English audio walking guide · 8 tracks · route about 5 h 00 min with trains
PERFECT DAYS: The Quiet Beauty of Tokyo
In PERFECT DAYS, Hirayama finds meaning in ordinary routines: cleaning public toilets, observing trees, reading books and appreciating the changing light. This self-guided journey explores seven verified locations connected to his world, from Shibuya's innovative architecture to the older neighborhoods of Asakusa.
Audio guide (8 tracks)
Track 1 is free. Tracks 2–8 unlock with a $3, 7-day film location pass.
▶ 01 — Introduction: Finding Beauty in Ordinary Tokyo — free
Welcome to Tokyo, and to a different kind of film-location journey. Today, we are following the places connected to PERFECT DAYS, the 2023 film directed by Wim Wenders and starring Koji Yakusho. Our journey begins in Shibuya and ends beside the Sumida River. Along the way, you will discover buildings that most visitors might overlook, a small bookshop, an underground shopping street and a bridge where the changing light becomes part of the experience. The film follows Hirayama, a man who cleans public toilets and lives according to a carefully structured routine. His world is not built around spectacular attractions. Instead, it is shaped by trees, streets, music, books and the people he encounters. The film grew from THE TOKYO TOILET, a project that invited leading architects and designers to rethink public facilities. The route includes four of those facilities, followed by three independently confirmed filming locations in Asakusa. Travel between the two districts by train. As you explore, remember that these are active public spaces. Respect privacy, keep pathways clear and give yourself permission to notice small things. That is the spirit of this journey.
🎧 02 — Nabeshima Shoto Park: A Village Among the Trees
Stand on a public path inside Nabeshima Shoto Park, where you can see the small wooden buildings without entering the facilities. Look carefully. This does not resemble a conventional public toilet. Instead, several individual structures seem to have emerged from the surrounding greenery. Their designer is Kengo Kuma, one of Japan's internationally recognized architects. His idea was to create a small village within the park. Five separate buildings are connected by paths, while cedar louvers soften their appearance and bring the architecture closer to nature. Each building has its own purpose and layout, reflecting the different needs of the people who use public space. The park itself offers a quieter side of Shibuya, away from the crowded intersections for which the district is famous. This facility belongs to THE TOKYO TOILET project, the architectural initiative that inspired PERFECT DAYS. In the film, the protagonist's work encourages us to consider spaces that are often taken for granted. Here, that idea becomes tangible. Before leaving, notice how the angles of the wooden boards change as you move. Even a practical building can reward a second look.
🎧 03 — Yoyogi Fukamachi: The Transparent Toilet
Stand outside the toilet at Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park, leaving the entrance completely clear. Notice the colored glass panels and the simple, box-like structure. This is one of the most recognizable designs in THE TOKYO TOILET project. It was created by architect Shigeru Ban, known for combining inventive construction techniques with humanitarian design. His unusual idea addressed two common concerns about public toilets: whether they are clean and whether someone is already inside. The original system uses special glass that becomes opaque when the door is locked. When the facility is vacant, the glass can be transparent. The technology creates an unexpected relationship between public visibility and personal privacy. However, Shibuya City explains that the glass is kept opaque during winter, so the appearance may differ from photographs or the film. PERFECT DAYS introduces viewers to the importance of maintaining public facilities such as this one. What might normally be an invisible service becomes something worth thinking about. Look at the surrounding playground and trees too. Architecture here is part of ordinary neighborhood life. Please never test the privacy system while someone is using the facility.
🎧 04 — Yoyogi-Hachiman: Three Mushrooms
Stand on the public approach near Yoyogi-Hachiman, making sure you are not blocking the steps. Look toward the three rounded structures at the foot of the wooded shrine grounds. Architect Toyo Ito imagined these toilets as mushrooms growing from the forest. Their circular forms and softly curved roofs create a striking contrast with the traffic on Yamate-dori. Notice the small tiles and subtle changes in color across the surfaces. The design also considers how people move between the buildings. Open circulation areas make the spaces easier to navigate and help users feel safe. Behind the facilities, the trees of Yoyogi Hachimangu provide a completely different atmosphere from the busy road. This meeting of architecture, nature and everyday activity fits beautifully with PERFECT DAYS. The film repeatedly invites attention to trees and the changing patterns of daylight. At this stop, you can experience a similar contrast between movement and stillness without recreating any scene. If you decide to visit the shrine grounds, remember that they are a place of worship. Speak quietly, respect worshippers and follow local photography signs.
