Tokyo toilets: Unexpected tourist hit

Tokyo tourists can now take a unique tour beyond temples and cherry blossoms. The Tokyo Toilet Shuttle offers a two-hour curated journey to explore the city's surprisingly fascinating public restrooms.

Inspired by the movie 'Perfect Days,' Penelope Panczuk, a French tourist, decided to take this one-of-a-kind tour. 

Unlike public restrooms in her home country, Panczuk finds Tokyo's public toilets exceptionally clean, safe, and, most importantly, enjoyable. 

Each restroom boasts a unique design, making every visit a discovery.

This unusual tour launched in March, coinciding with a surge in tourism to Japan. The weakened yen has made Japan an attractive destination for many international visitors, particularly those interested in Japanese culture and its unexpected quirks.

Japan is renowned for its advanced toilet technology. Leading manufacturers like TOTO and LIXIL produce high-tech toilets featuring bidet sprays, heated seats, and built-in music players. 

These innovative features have garnered international attention, with widespread media like 'South Park dedicating an episode to them and celebrities like DJ Khaled proudly showcasing their TOTO toilets on social media.