When traveling in Japan, the most reliable places to find a restroom in a pinch are convenience stores (konbini) such as 7-Eleven and Lawson. However, it is not uncommon to arrive only to find that the restroom is “not for public use” or currently being cleaned.
On February 12, 2026, the iOS version of “TOILET SEARCH,” a free app designed to solve these issues through technology, was officially released. This app dramatically reduces the stress of “finding a toilet” in Japanese urban areas.
A “Participatory” Platform Visualizing Japan’s Restroom Environment
“TOILET SEARCH” is a service that maps free toilets across Japan—including those in convenience stores, cafes, public facilities, and hotels.
Its most significant feature is that it is a “dynamic platform” where users contribute information. Conventional map apps often rely on outdated municipal data, lacking real-time information on whether a toilet is “actually available right now” or “clean.” Because users update the information themselves in this app, you can always know the most current status.
Check “Cleanliness” in Advance with Photos and Reviews
For tourists, the hygiene of a restroom is extremely important. On TOILET SEARCH, users who have actually used a facility can post photos and “cleanliness” reviews.
By checking the app, you can see at a glance how well-maintained the destination’s toilet is. This positive system connects one user’s post saying “it was clean here” to the peace of mind of the next person.
Detailed Search Filters for Every Need
The app is equipped with advanced filtering functions tailored to the user’s situation. You can narrow down the perfect toilet for you based on the following criteria:
- 5-star rating based on cleanliness reviews
- Availability of bidet functions (Washlet)
- Availability of toilet paper
- Availability of baby cribs, diaper changing tables, and baby chairs
- Barrier-free accessibility and multipurpose toilets
- Ostomate-friendly facilities
- Status: Staffed (attendants present) or Unstaffed
- Distinction between Women-only and Unisex
For example, a family with small children can prioritize searching for “clean toilets with diaper changing tables,” while wheelchair users can instantly find “barrier-free” spots.
Supporting Tourism with 50,000 Data Points and Multilingual Support
At the time of launch, information on approximately 50,000 toilets across Japan is listed. This is a massive amount of data, comparable to the total number of major convenience store branches in Japan.
Furthermore, the app supports English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), and Korean, in addition to Japanese. It will serve as a powerful tool to solve the common tourist question, “Where is the toilet?” It is also expected to help disperse toilet congestion in tourist areas and is attracting attention as part of Tourism DX (Digital Transformation).
Future Schedule and Service Overview
While the iOS version is currently available, an Android version is scheduled for release in March 2026. Future plans include adding cleanliness analysis functions utilizing AI (Artificial Intelligence).
- Service Name: TOILET SEARCH
- Release Date: February 12, 2026 (iOS), March 2026 (Android scheduled)
- Price: Completely Free ($0 USD)
- Main Features: Map search, photos/facility info/cleanliness reviews, detailed filters, multilingual support
- Coverage Area: All of Japan (approx. 50,000 locations)
By eliminating anxiety while on the go and making walking through Japan’s streets more comfortable, this app is sure to be a reassuring partner for travelers.
TOILET SEARCH | A new toilet search app providing safety and cleanliness 🇯🇵
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