top of page
FAQ - Chabad Kyoto
🥘 Chabad Meals🍽 Kosher Food in Japan🕍 Shabbat in Kyoto🏨 Lodging & Shabbat Options🧳KosherTravel🛁 Mikvah🍷 Passover in Kyoto🎉 Holidays in Kyoto
Chabad Kyoto is located here. Below is a list of hotels in the area.👉 For a list of hotels within walking distance of Chabad House: www.chabadkyoto.com/hotels📌 You can also search for Airbnb apartments in the 606-8335 postal code area.⚠️ The hotel list is based solely on proximity to Chabad House and does not constitute a recommendation of the hotels.⚠️ We are not aware of any hotel that is fully suitable for Shabbat observance. See the question: "How do I manage Shabbat in hotels and apartments in Japan?"Important to know:Some hotels in Japan only open reservations 3–6 months in advance. As a result, it may appear that all rooms are fully booked, when in fact reservations have not yet opened.During busy periods, such as the cherry blossom season, autumn foliage season, Japanese holidays, and school trip seasons, demand for accommodation in the area is especially high. We therefore recommend booking as early as possible
Most hotels and residential buildings in Japan are not designed with Shabbat observance in mind, so it is recommended to check the facilities in advance and plan accordingly.📌 Things to look out for:🛗 Elevators and StairsThere are no Shabbat elevators in hotels.In many hotels, stairwells are intended for emergency use only, and access may be restricted.It is recommended to check with the hotel before booking whether the stairs may be used during Shabbat.🚽 Japanese ToiletsMost toilets in Japan are equipped with various sensors, such as heated seats, automatic ventilation, automatic lid opening, and automatic flushing.📌 It is recommended to disconnect the toilet from the electricity before Shabbat to avoid activating these sensors during use.After disconnecting the power, most models can still be flushed using a manual lever (see attached image). If this is not available, the toilet can usually be flushed by pouring water from a bucket. 📌 See also: 🚽 How do I use Japanese toilets on Shabbat?🔥 Hot Water⚠️ Important: In most hotels and apartments in Japan, hot water is heated by a gas system that ignites automatically when the hot water tap is opened.Therefore, on Shabbat, make sure to open the faucet only when it is set to cold water, so that the heating system is not activated.🚪 Automatic DoorsMany hotels have automatic sliding doors at the entrance.📌 Please take this into account when planning your stay for Shabbat. It is generally possible to enter after a non-Jew.🔑 Room Entry (Electronic Key Card)Most hotels use electronic key cards rather than physical keys to unlock guest rooms.In these cases, most hotels do not have a built-in Shabbat solution.Practical options may include leaving the room unlocked (Japan is considered a very safe country) and storing valuables in the hotel safe.It is also sometimes possible to keep the door latch in the open position using simple methods that do not damage the door. (🛠️ Small magnets or electrical tape can be purchased at nearby 100-yen stores and used carefully to hold the latch open. Each door should be evaluated individually.)🏠 Airbnb ApartmentsIn some apartment buildings, entry is through a keypad or an electronic entry system.📌 It is recommended to check in advance how to enter both the building and the apartment before making your reservation.⚠️ As a general rule, the newer, more luxurious, and more technologically advanced a hotel is, the more likely it is to have sensors and automated systems that can make Shabbat observance more challenging.
Most hotel rooms in Japan are equipped with smart toilets that include various sensors, such as heated seats, automatic lid opening, automatic flushing, and ventilation.📌 It is recommended to unplug the toilet before Shabbat to prevent the sensors from being activated during use.📌 After unplugging the toilet, most models can be flushed manually using a mechanical emergency mechanism (see the guide below). If this is not possible, the toilet can usually be flushed by pouring a bucket of water into the bowl.📌 If the toilet cannot be unplugged, do not sit on the toilet seat, since in most models sitting on the seat activates sensors.🎥 Manual flushing guides for common toilet models in Japan:📌 Before looking for your specific model, we recommend watching this short video explaining the most common manual flushing method used in Japan - watch guide🚽 TOTOZJ / ZR / GGPull the small handle on the right side down for 4 seconds - watch guideNeorest LSManual operation using two hidden emergency rings - watch guideNeorest AS / RSManual operation using the emergency rings behind the left side panel - watch guideNeorest AH / RHManual operation using a mechanical lever/cable behind the left side panel - watch guide🚽 LIXIL (INAX)Preas LS / HSOpen the back-right cover and pull the small plastic lever downward for 5 seconds - watch guideSatis G / SLift the main top cover and turn the internal valve/knob 180 degrees - watch guideGeneral guide for all LIXIL modelsIncludes manual flushing and the bucket method - watch guide🚽 PanasonicAlauno (Manual Dial)Manual operation using a mechanical dial - watch guideAlauno L150 / S160 (Problematic for Shabbat)Operation using a 9V battery and the emergency button - watch guide
bottom of page