Tokyo Toilet Project and Architecture Tour with Private Car
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Tokyo Toilet Project and Architecture Tour with Private Car

Active
(1 reviews)
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Tokyo Toilet Project has been one of the most talked about events in recent years in Tokyo. Yes, it sounds strange but the architecture resulting from the project is some of the most compelling in Tokyo. Basically, the Tokyo government wanted to improve its citizens’ perception of public toilets and commissioned some of Japan’s leading architects including Shigeru Ban, Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma and Fumihiko Maki to design their unique versions. So let's discover unique toilets and the architectural wonders of Tokyo with a chauffeur-driven car tour. See the city's most creative toilets and iconic buildings designed by your favorite architects and artists and learn about the history and culture of Tokyo.

Tokyo is known as the home of cutting-edge design. Architecture and art are things that cannot be overlooked in understanding the charms of Tokyo.

The guide is knowledgeable about history and culture. They are friendly, professional, and qualified with extensive years of experience.

Available options

Tokyo Toilet Project and Architecture Tour with Private Car

Pickup included

What's included

English, Spanish, Filipino, Portuguese, Mandarin In-Person Guides
Bottled water

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Ginza known as the most renowned area of Tokyo, has many boutiques, intimate galleries, stylish Japanese stores, and cutting edge architecture. Many buildings designed by the world’s leading architects who won The Pritzker Architecture Prize such as Kenzo Tange, Toyo Ito, Shigeru Ban, and Renzo Piano.

2

This postmodern masterpiece, the work of Uruguay-born American architect Rafael Viñoly, is the first major convention and art center of its kind in Tokyo. It is considered as one of Japan’s most important modern cultural buildings.

3
Stop 3

There are some art galleries and the three points of what’s known as Art Triangle Roppongi―the National Art Center, Mori Art Museum, and Suntory Museum of Art. The neighborhood is also home to the Fujifilm Square photo gallery, 21_21 Design Sight, and many other art and cultural events.
The stuning Tokyo National Art Center is close to here. It is designed by famous architect named Kisho Kurokawa.

4
Stop 4

With Tokyo's impressive array of high-end fashion and jewelry stores has come an equally astonishing collection of beautiful buildings. Start at the Prada flagship store created by The Swiss-based Herzog & de Meuron team is a beautiful glass building. Across the street they reprised their hit with the new Miu Miu flagship in 2015, made of aluminum and brass. Next door are glittery buildings for Chloé and Cartier. Part of Chloé's facade is hidden behind wooden bamboolike slits that tilt and jut high into the air at random.
Famous Pineapple cake shop Sunny Hills is spiky wooden building designed by the Japan’s leading architect Kengo Kuma.
Dior Omotesando is designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize recipients Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA. Moving projections play on the building during most of the year.

5
Stop 5

Harajuku will give you some insight into the youth culture of Japan.
You will see unique fashion trends and outrageous design in fashion and buildings.

6

This toilet was designed by Tadao Ando.
The concept of this architecture is to go beyond the framework of a public toilet and become a ``place'' that brings great public value within the urban landscape.
This toilet, located in the greenery of Jingu-dori Park, is named ``Amayadori'' which literally means when it rains, wait for a while under the eaves or in the shade of a tree until it stops.

7

This toilet was designed by Nao Tamura, who currently lives in New York. Living in New York, he had the opportunity to witness LGBTQ people living in line with their sexual identities, so when he designed this public restroom on a small triangular lot in Shibuya, he envisioned a society where all people would have the space to live as they are. Realizing that what makes their comfortable lives possible is, after all, safety, privacy, and urgency. With this in mind, he created three separate spaces that redefine the way public restrooms establish personal space.
The design was inspired by origata, a traditional Japanese decorative packaging method. This motif, which is a symbol of gift-giving, embodies the spirit of hospitality for the multinational people who visit Shibuya Ward, and his vision of creating a safe space that embraces all users.
This design incorporates his wish for a society where people from all walks of life can live with peace of mind.

8

This is a design proposal for a public toilet inside Ebisu Park. The proposal is part of Shibuya City’s THE TOKYO TOILET project.

