💩 What if "poop" could become cute, colorful, and Instagram-worthy? In Japan, it already has. The Unko Museum—"unko" meaning poop in Japanese—has attracted over 2.5 million visitors since its debut in 2019. With pastel-colored spaces, interactive attractions, and staff cheerfully shouting "Hello Unko!", this uniquely Japanese entertainment facility has become a must-visit destination for international tourists. Here's how Japan turned a universal taboo into "kawaii" magic.
What Is the Unko Museum?
The Unko Museum is an interactive entertainment facility built around the concept of "Max Unko Kawaii"—making poop as cute as possible. Jointly operated by Tanoshii Museum and the creative agency Kayac, the facility completely transforms the negative associations of poop (dirty, smelly, embarrassing) into a pop, photogenic experience.
While primarily targeting women in their teens to thirties, the museum has expanded its appeal to visitors of all ages, genders, and nationalities. It's less of a traditional museum and more of an immersive entertainment space where you can touch, play with, and photograph adorable poop creations.
History and Global Expansion
The Unko Museum journey began in March 2019 as a limited-time exhibition in Yokohama. Originally planned for four months, overwhelming demand led to extensions and eventually permanent locations.
Key milestones include:
- August 2019: Tokyo flagship store opens at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba
- October 2019: First international expansion to Shanghai, China
- 2021-2022: Pop-up exhibitions across Japan (Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Shizuoka)
- 2023: Permanent location opens in Melbourne, Australia
- April 2025: Nagoya permanent location opens
- Summer 2025: Okinawa location planned at AEON Mall Okinawa Rycom
As of December 2025, cumulative visitors have exceeded 2.5 million. The brand has even become a J3 League soccer sponsor, with "UNKO MUSEUM" logos appearing on FC Ryukyu's uniforms.
Attractions and Experiences
The facility offers numerous attractions designed to transform visitors' perceptions of poop.
MY UNKO MAKER The signature experience. Visitors choose a colorful toilet seat, sit down, and at the count of three, push to "birth" their very own pastel-colored plastic poop. This "My Unko" becomes a photo prop throughout the visit and a take-home souvenir.
UNKO VOLCANO A massive poop sculpture that periodically "erupts," launching countless small poops into the air. The countdown builds anticipation, and the eruption creates a party atmosphere. Seasonal versions include Christmas and Halloween themes.
Dancing Unko Room Dance alongside the Unko Dancers to catchy music. Visitors quickly shed their inhibitions and join the silly fun.
UNKO SHOUT A dedicated space to scream "UNKO!" at the top of your lungs. The liberation of doing something normally forbidden is surprisingly cathartic.
UNKO SHUTTER A deceptively difficult game where players catch falling poops with their hands. Replay footage adds to the entertainment.
Why International Tourists Love It
The Unko Museum has become a viral sensation among foreign visitors for several compelling reasons.
Peak "Kawaii" Culture Japan is famous for making everything cute—from Hello Kitty to Pikachu. The ability to transform something as taboo as poop into something adorable is quintessentially Japanese. For many tourists, this represents "Japan being Japan" at its finest.
Designed for Social Media Every corner is optimized for Instagram and TikTok content. The facility calls its photo spots "Unstagenic" (a poop pun on "Instagrammable"). Bright colors, quirky props, and absurd scenarios make sharing irresistible.
Universal Humor Beyond Language Poop is universal. The interactive, visual nature of the attractions means language barriers don't diminish the experience. Anyone can sit on a colorful toilet, catch falling poops, or dance with poop characters.
Cultural Word Play In Japanese, "unko" sounds similar to "un" (luck). This connection adds a layer of cultural depth that curious tourists find fascinating.
The Business of Breaking Taboos
Tanoshii Museum's CEO Masashi Kobayashi admits they anticipated some negative reactions before opening. Instead, the response was overwhelmingly positive.
The key to success lies in careful experience design. Understanding that visitors might feel embarrassed shouting "UNKO!" or dancing with poop characters right away, the journey begins with the relatively low-barrier act of sitting on a toilet. This gradual immersion allows visitors to naturally accept the poop-positive world, making the shift in perspective itself part of the experience.
Ticket Information and Access
Unko Museum TOKYO
- Location: DiverCity Tokyo Plaza 2F, 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo
- Prices: Adults ¥2,000-2,800, Junior/Senior High School ¥1,500-1,600, Children (4+) ¥1,100-1,200 (varies by date)
- Access: Directly connected to Aomi Station on the Yurikamome Line
Advance booking is strongly recommended. Same-day tickets may become unavailable during peak times.
