ב"ה

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.