Hi Fellow Ostomates
I just wanted to tell you about my recent two-week hiking and cultural tour of Japan with World Expeditions. I wondered how I would go with my ileostomy, but it was absolutely fine. The flight was pleasant enough, and using the toilet was easy. I took a cup in with me in case I needed to pour some water down the toilet (they only have air in airplane toilets), but with careful placement of toilet paper, I never needed it.
When we landed in Japan, I went to the toilet, and to my absolute joy and delight, I was met with my first Ostomy toilet!!!!! How fantastic, a special toilet for ostomates with everything we need. Why don't we have them in Australia?
Anyway, the hiking was fabulous, and staying in the ryokans, traditional guesthouses, was lovely and so relaxing. Due to Japanese sensibilities, I understood that I was not to use the public onsens, hot baths, but I was able to book time in private onsens on several occasions. The food was delicious, the company friendly, and our guide very funny and knowledgeable. He took special care of my partner and me when I told him about my ileostomy.
Oh, and did I mention the immaculate public toilets every couple of kilometers throughout our journey, some in really remote places with Ostomy facilities?
Japan is not all about toilets, but it's one of the many things that it does very well.
I've just added these photos to show what an ostomy toilet looks like and also the sign on the outside of the toilet to let you know that it is one. The toilet is at waist height and comes complete with mirror, taps and soap. The room is large and has lots of space to put your things on.