🎧 05 — Ebisu East Park: The Squid Toilet
Stand at the edge of Ebisu East Park, where you can see the public toilet and the playground together. Look first at the roof. Its light, flowing shape seems almost playful, very different from the heavy concrete structures often associated with public buildings. The architect was Fumihiko Maki, a celebrated Japanese designer and recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize. The surrounding park is affectionately called Octopus Park because of its octopus-shaped playground equipment. Maki responded with a structure sometimes described as the Squid Toilet. But the design is more than a playful reference. The roof connects separate spaces while allowing light and ventilation to contribute to a welcoming environment. Seating and open areas help the facility function as part of the park itself. In PERFECT DAYS, the act of cleaning becomes a way to notice the importance of places that people share. Here, that connection is especially clear. Families play, commuters pass and maintenance workers keep the facilities usable. Take a moment to watch the daylight on the roof. Please keep the playground accessible and avoid photographing children.
🎧 06 — Asakusa Underground: A Different Tokyo
Stand near the entrance to Asakusa's underground shopping street, making sure you are clear of the stairs and passing commuters. Descend carefully and notice how the atmosphere changes. The bright, open streets above give way to a compact world of low ceilings, small establishments and closely spaced signs. This shopping area preserves a kind of everyday commercial atmosphere that can be difficult to find in newer parts of Tokyo. One of its establishments is Fukuchan, a casual place associated with yakisoba and drinks. Taito City Film Commission confirms that Fukuchan appears in PERFECT DAYS as a place Hirayama visits after work. It is a natural extension of his daily routine, a setting where the film's attention to ordinary life continues beyond his job. Look at the practical details around you: shop entrances, old-fashioned signs and the way different businesses share a limited amount of space. These details give the location its character. Remember that this is a functioning shopping street, not a museum. Respect customers and shopkeepers, ask permission before taking photographs and never block the narrow passageways.
🎧 07 — Chikyu-do: The Pleasure of Finding a Book
Stand outside Chikyu-do Bookstore on Denboin-dori in Asakusa, leaving space for customers to enter. Look at the shopfront and the books displayed around it. This is a real secondhand bookshop, and its connection to PERFECT DAYS is particularly direct. According to Taito City Film Commission, the production used the shop almost exactly as it existed, including much of its actual interior. There is no need for an elaborate film set when a real place already possesses the atmosphere the story requires. Books are an important part of Hirayama's quiet routine. His enjoyment of reading suggests a way of living in which small choices and personal interests matter more than constant novelty. Secondhand bookshops offer a similar pleasure. Their collections are shaped by what previous owners have read, treasured and eventually passed along. Every shelf can contain an unexpected discovery. Around you, Denboin-dori connects this intimate world with the busier historic streets of Asakusa. Take your time looking around, but remember that Chikyu-do is a working business. Ask before photographing inside, handle books carefully and respect anyone browsing nearby.
🎧 08 — Sakurabashi: The River and the Changing Light
Stand on Sakurabashi, the pedestrian bridge crossing the Sumida River, at a point where you can enjoy the view without obstructing others. Look along the water toward the city. Depending on where you stand, Tokyo Skytree rises beyond the surrounding buildings. Notice the unusual shape of the bridge itself. Its crossing paths form a distinctive X-like structure, creating different perspectives as you walk. Taito City Film Commission confirms that this area appears repeatedly in PERFECT DAYS as part of Hirayama's everyday route. It also records filming here during October 2022, when the production captured beautiful evening light. The Sumida River has long been an important part of Tokyo's geography and urban life, connecting neighborhoods and providing an open corridor through the dense city. Unlike a famous landmark visited only once, a bridge changes character every day. Clouds, wind, water and the position of the sun continually alter the view. This is an appropriate place to finish our journey. PERFECT DAYS encourages us to find value in what we see repeatedly. Before leaving, spend a moment observing the river, without searching for anything in particular.
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The route
Begin at Nabeshima Shoto Park, continue to Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park and Yoyogi-Hachiman, then travel to Ebisu East Park. Take the train to Asakusa for the underground shopping street and Chikyu-do Bookstore. Finish at Sakurabashi over the Sumida River. This is a cross-city itinerary, not a continuous walking tour. Allow time for train transfers and quiet observation. Locations are grouped geographically rather than following the film's exact scene order.
