From monarchs to presidents, we all use the toilet. But, have you ever been to a lavish loo? Peed in prosperity? Or had a deluxe dookie?
World Toilet Day might sound fake, but it’s real and it comes around (the u-bend) every November!
Toilets are extraordinary, as they protect us from disease and keep our environments clean. Although the world is always changing, the UN says “one thing is constant: we’ll always need the toilet”.
BBC Bitesize highlights the transcendency of toilets, and presents you a real royal flush.
1. Shinjuku robot toilet
Once found in the famous Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku Tokyo, this bathroom was built to reflect Japan’s advanced toilet technology.
Alongside incorporating the futuristic design of the restaurant, these toilets included automated heated bidet seats, touchless features and of course the feeling that you were trapped inside C-3PO.
2. The Stegastein viewpoint toilet
Next to the world famous Stegastein viewing platform in Norway there is a public toilet featuring a large glass window that provides a panoramic view of the Aurlandsfjord. When things are taking a little longer than you expected, instead of scrolling, you can fully immerse in the beautiful landscape in front of you… Truly being at one with nature.
This toilet is a tourist attraction in itself being named one of the most beautiful toilets in the world in 2015. The toilet is accessible to everyone, but be aware that it’s only open in seasonal months.
3. The Hundertwasser toilets
In the small town of Kawakawa New Zealand you can find one of world’s most unique bathrooms. Designed by Austrian artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, these toilets reflect his philosophy that public spaces should be beautiful and in harmony with nature.
His design features wavy lines, wonky shapes, recycled materials, plants, and bold colours. It has become a popular tourist attraction by drawing thousands of visitors each year.
4. International Space Station toilet
On Earth, gravity helps us a lot, even when we’re on the toilet. So, in the absence of gravity, space toilets use air flow to pull urine and faeces away from the body. This airflow starts when the toilet lid in lifted. It also features foot restraints and handholds to stop astronauts from just floating away.
NASA astronaut Jessica Meir says, “we recycle about 90% of all water-based liquids on the space station, including urine and sweat”, which means “today’s coffee is tomorrow’s coffee!”
Faecal matter is stored in canisters which are then sent to Earth, it’s either studied by scientists at NASA or burnt up by the Earth’s atmosphere. But don’t worry NASA are looking into ways to recycle that too!
5. King Louis XIV throne in New Delhi
In the capital city of New Delhi, you can visit The Sulabh International Museum of Toilets which explores the history of toilets from 2500 BC. The museum educates visitors on the impact of historical sanitation practices and how we can create a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Alongside simple chamber pots, a toilet disguised as a bookcase you can also find a replica of the wooden throne used by King Louis XIV, which he reportedly used to defecate whist he was in court!
6. Transparent toilets in Tokyo
Designed by Shigeru Ban, these toilets are well-known for their transparent glass walls. Although it appears a bit disconcerting, once the door is locked the walls become opaque. The aim of this design was to address to common worry that public toilets were unclean, and the transparency aspect reassured users that, before they entered, the toilets were clean and empty.
The toilets are part of the Tokyo Toilet Project, which is part of a wider initiative to transform public restrooms into works of art and innovation.
7. The most stylish seat in Norway
Who said toilets couldn’t be stylish? Not the Norwegians.
On the Helgeland coast you can feel more fashionable by using these facilities. Architecturally designed with curving shapes, modern amenities and large glass windows to blend in with its beautiful surroundings. It’s been recognised as being one of the world’s most beautiful public lavatories (if you're keeping score, that's 2 times - on this list alone - that Norway has won that claim).
A chance to do your business in true Norwegian style.
This article was published in November 2025
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