12 toilets you want to visit in Japan
Foreigners who visit Japan love the “Japanese toilet” that they use during their stay. The pursuit of cleanliness and comfort has been highly praised for making travel more enjoyable. This time, we asked Mr. Maritomo, who continues to cover unusual toilets in Japan, to introduce 12 carefully selected places that we would like to visit.
Japanese toilets are full of "hospitality"
The "Japanese toilet" is highly praised by many foreigners who have visited, such as the high-tech warm water washing toilet seat, which is popular as a souvenir, and the thorough cleaning, replacement paper, and toilet seat cleaner. The attention to detail and high technical skills of the Japanese have created a comfortable space, and it is now said to be one of the highlights of tourism. This time, we would like to introduce you to a "strange toilet" that will make you want to use it at least once.
Maritomo's trademark toilet seat hat
The winner, Maritomo, has covered more than 300 toilets across Japan for more than 10 years. Also known as the "toilet hunter," he published "Nippon no Toilets and Others" (published by Aspect), which introduces 249 toilets, and is active in magazines, television, and websites.
“A restroom is an essential item that everyone, regardless of age or gender, uses many times a day. It is also the only private space where you can be alone, and it can be said to be a valuable place. I think it was the spirit of Japanese hospitality that made it possible.” (Maritomo)
For example, a restaurant naturally focuses on cooking, followed by tableware, interior decoration, and exterior decoration. Except for very high-end shops, there are few countries that pay close attention to toilets. However, in Japan, no matter how good the taste is, restaurants with dirty toilets are not popular.
“The restrooms at restaurants reflect the motivation of the restaurant. Japanese people think that even if they are enjoying their meals, if the restrooms that they go to in between meals are dirty, it will spoil the atmosphere. This kind of attention to detail is the same in places other than restaurants.The restroom space is filled with the world-class spirit of hospitality.” (Maritomo)
1. "Golden Toilet"
Photo: Maritomo "Japan's Toilet and Others" (Aspect / 2013)
"Robot Restaurant" in Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, is a hot topic for its richly colored and decadent space, where the concept of the store is valued and the atmosphere is thoroughly created, even in the bathroom.
"This 'Golden Toilet' has been renovated many times and seems to continue to evolve. This photo is from when the store first opened and is now a valuable document. The total construction cost of the store was a whopping 10 billion yen. He also spends a considerable amount of money on toilets. Hats off to him for creating an uncompromising space.” (Maritomo)
2. "Garden Toilet"
Photo: Maritomo "Japan's Toilet and Others" (Aspect / 2013)
“Rest Ujo” on the Echizen Coast in Fukui Prefecture has a Japanese-style garden, even the toilet, because it is a Japanese restaurant.
“This toilet is very popular because you can use it in the Japanese garden. Not only is the fish dish that they are proud of, but the beauty of the toilet is also attracting customers. (Mr. Maritomo)
3. "Aquarium Toilet"
Photo: Maritomo "Japan's Toilet and Others" (Aspect / 2013)
“Hippopapa” (formerly “Moominpappa”) is located in front of the Matsue Hayashizaki beach in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture. This is a restaurant where you can see the sea, so you can feel like you are in the sea even in the toilet.
“It seems that there are many people who are overwhelmed by the situation and forget to lock the door, so there are two doors with locks. The water pressure in this toilet breaks the glass and kills swimming fish. After many failures, it was finally completed.Combining the construction and maintenance costs, the total cost is said to be over 20 million yen." (Mr. Maritomo)
4. "Gliding Toilet"
Photo: Maritomo "Japan's Toilet and Others" (Aspect / 2013)
You can enjoy the thrill of sitting on a ski jump in the restrooms of "Restaurant Heidi" located on the slopes of Madarao Kogen in Nagano Prefecture.
“There is a sticker printed on the wall that depicts the scenery from the Nagano Olympic jumping platform. There is also a photo of skis under your feet, and you can experience the altitude difference of 136 meters and the maximum slope of 37.5 degrees. It's a restaurant on the slopes, and in winter you can sit in your ski clothes, so you can feel like a jumper." (Maritomo)
5. "Marine Toilet"
Photo: Maritomo "Japan's Toilet and Others" (Aspect / 2013)
The restrooms in the Umihotaru parking area on the Tokyo Aqualine cross-Tokyo Bay road are designed to take full advantage of the location.
