Imagine a toilet that’s more like a fancy restaurant. That’s what you’ll find at Nabeshima Shoto Park. Shoto, in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward, is a high-class residential area. Politicians and celebrities live here. It’s a quiet escape near the bustling Shibuya Station.
Once, the Tokugawa Shogun family owned this land. Later, in 1876, the Nabeshima family grew tea here. They named their tea “Shoto.” In 1932, the family gifted the land to Shibuya City. Today, Nabeshima Shoto Park is a peaceful retreat. Visitors enjoy the pond and water wheel. These features recall the Tokugawa family’s time.
Recently, the park became famous for its public toilets. Award-winning architect Kengo Kuma designed them. They are part of The Tokyo Toilet project. This project transformed old restrooms into welcoming spaces. Instead of one restroom, there is a maze. Wooden slats cleverly hide five separate toilet huts.
The path feels like a stroll in the forest. Greenery pops up throughout the design. To some, it looks like public art. But look closer. You’ll see familiar signs indicating toilets. The design is impressive. The facilities are modern and well-maintained. There is even Wi-Fi available.
During the day, the toilets are beautiful. At night, they are captivating. The wooden exterior and soft lighting create a restaurant-like atmosphere. The warm wood and shadows feel inviting.
These restrooms appeared in the Oscar-nominated film “Perfect Days”. The movie tells the story of a Tokyo toilet cleaner. A tear-jerking scene was filmed here. The main character holds a lost child’s hand. Then, the mother disinfects her son’s hand.
Shibuya Ward promotes these toilets as tourist spots. They admit Shibuya lacks major tourist sites. Many tourists have seen “Perfect Days”. They take “Tokyo Toilet Tours” to see these creations. So, if you’re in Shibuya, visit these public toilets in Shoto. You might be surprised. Shoto offers more than just fancy restrooms. It’s an upscale area with a rich history.
Shoto was once home to the Kishu Tokugawa family. After the Meiji Restoration, the Nabeshima family created the “Shoto garden”. This garden gave Shoto its name. Today, you’ll find luxurious homes here. Politicians, celebrities, and business people reside in Shoto. Foreign expats also favor this area. Despite its proximity to Shibuya Station, Shoto remains quiet. High walls surround each house. This ensures privacy for its residents. Shoto provides an escape from the busy city. Nabeshima Shoto Park and its unique toilets show the blend of old and new in this upscale neighborhood.