Last verified: September 7, 2026. Facilities can close temporarily for cleaning or maintenance; use the official map for live planning.
THE TOKYO TOILET transformed 17 public toilets across Shibuya into carefully designed civic spaces. Sixteen architects and creators contributed to the project, including Tadao Ando, Shigeru Ban, Kengo Kuma and Fumihiko Maki. The result is not a single attraction but a network that can turn an ordinary walk through western Tokyo into a compact architecture tour.
Quick planning facts
| Question | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| How many locations? | 17, all in Shibuya City. |
| How long? | About 90 minutes for a focused cluster; half a day to see many locations without rushing. |
| Cost | The public facilities are free to use. |
| Best approach | Choose an east or west cluster from the official map instead of trying to see all 17 at once. |
| Accessibility | Accessibility was a central project goal, but individual layouts and temporary conditions vary. |
A sensible self-guided route
For a first visit, begin around Yoyogi Park and Harajuku, where several locations sit within a walkable area. Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park and Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park contain Shigeru Ban’s well-known glass designs; Jingu-Dori Park has Tadao Ando’s circular structure. Continue only as far as your wider Tokyo plan allows.
A second cluster around Ebisu works better for travelers already visiting the southern part of Shibuya. The official project map is the reliable planning tool because it shows all locations and designers without forcing you into a long cross-city route.
What makes the project significant
The Nippon Foundation created the project to challenge the idea that public toilets are dark, dirty or unsafe. The designs address visibility, accessibility and comfort in different ways. The completed network was transferred to Shibuya City on April 1, 2024, which now manages the facilities as public infrastructure.
The buildings are also associated with Wim Wenders’s film Perfect Days, but they remain working toilets first. Their everyday purpose is precisely what makes the project interesting.
Etiquette while visiting
- Wait outside if a facility is occupied; do not test privacy features while someone is inside.
- Avoid photographing users, cleaners or children.
- Keep tripods and groups away from entrances and accessible routes.
- Leave promptly after looking so the facility remains available.
- Expect temporary cleaning closures and move to the next location without interfering with staff.
Pair the walk with nearby Tokyo stops
For another small piece of urban design and history, see Kilometer Zero at Nihonbashi. Families can also compare this design walk with the hands-on stops in Hidden Gems in Japan With Kids.