“Because of the restrooms in Japan's only marine parking area, you'll feel as if you're doing your business in the open sea.In the women's restrooms, the urinals are where you wash your hands.”
6. "Garden Toilet"
Photo: Maritomo "Japan's Toilet and Others" (Aspect / 2013)
The "Garden Toilet" at the unmanned station "Ikyu Station" in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture was created with the concept of "the world's largest toilet" with a single room of 200 square meters.
"The official name is 'Toilet in Nature,' and it was designed so that you can feel the rich nature of Ichihara while doing your business. It's only for women, so unfortunately men can't use it. The restroom is designed to be closed, but since it's outdoors, it feels too open, and I hesitate to use the restroom (laughs). I can't." (Maritomo)
7. "Paper toilet"
Photo: Maritomo "Japan's Toilet and Others" (Aspect / 2013)
“Momojiro Imadegawa Hyakumanben” in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City is lined with toilet paper on the wall. Even in Japanese toilets, which are famous for having a large amount of spare paper, this is an exceptional number.
“There are a total of 81 women’s toilets neatly folded into a triangle and lined up. Actually, they received so many holders due to a mistake in their order, but the idea of lining them up instead of returning them is a smart idea. However, it seems like it would be difficult for the store clerk to frequently check the toilet and fold it into a triangle outside of work (laughs)” (Maritomo)
8. "Japan's Oldest Toilet"
Photo: Maritomo "Japan's Toilet and Others" (Aspect / 2013)
The oldest existing toilet in Japan is "Hyakusetchin" at Tofukuji Temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City. It is 14 meters wide and 35 meters long, and is designated as an important cultural property. Therefore, it is currently only for observation, and unfortunately cannot be used.
"Tousu means 100 people can use the restroom at once. In the old days, manure could be sold as fertilizer, so it was an important source of income for the temple. It was said that ``Going to the bathroom is one of the trainings for Zen priests.'' (Maritomo)
9. "Training toilet"
Photo: Maritomo "Japan's Toilet and Others" (Aspect / 2013)
Kasuisai, a Zen training hall in Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture, enshrines Ususama Myoo, who has the merit of purifying toilets. .
“This is a rare unisex restroom. Not only is there a Buddha statue, but there is also a saisen box. Many restrooms overseas require a tip. No.” (Maritomo)
10. "Local toilet"
Photo: Maritomo "Japan's Toilet and Others" (Aspect / 2013)
Ippudo, a popular ramen shop that has expanded overseas, has shops that incorporate regional features into their toilets. The Honmachi-dori store in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture has an interior that pays homage to Aichi-based Toyota Motor Corporation.
“Instead of simply arranging automobile-related goods, the idea of slashing a real engine and displaying it beautifully on the wall as an object is wonderful.In addition, the Kurashiki store, the birthplace of Japanese jeans, has denim wallpaper. Ippudo doesn't compromise when it comes to restrooms.All the staff thoroughly clean the restrooms under the title 'Toilet Shiny Cleaning Technique' (Maritomo).
11. "Room toilet"
Photo: Maritomo
Sundubu Tofu House, a tofu jjigae specialty store in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, was created under the concept of "Peter (27 years old), a Seattle native who loves the 80's, turned his room into a toilet." There is a toilet filled with the owner's playfulness.
“It seems that the restaurant wanted not only to serve delicious food, but also to bring back souvenir stories for customers. , It's interesting that the concept of the toilet is overturned." (Maritomo)
12. "Public bath toilet"
Photo: Maritomo
Nidaime Yoichi is famous for creating Ryukyu Udon, a specialty dish of Oita City, Oita Prefecture. The restrooms here have a landscape centered on Mt. Fuji, just like a public bath painting.
“This work was exhibited at the Oita Toilennale 2015 art festival, which aims to revitalize the town through the fusion of toilets and art. It looks like it will be useful for you.” (Maritomo)
[Book information]
"Nippon Toilets and Others"
Author = Maritomo
Publisher: Aspect
Price: ¥ 1000 (excluding tax)
Language: Japanese
*Including the toilet introduced this time, interesting toilets in various parts of Japan that Maritomo spent more than 10 years interviewing and shooting are introduced. Supervisor: Maritomo
Photo: Maritomo "Japan's Toilet and Others" (Aspect / 2013)
(The banner photo is "Garden toilet")
