Fix for cold water only at Japanese hotel shower/bathtub

Fix for cold water in Japanese hotel showers: a simple panel check

While traveling in Japan, two hotels left us with cold water instead of warm or hot showers. In both cases, the digital control panels looked similar, but the solution turned out to be surprisingly straightforward once identified.

The key issue: a button labeled 優先 (priority) was accidentally pressed, which disables heating. Turning this button off and back on again restored warmth. Note that 優先 means “priority” and indicates which settings the system should prioritize. Ensure this button is in the ON position to get warm or hot water.

Additionally, verify that 運転 (power) is also ON.

What to do if your shower or bath lacks heat:
– Look for a button labeled 優先 on the panel. Toggle it off and then back on.
– Confirm that 運転 (power) is turned on.
– If the panel layout differs, search for the same two characters: 優先 and 運転, as they control the priority setting and the power state, respectively.

Tip: Digital controls in Japanese hotels can vary in layout, but these two controls are commonly present and critical for getting hot water. If you’re still not seeing heat after adjusting these, consider asking hotel staff for assistance, and reference these terms so they understand the issue quickly.