Oasis For Riders In Japan

We riders need to rest much more than the fellow drivers, because we are exposed to all sorts of elements. I always try to get as much rest as I could while at the same trying to protect my riding schedule as well.

My choice (as a matter of fact, the choice of most riders in Japan as well) of rest station is the convenience store. For one thing I can get shelter at the convenience store, buy food and most importantly, use the toilet!

The convenience stores do not charge you any fee for using their toilet. There isn't any note that says you have to buy anything from the store after using their toilet, either. However, since a bottle of water is just a dollar, most of the people will choose to buy something out of goodwill after using the toilet. After all, one can't possibly waste a good bottle of water, can he?

Let me show you how it works. First you walk into the store. The toilet is always at the back of the store with an entrance that looks somewhat like this.

You open the door and this is what you are going to see. A basin with soap and air dryer (sometimes paper towel). The toilet is actually located on the left inside the door. This is to separate the users who really need the toilet from those who only needs to splash their faces or wash their hands.

So you enter the toilet. And this is what greets you. It is definitely clean and most of it comes with a wash-let. Meaning it is the kind of toilet that washes your backside after you are done with your business. No toilet paper is needed. (and some of them has an air dryer as well!!)

Convenience store is really a heaven for fellow riders. I even have a charge card issued by 7-11 so that i can buy stuff in the store cash-less. (of course I have to charge up the card prior to any purchase)

So, where do you find shelter on your way? Do leave your comment! :-)

Cheers.