Tokyo (CNN) – One of Tokyo’s most popular districts has recently added some unusual new attractions: transparent public restrooms.
Although the toilets sound risky, they are actually part of an innovative project aimed at changing the perception of people about public toilets.
Designed by Shigeru Ban Architects, a Pritzker award-winning architectural firm, the two new sets of transparent toilets have been installed in two Shibuya parks – Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park and Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park.
The design of Shigeru Ban Architects addresses these two concerns by offering a glass-walled cottage that – in the first instance – can be seen by the public from the outside. But once a user enters the toilet and locks the door, the walls become inadequate to provide privacy.
“This allows users to check the cleanliness and whether anyone is using the toilet from the outside,” the statement said. “At night, the facility lights up the park like a beautiful lantern.”
What is it like to use one?
During CNN Travel’s visit to Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park this week, a steady stream of visitors came to take pictures of the new attraction.
The toilet facilities were impressively clean, a mix of glossy white and chrome.
Part of the excitement is that once inside, you can not tell if the glass is mat or not. The walls between the compartments have mirrors installed, which add to the strange feeling of display.
This means that it is incredibly important to secure the door lock, which lies well under the handle.
During our attempt, one person probably forgot to lock it, waking up from the laughter among the people outside.
Both parking facilities include a women’s toilet, a men’s toilet and a multi – use toilet.
More design toilets are coming
Founded by the Nippon Foundation, a private, non-profit charity focused on social innovation, the Tokyo Toilet Project has partnered with some of the biggest names in the architecture and creative industries, including Tadao Ando and Toyo Ito to 17 new public toilet facilities to be built around Shibuya.
The foundation will work with the Shibuya City Government and the Shibuya City Tourism Association to maintain these new restrooms.
The Nippon Foundation is collaborating with 16 architects and designers to create 17 new public restrooms around Shibuya, Tokyo.
Satoshi Nagare / The Nippon Foundation
“These public restrooms are designed by 16 leading manufacturers, and will use advanced design to make them accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, age or disability, to demonstrate the potential of an inclusive society.”
Five facilities have so far been open to the public, including the two see-through toilets.
Twelve more new public toilets will be installed between 31 August and the summer of 2021.
All facilities will be built by Daiwa House Group, the largest bathroom builder in Japan, with toilets and toiletries provided by the renowned Japanese toilet manufacturer TOTO Ltd.
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