A Tour of Tokyo's Public Toilets From the Movie "Perfect Days"

The movie won several awards, including Best Actor at the 76th Cannes Film Festival 2023 and a nomination to the Oscars for Best International Film.

Kōji Yakusho's portrayal of Hirayama in the film brings to life the virtues of humility and dedication. As a meticulous cleaner of public toilets in Tokyo, Hirayama's role sheds light on the crucial yet often overlooked importance of jobs considered lowly by society. The film uses Hirayama’s story to delve into the unseen efforts that make up the fabric of our daily lives, prompting viewers to rethink the value we assign to every job, regardless of its societal stature.

In this article, we decided to show the exact tour of all the toilets portrayed in the movie.

The 'Perfect Days' Public Toilet Experience

Walking in the footsteps of Hirayama in this non-traditional movie-themed tour, one encounters the innovative toilets throughout Tokyo, each a tribute to contemporary architectural vision. From the secluded Nebeshima Shoto Park toilet by Kengo Kuma to the glass-walled wonder by Shigeru Ban at Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park, these lavatories are not just facilities but experiences in themselves.

Why Tokyo Invested in Transforming Public Toilets?

The driving force behind Tokyo's lavish and elaborate public toilets is not merely functional; it's a blend of urban rehabilitation, cultural expression, and a determination to redefine public hygiene. Each new facility adds to the narrative that public restrooms can be community landmarks, design canvases, and reflections of environmental consciousness.

Tokyo's Toilet Tour

Hirayama's trip through the public toilets gives us an exclusive look at these architectural marvels. The documentary-style film, detailing the designs by Kengo Kuma and other luminaries, such as Tadao Ando and Toyo Ito, showcases the attention to detail in each bathroom's aesthetic and practical features.

Nabeshima Shoto Park by Kengo Kuma

A forest bathing experience with a toilet design that melts into nature, this feels like a serene stop in the heart of the city.

Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park by Shigeru Ban

A transparent sanctuary during the day, and a softly lit beacon at night, Ban's creation is a testament to simplicity's power.

Ebisu Park by Wonderwall

A maze-like structure that harks back to Japan's ancient toilets, this design is a symbolic return to history with modern functionality.

Yoyogi-Hachiman by Toyo Ito

A mushroom-inspired design that seeks to reassure and welcome, Ito's approach is as much about emotion as it is about physical convenience.

Nishihara Itchome Park by Takenosuke Sakakura

An 'Andon' (lantern) of a toilet, glowing and inviting, Sakakura's facility exemplifies community spirit and outreach.

Jingu-Dori Park by Tadao Ando

A blend of Japanese classical architecture and contemporary minimalism, Ando's facility is both spiritual and spatially considerate.

Fumihiko Maki (Ebisu East Park toilet)

An airy and meditative space at Octopus Park, with a roof that dances with the wind and a divinely white interior.

Mapping Your 'Perfect Days' Toilet Tour

To make your tour of these cinematic locations easier, we have pinpointed the exact locations of the toilets.

Whether you visit them all or cherry-pick according to your architectural preferences, each toilet promises an insightful look into urban Japan's design-forward culture.

Nabeshima Shoto Park Public Toilet: show location
Community Park Transparent Public Toilet: show location
Ebisu Park Toilet: show location
Jingū-dōri Park Public Toilet: show location 
Yoyogi-Hachiman Public Toilet: show location
Fumihiko Maki (Ebisu East Park Toilet): show location
Nishihara Itchome Park Public Toilet: show location

Architectural Innovation in Unexpected Places

The creative spirit behind Tokyo's public toilet designs is groundbreaking in its purest sense. Focusing on bathrooms may seem an odd choice, but the dignity and artistry with which they are treated are indicative of a city that takes innovation seriously — even in the smallest room.

Approach your visit to these architectural meccas with the same reverence as Hirayama does in 'Perfect Days.' There's a chance you may emerge not just cleaner but enlightened. After all, isn't that what good design — and a good story — is all about?