In Tokyo, head for this mushroom-like public washroom when nature calls

The mushroom-like public conveniences in Tokyo designed by architect Ito. Photo: AFP

Japanese Pritzker Prize-winning architect Toyo Ito has designed and built a cluster of mushroom-like public washrooms in the Shibuya district of Tokyo.

These facilities are part of a series of 17 projects forming part of the Nippon Foundation's ambitious plan to clean up the image of public conveniences.

People might think of Japan as being one of the cleanest countries in the world. However, public toilet use in the country is limited.

This is largely because the stereotypes that they are dark, dirty, smelly and scary places, prevail among Japanese people, who are clearly unfamiliar with certain facilities in the capital.