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According to Reuters, after watching the film Perfect Day, which tells the story of a toilet cleaner in Shibuya district (Tokyo), many tourists decided to explore the city's public restrooms through the Tokyo Toilet Shuttle tour.
From March onwards, public restroom tours were officially launched, marking a significant step in exploring Japanese culture. The depreciation of the yen created a tourism boom in Japan, leading to record-breaking visitor numbers. This also opened up a fantastic opportunity for those who love Japanese culture, giving them a chance to admire and explore the country's unique attractions.
The toilet has transparent walls that change color when a user steps inside (Photo: Reuters).
The Shibuya Tourism Association, in collaboration with NearMe, has launched a tour of 17 uniquely designed public restrooms, which are seen as a new tourism resource (Photo: Reuters).
The restrooms at East Hiroo Park can change the color of their lights throughout the day with 7.9 billion lighting patterns (Photo: Reuters).
The public toilet project was launched in 2020 by the non-profit organization The Nippon Foundation with the goal of eliminating the negative image of public toilets in Japan – an image of them being dirty, smelly, and dark.
Supported by leading innovators, including Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando, the project focused on improving the accessibility and artistry of these structures. With the participation of Ando and many other outstanding designers, 17 public restrooms in Shibuya district were transformed into aesthetically pleasing spaces, attracting the attention of both tourists and locals.
This project is not simply a commercial activity; it also has a higher goal: to improve the experience for the community and tourists. The Shibuya local government has recognized the potential of the project to attract tourists.
Tourists eagerly check in at this unique location (Photo: Reuters)
The 17 structures are divided into two different tours, each offering visitors unique experiences. The East tour includes 9 separate restrooms, while the West tour comprises 8 stops. Among these, one restroom features transparent walls that change color upon entry, and another is operated via voice commands. This highlights the creativity and diversity of the travel experience for visitors in Shibuya.