We kept in mind a facility that distances itself from architectural concepts and elements: an object that stands casually in the park as if it were playground equipment, benches, or trees.

The city asked Masamichi Katayama who designed this toilet to put this concept in it.
The spaces between the walls lead users into three different areas designed for men, women, and everyone. The design creates a unique relationship in which users are invited to interact with the facility as if they are playing with a curious piece of playground equipment.

9

Clean and safe.
Since the toilet located beside the police box in front of the Ebisu station is a neighborhood symbol that people see every day, the thought it should not be too conspicuous.
The facility should be easy to enter, easy to use, and have a clean appearance that inspire the passersby to feel a little bit brighter and fresher. This pure white toilet was designed by addressing every point of consideration that are usually taken for granted in a restroom facility.
This toilet was designed by Kashiwa Sato.

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The project site, Ebisu East Park, is a popular neighborhood park that is used as a children's playground and is filled with lush greenery. We wanted this facility to function not only as a public restroom but as a public space that serves as a park pavilion equipped with a rest area.
Thinking about a variety of users, from children to people on their way to work, we wanted to create a safe and comfortable space that uses a decentralized layout to allow for good sight lines throughout the facility. The cheerful roof that integrates the different sections promotes ventilation and natural light, creating a bright and clean environment while giving the facility a unique appearance similar to playground equipment.

Ebisu East Park is also known as “Octopus Park” because of its octopus playground equipment. We hope this new facility, the “Squid Toilet,” will become a popular addition to the park.
This toilet was designed by Fumihiko Maki

11

This toilet is named "A Walk in the Woods" . It designed by Kengo Kuma.
We designed a toilet village inside the lush greenery of Shoto Park. The five huts, each covered with eared cedar board louvers installed at random angles, are connected by a walk in the woods that disappears into the forest.

Each toilet that makes up the village is designed with a distinct layout, facility, and interior to accommodate different needs (family, dressing and grooming, wheelchair, etc). By dividing each section into separate buildings, we created a “public toilet village” that is open, breezy, and easy to pass through, a design appropriate for the post-pandemic times. Even in our toilet design, we are entering the age of diversity and a time to go back to the forest.

12

This See-through toilet was designed by Shigeru Ban.
There are two things we worry about when entering a public toilet, especially those located at a park. The first is cleanliness, and the second is whether anyone is inside. Using the latest technology, the exterior glass turns opaque when locked. This allows users to check the cleanliness and whether anyone is using the toilet from the outside. At night, the facility lights up the park like a beautiful lantern.

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This toilet is named "Three Mushrooms".
They were designed by Toyo Ito.
The toilets resemble three mushrooms that sprouted from the forest around Yoyogi-Hachiman shrine.
Despite being built along the main thoroughfare of Yamate-Dori, they sit at the footsteps that lead to the shrine. The impression of mushrooms creates a sense of harmony with the forest in the background.
Having three separate toilets with circulation space in between makes it easy to navigate. Connecting paths with no dead-ends also allow good visual connection, creating a safe environment and preventing crime.
By securing ample space and by equipping elderly and parental functions that are usually only available in accessible toilets within each toilet ensure that the facility is truly public and accessible by everyone.

14

This toilet is named "Vessels and Fountains".
It was designed by Sou Fujimoto.
He believes that a public toilet is an urban watering place, a fountain in the city. He proposes a public hand-washing facility that is open not only to those who use the restrooms but also to a wide variety of people with different purposes. The toilet acts as a single large vessel made for everyone’s use. The shape of the facility, with its large concave center, is the result of incorporating hand washing stations of various heights. It is intended to create a small community of people, from children to the elderly, to gather around the vessel to wash their hands, drink water, and engage in conversation. We would like to propose a new type of public space where people can gather and communicate around water.

15

Some buildings including Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku are designed by Kenzo Tange

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide
PT CMN FIL EN NL ES

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Japanese
  • Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
  • English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
  • • Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
  • • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air
  • Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
  • Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center
By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko
120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura
50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone
90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

  • Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
  • Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
  • Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
  • Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
  • Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 9
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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