TOTO Museum

The TOTO Museum in Kitakyushu, Japan, chronicles the history of one of the world's most innovative bathroom fixture manufacturers. Established in 1917 as Toyo Toki, TOTO has grown from a ceramic sanitary ware producer into a global leader in bathroom technology and design. The museum opened in 2015 to commemorate the company's legacy and showcase its contributions to modern hygiene and comfort standards worldwide.

The museum holds particular cultural significance in understanding Japan's post-war industrial development and its reputation for precision engineering and innovation. TOTO pioneered the modern washlet toilet seat with integrated bidet functions in 1980, fundamentally changing bathroom culture in Japan and influencing global sanitary standards. The exhibits demonstrate how Japanese manufacturing excellence transformed everyday objects into sophisticated technological products that prioritize user comfort and environmental sustainability.

Visitors can explore galleries displaying TOTO's product evolution across different eras, including vintage ceramic toilets, early washlet prototypes, and cutting-edge water conservation technologies. The museum features interactive displays explaining the engineering behind features like heated seats, automated lids, and self-cleaning systems.

A reconstruction of founder Kazuchika Okura's workshop provides historical context, while design exhibits showcase collaborations with renowned architects and designers. The facility includes functioning restrooms equipped with TOTO's latest innovations, allowing visitors to experience the technology firsthand.

The TOTO Museum is located in the Kokura Minami Ward of Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture. From Kokura Station, visitors can take the JR Nippo Main Line to Kokurakita Station, followed by a 15-minute walk or short taxi ride. Alternatively, local buses operate from Kokura Station directly to the museum area. Admission is free, making it accessible for all travelers interested in industrial history and Japanese innovation.