TOTO Museum

The TOTO Museum is a unique corporate museum located in Kitakyushu, on the grounds of the headquarters of the world-famous TOTO company in Japan. The museum was officially opened in 2017, marking the company's 100th anniversary. It is not just an exhibition hall, but a real center dedicated to the history of the company, which is Japan's leading plumbing manufacturer, as well as the evolution of toilet culture in the country.

Visitors to the museum embark on a fascinating journey through TOTO's history of innovation. The exhibition features more than 950 of the company's most iconic products. Among them are the famous high-tech Japanese toilets, which have become a symbol of comfort and advanced technology, as well as prefabricated modular bathrooms and other revolutionary plumbing developments.

The museum building itself is a work of modern art and engineering. Its unique architecture, resembling a water droplet, was brought to life with a budget of approximately $60 million USD. Special attention during design was paid to sustainability: it uses advanced technologies such as water-saving systems, solar power, a "green" roof, crushed porcelain materials in the finish, Hydrotect self-cleaning surfaces, and a sophisticated natural ventilation system. The TOTO Museum offers not only an educational but also an inspiring experience, demonstrating the harmony between technology, design, and environmental care.

To get the most up-to-date information on opening hours, current exhibitions, ticket prices, and special events at the TOTO Museum, it is recommended to visit its official resources. This will allow you to plan your visit in the best way possible and learn about all the opportunities the museum offers.

A visit to the TOTO Museum in Kitakyushu is a fascinating immersion into the history and innovation of one of the world's leading plumbing manufacturers. Guests can explore three main permanent exhibitions. The first exhibition tells the detailed story of TOTO's founding and development. Here, you can peek behind the scenes of the manufacturing process: from the birth of an idea and concept development to the stages of production and final packaging. This is a unique opportunity to understand the philosophy and engineering approach behind every product.

The second exhibition is dedicated to the evolution of TOTO plumbing products over the decades. Special focus is given to iconic innovations such as the famous WASHLET bidet seats and high-tech NEOREST automatic toilets. Among the exhibits, you will see historical artifacts, including Japan's first domestic flush toilet, developed in 1914, as well as the first generation Washlet released in 1980. This is a clear demonstration of how perceptions of comfort and hygiene have changed.

The third exhibition area showcases TOTO products sold in various countries around the world, allowing you to appreciate the global reach and adaptation to different markets. In addition to the main exhibitions, the museum features a library with materials on TOTO's history, the development of "smart toilets," and public health issues. The museum shop offers original souvenirs and goods created in collaboration with local businesses, which will be a pleasant addition to your visit.

The TOTO Museum is located in the city of Kitakyushu, which is in Fukuoka Prefecture. It is part of the TOTO headquarters complex. The museum's exact address is 1-1, Nakashima 2-chōme, Kokurakita-ku, making it relatively easy to find, especially when using maps or navigation systems in Kitakyushu.

For tourists wishing to visit the TOTO Museum, there is an interesting option – joining a walking tour of the Kokura district. These tours usually last half a day and include a visit to the museum in their program. This is not only a convenient way to reach the museum but also an opportunity to see other local attractions, such as the colorful Tanga Market, known as the "kitchen of Kitakyushu," which preserves the atmosphere of the mid-20th century.

If you prefer to reach the TOTO Museum on your own, knowing its address in the Kokurakita-ku district, you can use the Kitakyushu public transportation system. You will need to find a suitable route to the stop closest to the museum, from where a short walk may be required. Alternatively, you can always use a taxi, which will take you directly to the museum entrance from anywhere in Kitakyushu or from your hotel.

The TOTO Museum in Kitakyushu is not just a plumbing exhibition, but a whole story of Japan's modernization and the pursuit of a better quality of life. TOTO Ltd., founded in 1917, has followed the ideals of its founder for over a hundred years, who dreamed of providing the Japanese people with a healthy and cultured lifestyle. Interestingly, TOTO began its journey as a sanitary ceramics division within Nippon Tōki Kaisha, known worldwide today as the exquisite tableware manufacturer Noritake. This fact highlights the company's deep roots in the traditions of Japanese craftsmanship and quality.

TOTO's history is closely linked to the Morimura family. Ichizaemon Morimura, his brother-in-law Magobei Okura, and other family members founded Nippon Tōki (originally the trading firm Morimura Gumi) in 1904. Magobei's son, Kazuchika, became the company's first president. From the beginning, TOTO took on an important mission: introducing Western-style plumbing and developing public sanitation systems in Japan. This contribution had a huge impact on the country's modernization and the shaping of modern ideas about hygiene and comfort.

The TOTO Museum itself was created with the noble goal of preserving and passing on the company's founding principles to future generations and truthfully telling its rich history. The museum's exhibits not only demonstrate the evolution of TOTO products but also reflect corporate values, including the commitment to creating a sustainable society. By visiting the museum, you can gain a deeper understanding of TOTO's philosophy, which lies in producing products with care for the environment and people's well-being.

To fully explore the TOTO Museum in Kitakyushu, most visitors will need about 1.5-2 hours. This time is usually enough to see the main halls dedicated to the company's history, the evolution of plumbing products, and TOTO's innovative developments in hygiene and comfort.

If you have a special interest in the history of technology, industrial design, or want to study interactive exhibits and temporary exhibitions in detail (if any are being held), your visit may last up to 2.5-3 hours. You should also consider potential time for visiting the museum's souvenir shop, where you can find themed merchandise.

The TOTO Museum in Kitakyushu offers visitors an interesting look at the history and development of plumbing, but it's important to consider its schedule when planning your visit. According to available information, the museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Additionally, it does not accept visitors during summer holidays. A nice feature is that admission to the museum is free.

Since exact weekday hours (excluding Monday) and specific closing dates for summer holidays may change, it is highly recommended to check the current information on the official TOTO Museum website or contact local tourist information centers before visiting. This will help you plan your visit in the best way possible and avoid any possible inconvenience. Generally, no advance booking is required for free admission, but it's always good to clarify this point, especially if you plan to visit the museum in a large group.

Visiting the TOTO Museum in Kitakyushu is undoubtedly a fascinating experience. However, to make your trip even more fulfilling, it is worth paying attention to nearby attractions. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere, discover new interesting places, and get a more complete picture of Japan's culture and history.

There are several noteworthy sites near the TOTO Museum that can complement your cultural program. Below is a list of some of them, including distances, to help you plan your itinerary.