Imagine this: You’re in Tokyo, exploring temples and cherry blossoms, when you stumble upon a new, exciting experience – a tour of the city’s public toilets! It might sound strange, but it’s quickly becoming a must-do for visitors, especially those who appreciate the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.
The Tokyo Toilet Shuttle is a two-hour tour that whisks you through Shibuya’s most innovative public restrooms. These aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill toilets, though. They’re artistic masterpieces, designed by renowned architects and designers, each with a distinct theme and style.
Penelope Panczuk, a traveler from France, was inspired to take the tour after watching “Perfect Days,” a movie about a toilet cleaner in Shibuya. She was initially hesitant about using public restrooms, but the Tokyo Toilet Shuttle changed her mind.
“In other countries, I wouldn’t even consider using public toilets,” she admitted. “But in Tokyo, they’re so clean, safe, and unique! It’s like discovering a new treasure with every toilet I visit!”
The Rise of Japan’s Toilet Tech
The Tokyo Toilet Shuttle is a testament to Japan’s fascination with toilet technology. Japanese toilets are world-famous for their advanced features, like heated seats, cleansing sprays, and even music.
They’ve become so popular that they’ve even made their way into popular culture! The animated comedy “South Park” dedicated an entire episode to Japanese toilets, and rapper DJ Khaled even received a set of four TOTO bowls as a gift from Drake.
This isn’t just a fad, either. The Tokyo Toilet Project, a non-profit initiative launched in 2020, aimed to improve the accessibility and design of public toilets in Shibuya. Renowned architect Tadao Ando, a Pritzker Prize winner, was among the creators recruited for this ambitious project.
A New Way to Experience Shibuya
The Tokyo Toilet Project wasn’t initially intended as a tourist attraction. But Shibuya’s government recognized the potential of the project to draw visitors away from the bustling Scramble crossing and explore the district’s hidden gems.
Yumiko Nishi, a tourist association manager for Shibuya ward, explains, “The tour is a fantastic way to experience the less-visited parts of Shibuya. You get to see the whole district while enjoying the unique charm of each toilet.”
The shuttle tour, which costs 4,950 yen (approximately $32.76), takes visitors to nine toilets, each with its own unique features. From toilets with transparent walls that become opaque when someone enters to those that respond to voice commands, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Takao Karino, a visitor from Osaka, was blown away by the tour. He particularly loved the toilet designed by British designer Miles Pennington, which features a wide, vaulted entranceway.
“There’s nothing else like it in Japan,” Karino, 69, remarked. “It’s unusual, unique, and honestly brilliant.”
The Tokyo Toilet Shuttle is a unique and entertaining way to see a different side of Tokyo. It’s a testament to the city’s dedication to innovation, artistry, and making public spaces comfortable and accessible for everyone. So, the next time you’re in Tokyo, consider adding this quirky tour to your itinerary!
