Now the subject of Perfect Days, an Oscar-nominated film by German filmmaker Wim Wenders that follows the daily life of a local janitor who cleans the toilets – played by Kōji Yakusho

Tokyo has some fascinating public toilet designs, especially through the Tokyo Toilet Project. This initiative, led by The Nippon Foundation, aims to redesign 17 public toilets in Shibuya with the help of renowned architects and designers. Toilet Amayadori – meaning rain shelter in Japanese. 

Let’s Deep Dive into the Tokyo Toilets >>>

A Walk in the Woods, Nabeshima Shoto Park, by Kengo Kuma

A Walk in the Woods in Nabeshima Shoto Park is a cedar-clad public restroom designed by architect Kuma to blend with its park surroundings. Connected by a stepped walkway, the toilet is split into five individual huts that were created to accommodate the needs of “a diverse range of people,” according to Kuma.

Toilet, Yoyogi-Hachiman, by Toyo Ito

A trio of mushroom-like toilets form Pritzker Prize-winning architect Toyo Ito’s contribution to the city-wide project. The facility, which replaced a former toilet block positioned at the bottom of a flight of steps leading up to the Shibuya district’s Yoyogi Hachimangu shrine, references mushrooms that grow in the nearby forest. Ito broke the toilets into three separate spaces to try and make the facility a safe place for all of its users.

Transparent Toilets by Shigeru Ban

Located in Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park and Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park, Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban designed a pair of coloured glass toilets with transparent walls to enable those approaching to check whether they are in use. When occupied, the toilets’ tinted facades become opaque for privacy. One of the rectilinear structures was clad in shades of orange, pink and purple.

Circular Toilet by Tadao Ando

Situated in Jingu-Dori Park, this toilet features a circular design surrounded by cherry trees, blending nature with functionality. Pritzker Prize-winning architect Ando wrapped this circular public toilet in a wall made from vertical metal louvres, which allow for privacy but also air circulation. An angled, overhanging roof shelters the multi-cubicled structure.  “It was vital for me to make a space that was comfortable and safe,” explained Ando, who called the toilet Amayadori – meaning rain shelter in Japanese. 

Toilet, Ebusi Station, by Kashiwa Sato

Graphic designer Kashiwa Sato, who created the brand strategy for Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo, constructed this boxy toilet from white aluminium louvres.

Five toilet blocks, which were not delineated by gender, were inserted into the bright and clean-looking facility. The toilet was positioned outside Tokyo’s bustling Ebusi Station as a “neighbourhood symbol,” explained Sato. Graphic designer Kashiwa Sato, who created the brand strategy for Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo, constructed this boxy toilet from white aluminium louvres. Five toilet blocks, which were not delineated by gender, were inserted into the bright and clean-looking facility. The toilet was positioned outside Tokyo’s bustling Ebusi Station as a “neighbourhood symbol,” explained Sato.

Hi Toilet, Nanago Dori Park, by Kazoo Sato

Voice commands control functions including the door, toilet flush, taps and ambient music within designer Kazoo Sato’s hemispherical white toilet in Nanago Dori Park.

Sato designed the Hi Toilet to challenge the stereotype of dark and unhygienic public restrooms. Featuring an accessible toilet and urinals, the facility features a hemispherical form that was chosen to enhance internal airflow.

These designs not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of public spaces but also emphasize accessibility, cleanliness, and safety- and FUN!

DEZEEN: Explore all 17 Tokyo Toilet projects featured in Wim Wenders’ film Perfect Days

The Tokyo Toilet projects HERE+  The Nippon Foundation “Our mission is social innovation”. HERE+