THE TOKYO TOILET

＊The project, which uses the power of design and creativity to propose a new vision of society, was transferred to the Shibuya, Tokyo, city government from April 1, 2024.

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The new public toilet in Ebisu Park (photograph by Satoshi Nagare)

THE TOKYO TOILET project is recreating public toilets at 17 locations in Shibuya, Tokyo, as a step toward achieving a society that embraces diversity.
More information regarding the toilets’ locations and details, as well as maintenance and upkeep, is available at the project website.

THE TOKYO TOILET project website

THE TOKYO TOILET

Japan is known as one of the cleanest countries in the world, and even public toilets have a higher standard of hygiene than in much of the rest of the world. However, the use of public toilets in Japan is limited because of stereotypes that they are dark, dirty, smelly, and scary. In cooperation with the Shibuya City government, THE TOKYO TOILET project has renovated 17 public toilets in Shibuya to make them accessible for everyone regardless of gender, age, or disability.
The toilets were designed by 16 globally recognized architects and designers, who are using their design and creative skills to address social issues.
The 17th toilet was completed and opened to the public in March 2023.

List of toilet locations and creators

Location Address Creator(s) Available from
Jingu-Dori Park 6-22-8 Jingumae Tadao Ando Sept. 7, 2020
Yoyogi-Hachiman 5-1-2 Yoyogi Toyo Ito July 16, 2021
Hiroo East Park 4-2-27 Hiroo Tomohito Ushiro July 22, 2022
Ebisu Park 1-19-1 Ebisu-Nishi Masamichi Katayama / Wonderwall Aug. 5, 2020
Nabeshima Shoto Park 2-10-7 Shoto Kengo Kuma June 24, 2021
Sasazuka Greenway 1-29 Sasazuka Junko Kobayashi Mar. 10, 2023
Nishihara Itchome Park 1-29-1 Nishihara Takenosuke Sakakura Aug. 31, 2020
Ebisu Station, West Exit 1-5-8 Ebisu-Minami Kashiwa Sato July 15, 2021
Nanago Dori Park 2-53-5 Hatagaya Kazoo Sato Aug. 12, 2021
Higashi Sanchome 3-27-1 Higashi Nao Tamura Aug. 7, 2020
Jingumae 1-3-14 Jingumae NIGO® May 31, 2021
Urasando 4-28-1 Sendagaya Marc Newson Jan. 20, 2023
Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park 1-54-1 Tomigaya Shigeru Ban Aug. 5, 2020
Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park 5-68-1 Yoyogi Shigeru Ban Aug. 5, 2020
Nishisando 3-27-1 Yoyogi Sou Fujimoto Mar. 24, 2023
Hatagaya 3-37-8 Hatagaya Miles Pennington / UTokyo DLX Design Lab Feb. 22, 2023
Ebisu East Park 1-2-16 Ebisu Fumihiko Maki Aug. 7, 2020

Maintenance and upkeep

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The toilets are cleaned two or three times a day by staff wearing uniforms designed under the supervision of the fashion designer NIGO®

Toilets are intended to be used over a long period of time. THE TOKYO TOILET considers cleaning and other maintenance to be important to ensure that anyone can use the toilets in comfort and with peace of mind, and to foster a spirit of hospitality for the next person. Maintenance of the toilets is being carried out under a three-party agreement concluded by The Nippon Foundation, the Shibuya City government, and the Shibuya City Tourism Association. The toilets are also inspected by professional toilet consultants to improve maintenance procedures.

In cooperation with

The toilets are being constructed by Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd., and TOTO Ltd. is advising on toilet equipment and layout.

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