The places
- 1. Nabeshima Shoto Park Public Toilet 鍋島松濤公園トイレ
PERFECT DAYS (2023) — Official collaboration. A Kengo Kuma-designed facility belonging to THE TOKYO TOILET, the official architectural project behind the film. Featured among the film-related facilities in Japanese architecture and film coverage.
Address: 2-10-7 Shoto, Shibuya. Architect: Kengo Kuma. The facility consists of five small cedar-clad buildings, conceived as a village of toilets connected by paths through greenery.
Look for: Notice the cedar louvers, irregular rooflines, separate buildings and relationship between architecture and surrounding trees.
Visiting: Public toilet; no admission charge. No fixed visiting hours independently confirmed. Coordinates approximate. Respect the park's neighbors and users. Photograph architecture from public paths, never occupied facilities or people without permission.
Sources: THE TOKYO TOILET — Nabeshima Shoto Park · So-en — Wim Wenders Interview and Featured Toilets · Shibuya City — Public Toilet Facilities
- 2. Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park Public Toilet 代々木深町小公園トイレ
PERFECT DAYS (2023) — Official collaboration. One of Shigeru Ban's transparent public toilets in THE TOKYO TOILET project, the architectural initiative that inspired PERFECT DAYS. Identified in contemporary film coverage.
Address: 1-54-1 Tomigaya. Architect: Shigeru Ban. The original design uses special glass that changes from transparent to opaque when the door is locked. Shibuya City states that the glass is kept opaque during winter.
Look for: Observe the colored glass panels, simple geometric forms and relationship to the playground. Do not assume the glass will currently be transparent.
Visiting: Public toilet; no admission charge. Winter privacy operation may change the appearance. Coordinates approximate. Never photograph into toilet interiors or test privacy mechanisms while others are using them. Keep the playground accessible.
Sources: THE TOKYO TOILET — Yoyogi Fukamachi · Shibuya City — Public Toilet Facilities · So-en — Film and Architectural Project
- 3. Yoyogi-Hachiman Public Toilet 代々木八幡公衆トイレ
PERFECT DAYS (2023) — Official collaboration. Toyo Ito's public toilet is part of the official THE TOKYO TOILET project and is identified among the facilities connected with the film.
Address: 5-1-2 Yoyogi. Architect: Toyo Ito. The three rounded structures were designed to resemble mushrooms emerging from the wooded surroundings of Yoyogi Hachimangu Shrine.
Look for: Look for three mushroom-like roofs, small tiles in changing colors and the contrast between busy Yamate-dori and the shrine's wooded setting.
Visiting: Public toilet; no admission charge. Shrine access and toilet use are separate. Coordinates approximate. Keep stairs and shrine approaches clear. Speak quietly around worshippers. Do not photograph inside occupied toilet spaces.
Sources: THE TOKYO TOILET — Yoyogi-Hachiman · Shibuya City — Public Toilet Facilities · So-en — Wim Wenders Interview
- 4. Ebisu East Park Public Toilet 恵比寿東公園トイレ
PERFECT DAYS (2023) — Official collaboration. A Fumihiko Maki-designed facility in THE TOKYO TOILET project, featured in film-related architectural coverage and associated with Hirayama's cleaning route.
Address: 1-2-16 Ebisu. Architect: Fumihiko Maki. Designed as both a public toilet and an open park pavilion, the facility features a distinctive light-colored roof. The surrounding park is nicknamed Octopus Park because of its playground equipment; the architect describes the toilet as the Squid Toilet.
Look for: Study the flowing roof, natural lighting, seating and the way the facility connects several functions around an open space.
Visiting: Public toilet; no admission charge. No specific hours verified. Children and families take priority. Avoid photographing children or interrupting cleaning and maintenance.
Sources: THE TOKYO TOILET — Ebisu East Park · So-en — Film and Toilet Architecture · Shibuya City — Public Toilet Facilities
- 5. Asakusa Underground Shopping Street — Fukuchan 浅草地下商店街・福ちゃん
PERFECT DAYS (2023) — Official collaboration. Taito City Film Commission explicitly identifies Fukuchan in Asakusa's underground shopping street as the real establishment visited by Hirayama in the film.
