We’re getting into the tail end of hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in Japan’s Kanto region. A good time has been had by many. However, some women found their experiences dampened at one famous location due to a lack of toilets. It’s not the first time that a lack of restroom facilities for women has made the news in Japan.
Two women’s stalls out of eight
Yoyogi Park in Shibuya’s Yoyogi neighborhood is a blessed spot to picnic amongst the cherry blossoms. Even when it’s prohibited, it’s not uncommon for revelers to break out beers or canned chuhai while chatting with their friends.
Drinking booze translates to frequent bathroom visits. And that’s where the trouble comes in.
According to News Post Seven (hat tip to Mulboyne for making me aware of this), women they interviewed who came to Yoyogi Park for cherry blossom viewing complained about a significant lack of women’s stalls. While men seemed to have little trouble getting in, long lines resulted in 40-minute waits for some women. In one block of eight portable stalls set up for cherry blossom viewing crowds, there were only two toilets designated for women.
“It’s unfair,” one woman grumbled. “They knew before setting up the facilities that women require more time.”
Failing to meet international standards
Women’s toilets in Japan made headlines in February 2025 thanks to one woman whose research showed that Japanese public restrooms generally have 2.8 times more availability for men than women. This is in spite of international standards that call for a 1:3 ratio between men and women to account for the additional time that women need. Some countries, such as the United Kingdom, regulate a 1:2 ratio for all facilities.
When asked for comment, Tokyo’s Parks Committee said they hadn’t received any official complaints. They maintain that they evaluate the reasonable number of portable toilets to install every season. In their statement, they said the number of men’s toilets was meant to address “the issue of men urinating in the park.”
The Committee says it’s heard input that they should increase the number of women’s toilets and will consider how to do so while preserving participants’ safety.
When I wrote the previous article about long toilet lines in Japan, people (men) said that labeling this “patriarchy” was overblown. Women’s toilets take up more space because men have urinals! It’s a practical space issue! There’s no patriarchy involved here!
I wonder what their excuses will be this time.
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