From gold-plated temple loos in Thailand to glass-walled restrooms in Tokyo, the world’s most unusual bathrooms are turning pit stops into must-see attractions. These restrooms blend quirky design with local culture and serious ingenuity, proving that even the most functional spaces can become highlights for adventurous travellers. On World Toilet Day, discover a line-up of lavatories where relief meets creativity and where you might want to linger a little longer.

Let’s be honest: everyone needs a loo, but not all restrooms are created equal. Some have robot seats, aquarium walls, or views better than most living rooms. With World Toilet Day around the corner, it’s time to flush away boring bathroom breaks and dive into the wildest, weirdest, and most headline-worthy toilets around the globe. Whether it’s high-tech or just plain bizarre, these loos prove that bathroom business can be unforgettable, sometimes even hilarious.

Singapore’s Rooftop Toilet with a View

At the pinnacle of ION Orchard in Singapore, there’s a toilet with glass windows looking out over the skyline. The cubicles are private but open directly to city views, making the experience surprisingly scenic. It shows how even something as everyday as a restroom can be elevated by design.

Tokyo’s Smart Toilets

Japan takes toilet technology seriously. Almost every restroom comes with heated seats, automatic lids, and built-in bidets. Some even play sounds to drown out noise for privacy. At train stations and department stores in Tokyo, these high-tech toilets are a cultural norm, showing how hygiene and comfort can be integrated seamlessly into daily life.

Hundertwasser Public Toilets, Kawakawa, New Zealand

Designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, these toilets have become a colourful, surreal landmark. Though located in New Zealand, the design is heavily influenced by European expressionist architecture and art. The whimsical mosaics, uneven surfaces, bright colours, and organic forms make them one of the most memorable and artistically significant public toilets in the world.

The Golden Temple Toilet, Chiang Rai

At the stunning Wat Rong Khun, or White Temple, in Chiang Rai, visitors find more than just a spiritual site; the public toilets here are a highlight in their own right. Known as the Golden Restroom, this lavish toilet building is designed to complement the temple’s artistic grandeur with intricate golden architecture and ornate details. It’s often praised as one of the most beautiful public toilets worldwide, blending traditional Thai art with modern convenience. Visitors are drawn not only to its striking appearance but also to its clean, well-maintained facilities, proving that bathroom visits can be moments of cultural appreciation and delight.

Iceland’s Remote Cliff-Edge Toilet

On road trips through Iceland, travellers often stumble upon tiny public toilets surrounded by endless landscapes of lava fields, cliffs, or waterfalls. One of the most photographed is a cliff-edge restroom perched on a coastal drive. The stark, minimalist design matches the raw environment around it. The toilet itself isn’t fancy, but its setting makes it unforgettable.

The Luxurious Rest Stops in Dubai

Dubai malls and hotels often treat toilets like mini-spas, with marble finishes, mood lighting, and personal attendants. In some restrooms, there are lounge areas with sofas, mirrors, and even scented towels. The effect is less about practicality and more about turning a bathroom visit into part of the luxury experience.

The Amoeba Public Restroom in Beijing

In Beijing’s Manshan Park, the Amoeba Public Restroom by People’s Architecture Office challenges traditional restroom design with its organic, curved form inspired by cellular shapes. Bathed in natural light from skylights and softly glowing LED strips, the restroom prioritises inclusivity and openness. The sculptural walls flow continuously around individual stalls, featuring floating doors, to create a social and welcoming atmosphere. This innovative design transforms a simple necessity into a landmark of thoughtful architecture.

The Tokyo Toilet Project in Tokyo, Japan

In Tokyo, the Tokyo Toilet project reimagines public restrooms as works of art and community spaces. One standout is the Kengo Kuma Toilet, located in Nabeshima Shoto Park, Tokyo. The toilet is designed as a “public toilet village” made up of five separate huts connected by a wooden walkway that blends with the lush greenery. Each hut is clad with cedar board louvres, allowing light and air to flow freely, creating an open, breezy atmosphere. Kuma’s design focuses on inclusivity, with each cabin serving different user needs, such as family restrooms and changing spaces. The warm wood tones and integration with nature make it a relaxing stop that wraps public utility in natural beauty. Accessible and welcoming, Tokyo Toilet facilities reflect Japan’s commitment to hospitality and design excellence.

The Transparent Toilets of Shibuya, Tokyo

In Tokyo’s Shibuya ward, public toilets designed by architect Shigeru Ban use glass walls that turn opaque when the door is locked. When empty, they are completely transparent, letting passersby see the clean interior. Step inside, lock the door, and privacy instantly returns. It combines art, trust, and public sanitation in one.

The Eco-Friendly Compost Toilets in New Zealand

Hiking in New Zealand often leads to remote composting toilets that use no water or electricity. They are basic, but the way they blend with the natural environment is the point. These toilets are built into nature trails and alpine routes where sustainability comes first. Travellers often note the quiet simplicity of using them with a mountain view.

A Public Toilet Made of Gold in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong jewellery company Hang Fung once built a restroom made almost entirely of gold. The toilet, sinks, and even toilet paper dispensers were crafted from solid gold. It was a symbol of wealth rather than practicality and eventually became a tourist attraction for those curious to see the excess in person.

The Fun Park Restrooms in Seoul

In Seoul, themed restrooms play to quirky tastes. One café had toilets shaped like cartoon characters, while a park built facilities decorated with bright graffiti murals. These spaces move away from standard white-tiled bathrooms and instead create playful designs that people often photograph before they even use.  

Toilets with a Story 

These restrooms tell us something about travel and culture. Some are high-tech, others are designed for views, and a few are art pieces or even status symbols. They’re practical spaces, but they also reveal what people value: privacy, comfort, nature, or even humour. On World Toilet Day, they remind us how something universal can still surprise us.