Conclusion
The Unko Museum represents the pinnacle of Japanese pop culture's ability to transform the ordinary—or in this case, the taboo—into something delightful. With 2.5 million visitors and counting, this unique entertainment concept proves that joy and laughter transcend cultural boundaries.
In Japan, poop has become a source of fun, healing, and even good luck. But what about in your country? Is toilet humor widely accepted, or is it completely taboo? We'd love to hear about poop culture in your part of the world!
References
Reactions in Japan
Honestly I was skeptical at first, but my 5-year-old dragged me there and I ended up having the most fun. Seriously deliberated over which color for My Unko, and couldn't help cheering at the Volcano eruption. A place that brings out your inner child.
Isn't the admission too expensive? ¥2,800 for something you finish in about 30 minutes. Might be Odaiba prices, but not something I'd repeat. Once is enough.
I often guide foreign tourists for work, and Unko Museum is a sure hit. Language doesn't matter—everyone has fun, and time flies taking photos. Can spend a whole day combined with teamLab.
From a business perspective, it's genius. Flipping taboo into cute, space designed for social sharing, experience flow design... Should be in marketing textbooks.
So happy it's coming to Nagoya! Going all the way to Tokyo was too much. My kids have been begging to go forever. Definitely visiting when it opens.
Screaming at Unko Shout was incredibly refreshing. The liberation of shouting words you'd never say normally. Might actually work as stress relief.
For kids, 'poop' is a magic word. Like Unko Drill workbooks—this uniquely Japanese approach of turning taboo into humor to lower barriers to learning and experiences is fascinating.
Went with my boyfriend and we couldn't stop laughing. Can't forget his serious face trying to catch poops at Unko Shutter lol. Surprisingly good for dates.
Coming to Rycom!? Never thought we'd get something like this locally. Might be for tourists, but intriguing as a local too. Looking forward to FC Ryukyu collab.
Honestly hesitated going alone in my 40s. But blending in with foreign tourists, I didn't stand out at all. Adults might actually find it more surprisingly delightful.
High quality as spatial design. Color palette selection, lighting, photo spot placement... all calculated. Impressed by the professional work.
Took kindergarteners on a field trip and their excitement was off the charts. They kept chanting 'Unko! Unko!' even after we got back—explaining to parents was a challenge lol
Perfect location for Reels. Every angle is photogenic and never run out of content ideas. Followers responded well. Just way too crowded on weekends.
Working in healthcare, I deal with poop daily—that's exactly why I think transforming it into something this pop is impressive. Might even help reduce embarrassment about bodily functions.
Went to accompany my grandchild but ended up having the most fun myself. Dancing the Unko Dance among young people was a first. Joy overcame embarrassment.
Taking international students here gets 100% positive reactions. Perfect for showing Japan's crazy side. 'Japan is weird but I love it' is the standard response.
This was a must-visit from California! Been curious ever since I saw it on TikTok. Exceeded expectations. I chose pink for My Unko. Wish they'd open one in America!
As a German, I couldn't understand it at first. But once inside, the silliness felt refreshingly novel. Germans are too serious—maybe we should learn this kind of innocence.
Missed it when it was in Shanghai, so finally got my revenge in Tokyo! Went with my Taiwanese friend group—the photo of all of us on toilets is the best memory ever.
As a Brit, I thought I was used to toilet humor, but this is another level. Zero crudeness yet so cute. Japan's soft power is formidable.
Korea has poop bread, but I've never seen such a full-scale entertainment facility. Photos turned out amazing—my Instagram stories got flooded with likes.
Visited the Melbourne location too, but Tokyo's scale is different! Staff energy shouting 'Konnichiwa Unko!' was amazing. Definitely coming back.
Shocking experience for an Italian like me. A poop-themed facility would never fly in my country. But Japan turns it into art. Hats off.
Vietnamese-American here—my parents' generation would never understand this place. But that's fine. It's a new form of Japanese culture that younger generations can enjoy.
Dutch culture is quite open, but only Japan embraces poop this positively. Seeing kids enjoying themselves so purely was actually moving.
On a family trip from Mexico, this was where my kids most wanted to go. Unexpected, but ended up being the trip highlight.
French sensibility initially made me think 'why?' But after experiencing it, I felt saved by this pure silliness. Paris needs one too.
Honestly, questionable value for the admission price. Finished in 30 minutes, seems geared toward kids. Might be too much for adults only. But makes for good stories.
Bodily functions are quite taboo in India. That's why I envy Japanese culture being this open about it. Great experience for breaking mental barriers.
Went with a friend from Russia—we were both confused at first. But before we knew it, we were shouting 'UNKO!' at the top of our lungs. Japan magic.
Poop picture books are popular for kids in Sweden, but an entertainment facility adults can enjoy is innovative. Nordic countries need this playfulness too.