Photo: Kengo Kuma and Associates and Kawasumi Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office

Japan's Latest Stunning Public Toilets Are Inspired by Mount Fuji

Japan News Art + Architecture
by Morgane Croissant Nov 30, 2021

The now famous transparent public toilets designed by Shiberu ban that opened in Tokyo in August 2020 let the world in on a little secret: Japan’s public toilets are some of the prettiest in the world. And the country’s latest public facility, located in Oath Hill Park in Oyama Town, makes sure Japan keeps its reputation intact.

Japan's latest stunning public toilets are inspired by Mount Fuji

Photo: Kengo Kuma and Associates and Kawasumi Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office

Designed by architecture studio Kengo Kuma and Associates, these beautiful public toilets opened in October 2021. Inspired by Mount Fuji, the public toilets were built in the observation park on the hillside of the Kintaro Fujimi Line, one of the best spots to snap a picture of Japan’s most well-known volcanic mountain.

Japan's latest stunning public toilets are inspired by Mount Fuji

Photo: Kengo Kuma and Associates and Kawasumi Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office

The architectural project includes a sheltered observation area for visitors or hikers wanting to take in the views of Mount Fuji. The shelter consist of two adjoining umbrella-shaped structures of wooden pillars topped by white conical canopies. The public toilets are found beside the shelter and feature the same mountain-peak-like roof. The structure, however, is circular and wrapped in a white opaque material.

Japan's latest stunning public toilets are inspired by Mount Fuji

Photo: Kengo Kuma and Associates and Kawasumi Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office

Japan is promising more beautiful public toilets in the near future. The Tokyo Toilet project, which will redesign 17 public toilets in the Tokyo neighborhood of Shibuya, is scheduled to open five more facilities in 2022. Fifteen revamped public toilets opened in 2020 and 2021, including a house-shaped toilet, a mushroom-shaped toilet, and a hemispherical, voice-activated toilet.

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