homes use 12 inches, which matches the NEOREST spec sheets we checked. If your drain is at 10 or 14 inches, confirm compatibility before you buy anything. Measure the depth available in front of the toilet, too, because integrated toilets are long.
3. Confirm power and water
You need a GFCI-protected 120V outlet within reach of the power cord. TOTO’s AS and NX spec sheets list a cord of about 3.9 feet. You also need adequate water pressure. TOTO lists a minimum flowing pressure on its spec sheets, so check yours if you live in an older home or on a well.
4. Choose floor-mounted or wall-hung
Floor-mounted models replace a standard toilet with little extra work beyond the outlet. Wall-hung models such as the WX1 and WX2 need an in-wall tank system, so they make the most sense during a remodel when the wall is open anyway.
5. Pick the hygiene features you’ll actually use
Self-cleaning extras differ between models. If you want the most automated bowl care, look at models with EWATER+ for the bowl and under-seat area and, on the NX2 and WX2, ACTILIGHT. If you mainly want the wash, dryer and heated seat, a less elaborate model or a washlet seat covers that.
6. Think about accessibility
Auto lids, auto flush and a remote can make toileting easier for people with limited mobility or grip strength. Seat height matters, too. Check the floor-to-seat height on the spec sheet against what the user needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Japanese toilet called?
In everyday speech, a Japanese bidet toilet is often called a “washlet,” after TOTO’s WASHLET brand. Manufacturers also use terms like “smart toilet,” “shower toilet” (LIXIL and GROHE) and “intelligent toilet” (Kohler). They all describe a toilet or seat with a built-in warm-water wash.
Is the TOTO NEOREST sold in the US?
Yes. As of November 2026, TOTO USA lists the NEOREST NX1, NX2, LS, AS, RS, WX1 and WX2. Several of these pages show a limited-inventory notice, so check with a TOTO showroom or authorized retailer for current stock.
Do Japanese smart toilets need special plumbing?
Floor-mounted models generally connect to a standard floor drain and a normal cold-water supply, but they also need a GFCI-protected outlet. Wall-hung models need an in-wall tank system. If you’re unsure about your drain position or wall, ask a licensed plumber.
Is a TOTO WASHLET seat the same as a NEOREST?
No. A WASHLET is a bidet seat that fits an existing toilet. A NEOREST is a complete toilet with the washlet built in, plus bowl-level features such as auto flush and bowl misting. Both give you the warm-water wash.
Can I buy a Panasonic or INAX toilet in the US?
We couldn’t find either sold through the manufacturers’ US channels. Imported units may not carry US certifications or a valid US warranty. LIXIL’s US brands, American Standard and GROHE, are the practical route to LIXIL products.
Next steps
If you’re leaning toward a NEOREST, compare it against the alternatives in our best smart toilets roundup, and confirm your outlet and drain position before you book an electrician or plumber. If a full toilet is more than you need, our best smart toilet seats guide covers washlet-style seats that fit the toilet you already own.
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