Address: 1-1-12 Asakusa. The underground shopping street preserves a nostalgic atmosphere associated with Tokyo's postwar commercial culture. Fukuchan is a casual establishment known for yakisoba and drinks.
Look for: Notice the low ceilings, compact shopfronts, practical signage and close proximity of small businesses.
Visiting: The passage is a commercial environment, not a film set. Individual businesses determine their own operating hours and prices; check on arrival. Coordinates approximate. Narrow passages must remain clear. Request permission before photographing shop interiors or customers. Order something if taking a restaurant seat.
Sources: Taito City Film Commission — PERFECT DAYS · Official Film Website — Story
- 6. Chikyu-do Secondhand Bookstore 地球堂
PERFECT DAYS (2023) — Official collaboration. Taito City Film Commission confirms that Chikyu-do on Denboin-dori was used as Hirayama's secondhand bookstore, with its real interior retained almost unchanged for filming.
Address: 1-39-9 Asakusa. Chikyu-do is a real secondhand bookshop along Denboin-dori, a shopping street near Sensoji. The film uses the shop's authentic atmosphere rather than an elaborate reconstructed set.
Look for: Observe the book displays, shopfront and the surrounding traditional-style commercial streetscape.
Visiting: Privately operated shop. Opening hours and prices not independently verified. Coordinates approximate. Do not block the entrance. Ask before photographing inside, and handle books with care. Respect customers browsing quietly.
Sources: Taito City Film Commission — PERFECT DAYS · PERFECT DAYS — Official Story
- 7. Sakurabashi Bridge and Sumida Park 桜橋・隅田公園
PERFECT DAYS (2023) — Official collaboration. Taito City Film Commission identifies Sumida Park and Sakurabashi as frequently appearing on Hirayama's route. It reports that filming took place over several days in October 2022.
Sakurabashi is a distinctive X-shaped pedestrian bridge crossing the Sumida River, connecting the Taito and Sumida sides. Its open position provides views along the river and toward Tokyo Skytree.
Look for: Notice the bridge's crossing geometry, reflections on the water, riverside paths, trees and Skytree skyline.
Visiting: Public pedestrian bridge with no admission charge. No guaranteed access hours independently verified. Coordinates approximate. Keep walking and cycling paths clear. Do not obstruct the bridge for photography. Be considerate of residents and people exercising by the river.
Sources: Taito City Film Commission — PERFECT DAYS · PERFECT DAYS — Official Story
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FAQ
Are all seven places actual filming locations?
The three Asakusa and Sumida River locations are individually confirmed by Taito City Film Commission. The four Shibuya toilets are official THE TOKYO TOILET facilities linked to the film through project and published film coverage. The official status for these toilets establishes their project connection, not an independently documented production permit for every individual scene.
What do the location statuses mean?
official means a connection is documented by an official project, film authority or municipal source. appears means a specific real place is clearly identified as depicted by an eligible source. said_model means an eligible newspaper or municipal source describes a place only as a possible inspiration. This itinerary does not include unsupported model claims.
Can visitors enter the toilets?
They are functioning public toilets, not exhibition rooms. Use them normally and respect other visitors' privacy. Exterior architectural photography is preferable. Shibuya City requires procedures for certain kinds of filming at public toilet facilities.
Does the transparent toilet always remain transparent?
No. Its original glass system changes opacity when locked, but Shibuya City states that the glass is maintained in an opaque state during winter. Never attempt to test it when occupied.
Can the route be completed entirely on foot?
No. The Shibuya and Asakusa sections are separated by a substantial cross-city journey. Rail travel is recommended. The complete itinerary is approximately five hours including transport, walking and short stops, but this is an estimate rather than an official journey time.
Are there admission fees?
The public toilets and pedestrian bridge do not charge admission. Shops and restaurants charge for purchases. Business opening hours and prices should be checked directly.
Why are Tokyo Skytree and other famous landmarks not separate stops?
Tokyo Skytree is visible from the river area, but a view of a landmark does not by itself establish a separate filming location. This guide prioritizes individually supported film connections over speculative additions.
What is the best way to enjoy this route?
Travel at a relaxed pace. Avoid photographing restroom users, respect residents and shopkeepers, and never block crossings or stairs. The experience is about observing genuine public spaces rather than reproducing scenes.
Checked 2026-11-10. No footage, dialogue, music or character voices are used.