The World’s Best Toilet: A Hidden Gem in Hyogo, Japan (Aquarium Toilet)

Living in Japan for several years left me fascinated by its toilets. Something as basic as a toilet can be the highlight of your trip. They are super high-tech and almost always have all the time a washlet (Bidet, French invention) included. Often they come with a heated sit and you almost don’t need to use toilet paper. This toilet I visited in Hyogo is especially special, since it is surrounded with a real Aquarium.

Japan does not out-tech the rest of the world in everything, but its toilets are a clear exception. They are so comfortable and so clean that I often wonder why the rest of the world has not caught up.

The bathroom I present to you today is not typical. It is located in the city of Akashi, in a peaceful and calm neighbourhood called Matsue. For me, it is until now the world’s greatest bathroom. As soon as you enter, you are surrounded by a glowing underwater world full of vibrant fish swimming around you. It is clearly something special.

Quick Guide: How to Visit

If you’re planning a detour to see the “Aquarium Toilet” for yourself, here is the essential info:

• Location: Hipopo Papa (formerly Cafe Mumin Papa)
• Address: 2 Chome-2-1 Matsue, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0023
• Access: A 3-minute walk from Sanyo-Matsue Station (Sanyo Electric Railway).
• Cost: The price of a coffee or meal (approx. ¥600, ¥1,200).
• Pro Tip: The aquarium is technically in the women’s restroom. Men can usually take a look if the cafe isn’t busy, just ask the friendly staff first! As a guy, I was a bit hesitant to ask, but the staff are incredibly welcoming to ‘toilet tourists.’ Since I’m a influencer, I just waited for a quiet moment when no one was using the facilities, and they were happy to let me step in for a quick shot.

A Restroom surrounded with an Aquarium

This Aquarium toilet I am referring to is located in a small building in Akashi, with a location you might not expect. The building itself does not have a great design; it is just a normal coffee shop near the beach. The Aquarium itselfs let yourself feel calm and entertained while you are on the toilet. It feels almost like you are really under the water. You will definitly don’t use your phone to watch some Instagram reels, you will use it to make a video.

Here I have to mention it is a women’s toilet, the men’s toilet is just a normal toilet. And also, there are no divers or humans who can watch you. At least not during operating times.

The 40 Million View Phenomenon

When I shared this video of the aquarium toilet on my Instagram, it struck a chord globally. In total the video reached over 40 million views across all platforms. Is clear that people are fascinated by the Japanese high-tech toilets, but especially when it looks so cool.

The Detour to Hyogo

Maybe you are wondering how I ended up somewhere like this. When I lived in Japan, I often travelled to its more rural corners. They are quieter than Tokyo and Osaka, but after a few years here you start craving something different from the big cities. This stop was not really planned: my girlfriend, my cousin, his girlfriend, and I were heading toward Kochi from the direction of Kobe, and since we were passing through, we decided to see a bit of Hyogo.

I was scrolling through Google for finding a coffee for a short break, and then I found it, the coffee shop Hipopo Papa (formerly Cafe Mumin Papa), with the world’s best toilet. The Aquarium toilet.

At first I was not sure what to expect, since these smaller towns can feel sleepy. It is not a place you will find in any tourist guide, and most visitors would simply pass by. But it turned out to be genuinely pleasant, calm, and home to a beach that is popular with surfers.

As we explored it a bit more, the initial feeling faded a bit. Akashi definitely has its charm. And discovering something new and non-touristic is always fun.

Discovering Hyogo: A Region of Hidden Wonders

While I was initially focused on the novelty of the aquarium toilet, I soon found myself captivated by the region itself. Akashi and its surroundings are full of charm and local culture. From the nearby Akashi Kaikyō Bridge to the rich historical landmarks of the area, there’s much to see and explore in this lesser-known part of Japan. It was a refreshing change from the more tourist-heavy places like Kobe, offering a more authentic glimpse into everyday Japanese life.

Pro Tip: Don’t leave Akashi without eating “Akashiyaki”
Before you hop back on the train, walk 10 minutes to the Uonotana Fish Market. Akashi is the birthplace of Akashiyaki, an eggier, softer version of Takoyaki that you dip in a savory dashi broth. It’s the ultimate local comfort food and much more authentic than the ‘tourist’ snacks you’ll find in the bigger cities.

Hyogo is also a perfect stop if you’re continuing your journey toward Shikoku. That’s exactly what we did. After exploring Akashi, we crossed over to Shikoku, joined an udon cooking class to learn the region’s famous Sanuki udon from scratch, and later made our way to Naoshima, the art island known for its world-class museums and outdoor installations. The smooth transition from Hyogo’s local charm to Shikoku’s culture, cuisine, and contemporary art made the trip feel connected and meaningful.

Whether you’re interested in history, food, or simply enjoying nature, Hyogo has a little something for everyone. The region is home to beautiful parks, temples, and scenic views, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Japan’s larger cities before heading deeper into the Setouchi region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Sometimes the best experiences come from the most unexpected places. What started as a detour from our original travel plans turned into one of the most memorable moments of our trip. Akashi’s aquarium toilet may have seemed like a quirky stop at first, but it ended up being much more than that, it was a reminder of how much beauty and creativity can be found in the simplest of things. You should really visit the best toilet in the world!

If you’re coming from Tokyo, I highly recommend taking the Shinkansen. It’s usually cheaper than flying when you factor in airport transfers, and it’s significantly more climate-friendly due to Japan’s efficient rail network. Plus, you can enjoy the comfort, speed, and iconic views along the Tokaido route.

So, next time you find yourself traveling through Hyogo, make sure to take a detour to Akashi. You’ll find a place that may seem ordinary at first, but once you step inside, you’ll discover it’s anything but. And who knows? You might just find your next big Instagram post, too!

I can recommend you to read my full Japan Guide to find more interesting things.