When you think of must-see spots in Tokyo, toilets probably don’t make the list. But in Shibuya, the beating heart of Tokyo’s creativity, something extraordinary is happening. Public restrooms—once stigmatized as dirty or unsafe—have been reimagined as works of art and symbols of inclusivity.
On April 1, 2024, Shibuya City officially embraced THE TOKYO TOILET project, an ambitious initiative transforming 17 public toilets across the ward into architectural landmarks designed by some of the world’s most acclaimed architects.
And yes—you’ll actually want to visit them.
Breaking Stereotypes with Design
Japan is globally admired for its cleanliness, yet public toilets here carried the same stigma as anywhere else: dark, smelly, unwelcoming.
THE TOKYO TOILET project flips that narrative. Its mission: create public spaces that are safe, stylish, inclusive, and accessible—for everyone, regardless of gender, age, or disability.
Sixteen world-renowned architects and designers contributed, making these toilets not just functional, but expressions of creativity, sustainability, and social harmony.
A Design Tour of Shibuya’s Toilets
Here are some highlights worth adding to your Tokyo itinerary:
- Jingu-Dori Park (6-22-8 Jingumae)
👤 Designer: Tadao Ando
🗓️ Opened: Sept. 7, 2020
✨ Minimalist calm: Ando’s clean lines and serene space turn a basic stop into a zen retreat. - Yoyogi-Hachiman (5-1-2 Yoyogi)
👤 Designer: Toyo Ito
🗓️ Opened: July 16, 2021
✨ Accessibility first: Ito’s design emphasizes openness and ease of use. - Hiroo East Park (4-2-27 Hiroo)
👤 Designer: Tomohito Ushiro
🗓️ Opened: July 22, 2022
✨ Nature meets function: A structure that blends seamlessly into its park surroundings. - Ebisu Park (1-19-1 Ebisu-Nishi)
👤 Designer: Masamichi Katayama / Wonderwall
🗓️ Opened: Aug. 5, 2020
✨ Old meets new: Traditional Japanese aesthetics interpreted through modern design. - Nabeshima Shoto Park (2-10-7 Shoto)
👤 Designer: Kengo Kuma
🗓️ Opened: June 24, 2021
✨ Sustainability at heart: Kuma uses natural materials to create warmth and eco-friendly design.
By March 2023, the 17th and final toilet was completed—a symbolic finish to a project that redefined the way the world views public space.
Why Travelers Should Care
For me, wandering through Shibuya’s parks and neighborhoods to find these toilets wasn’t just quirky sightseeing—it was a reminder of Tokyo’s genius for turning even the mundane into memorable experiences.
Each design is a conversation between culture and creativity. Each stop tells a story of how Japan blends practicality with beauty, tradition with innovation.
👉 Traveler’s Tip: Pair your toilet tour with nearby attractions—Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Yoyogi Park, or Ebisu’s izakaya alleys—for a day that’s both iconic and unexpected.
Final Thoughts: Everyday Spaces, Extraordinary Vision
In Shibuya, public toilets are no longer an afterthought. They’re proof that with imagination and care, even the most ordinary spaces can embody dignity, accessibility, and art.
So on your next Tokyo trip, don’t just rush past them. Step inside. Experience them. And see how THE TOKYO TOILET project redefines public space for the 21st century.
Because in Tokyo, even toilets are worth traveling for.
Visit the official project website for more information on the locations, details, and maintenance of these public toilets.
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