TOTO Museum
Explore the fascinating history and innovation of Japanese toilets at the TOTO Museum, a unique and free attraction.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
TOTO Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the fascinating history and innovation of Japanese toilets at the TOTO Museum, a unique and free attraction.
"Found the Toto Museum far more fascinating than I expected—educational and surprisingly engaging!"
🎯 Free Entry & Parking!
Enjoy the entire museum experience without any admission fees or parking charges.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking and exploring, so wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Evolution of the Washlet
Museum Exhibits
Witness the journey from basic commodes to the iconic TOTO Washlet, a symbol of Japanese bathroom innovation.
Interactive Toilet Technology
Showroom Floor
Experience firsthand the advanced features and sleek designs of TOTO's latest high-tech toilets and bathroom fixtures.
A Century of Ceramic Craftsmanship
Historical Displays
Explore TOTO's origins and its century-long dedication to ceramic artistry and manufacturing excellence.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Surprises
Beyond the Bowl: A Design Journey
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry & Parking!
Enjoy the entire museum experience without any admission fees or parking charges.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking and exploring, so wear comfy shoes!
📸 Capture the Quirky
Don't miss photo ops with the unique toilet-shaped building and exhibits.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
It's more engaging than you'd expect; plan for at least 1.5 hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry & Parking!
Enjoy the entire museum experience without any admission fees or parking charges.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking and exploring, so wear comfy shoes!
📸 Capture the Quirky
Don't miss photo ops with the unique toilet-shaped building and exhibits.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
It's more engaging than you'd expect; plan for at least 1.5 hours.
💡 Interactive Learning
Engage with the displays to truly understand toilet mechanics and history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently surprised by how fascinating and educational the TOTO Museum is, often exceeding expectations for a museum dedicated to toilets. The free admission and interactive exhibits are major highlights, making it a memorable and quirky stop for all ages. Some visitors note that while the products are impressive, export versions may differ from those sold domestically.
"Toto museum is definitely an interesting experience. You get to see the evolution of Japanese toilets from the ancient era to what you see today. High tech, comfortable and easy to use."
Randy Ngatimin
"Excellent exhibit, a history of Toto. The building has two levels second level for the museum and history of Toto. The first level is a showroom and sales floor. Interesting to anybody, but specially for people working in construction trades or design would benefit the most. (I’m pretty sure they would not sell products intended for Japan for export, Toto product sold in the United States are different)"
Freeman Baldwin
"I’ll admit—I found the Toto Museum far more fascinating than I expected. It might seem counterintuitive to spend time at a museum dedicated to the world’s leading toilet manufacturer, but it turned out to be both educational and surprisingly engaging.
Interactive exhibits and detailed cutaways answer that age-old question we’ve all wondered: “How does a toilet actually work?” The museum also offers convenient coin lockers for visitors, and on the lower floor, you’ll find the Toto showroom, where you can admire the latest in high-tech toilets and sleek bathtubs.
Believe it or not, this is a must-see stop when visiting Kitakyushu—quirky, informative, and unexpectedly memorable."
Darrell Houghton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The TOTO Museum is located in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It's accessible by public transport, often involving a train ride to Kokura Station followed by a local bus or a short taxi ride. Many visitors mention it's a bit off the beaten path but worth the journey.
Yes, the TOTO Museum offers free parking for visitors, making it convenient if you're traveling by car.
The building is distinctively shaped like a giant toilet bowl, making it quite noticeable and easy to spot once you're in the vicinity.
Absolutely! Kitakyushu is a manageable day trip from Fukuoka. You can combine it with other sights in Kitakyushu or simply dedicate a day to exploring the museum and its surroundings.
The Shinkansen (bullet train) is a fast and efficient way to get from Fukuoka to Kitakyushu. From there, local transport options will take you to the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the TOTO Museum is completely free! This includes access to the exhibits and the showroom. +1
No advance booking is required. The museum is open to walk-in visitors, and entry is free.
The TOTO Museum is typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's closed on Mondays. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours.
Yes, the museum is surprisingly engaging for all ages. Families often find it educational and fun, with interactive displays that appeal to both children and adults.
While the core exhibits focus on TOTO's history and innovation, they sometimes feature special displays. It's best to check their official announcements for any temporary exhibitions.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
You can explore the history of TOTO, from its founding to the development of advanced toilet technology like the Washlet. There are interactive exhibits, historical displays, and a showroom featuring their latest products. +1
Yes, the museum features interactive exhibits that allow you to learn about how toilets work and experience some of the technologies firsthand.
The showroom on the lower floor displays TOTO's modern, high-tech toilets, sleek bathtubs, and other bathroom fixtures. It's a great place to see the latest in bathroom design and innovation.
Yes, the museum provides convenient coin lockers for visitors to store their belongings while they explore.
Absolutely! The museum building is famously designed to resemble a giant toilet bowl, making it a unique architectural landmark and a fun photo opportunity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The TOTO Museum itself does not have a restaurant or cafe. However, there are dining options available in the surrounding Kitakyushu area, particularly near Kokura Station.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume outside food and drinks before entering museums to maintain the exhibits. There are no specific mentions of food facilities within the museum.
Kitakyushu offers a variety of Japanese cuisine. You can find local specialties, ramen shops, and other dining establishments in the city center and near major transport hubs.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of the TOTO Museum, especially for personal use. However, it's always best to check for any specific signage regarding restrictions in certain exhibits or the showroom.
The most iconic photo spot is the exterior of the building, designed like a giant toilet bowl. Inside, the historical displays and the modern showroom also offer interesting visual opportunities.
Yes, you can typically take photos of the products in the showroom for personal memories. It's a great way to document the innovative designs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💡 Design & Tech Enthusiasts
+1 The showroom offers a glimpse into the future of bathroom design, making it a truly inspiring experience for anyone passionate about these fields. ✈️ Budget Travelers
+1 This allows you to experience a unique aspect of Japanese culture and innovation without spending a yen. It's a fantastic way to add value to your itinerary without impacting your wallet. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Fascinating History of TOTO
+1 Visitors can trace this evolution through various exhibits, showcasing early plumbing fixtures and the company's commitment to improving public health and comfort through its products. The museum highlights TOTO's role in shaping modern Japanese bathrooms, from the introduction of the first Western-style toilets to the development of advanced bidet-toilet seats. +1One of the most compelling aspects of the museum is its focus on the Washlet, TOTO's revolutionary bidet toilet seat. Introduced in 1980, the Washlet transformed the bathroom experience with features like heated seats, warm water cleansing, and air dryers. The museum details the research and development that went into this iconic product, demonstrating TOTO's continuous pursuit of technological advancement and user-centric design.
+1 This deep dive into TOTO's history reveals not just the evolution of a company, but also the cultural shifts and technological progress that have defined Japanese sanitation and bathroom culture over the past century. Experiencing TOTO's Innovation
Beyond the toilets, the showroom also showcases TOTO's elegant tableware and other bathroom fixtures, demonstrating the company's broader commitment to design and quality craftsmanship.
The interactive displays throughout the museum, including cutaway models of toilets, provide a clear understanding of the complex mechanics behind these everyday objects. 
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