If you love exotic fish and you don't mind that hundreds of them look at you while answering the call of nature, you will probably love using this original aquarium toilet in Akashi, Japan.
The Hipopo Papa coffee (formerly Mumin Papa) used to be known as one of the most popular dating places on the coast of Hayashizaki Matsue. It still is, but since the owner decided to do something special with the feminine toilet, he has become famous mainly for being the only coffee in Japan (and probably the world), which has an aquarium bath. Technically it is surrounded on three sides by a giant aquarium full of hundreds of exotic fish and a male turtle (which, considering it is a female-only bath, is a bit weird).
The toilet aquarium at Hipopo Papa has been around for more than 12 years, but it remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Akashi area. The owner reportedly spent USD 270,000 to create this wonder, through trial and error, in an attempt to recreate the pleasant sensation of urinating while swimming in the ocean.
While the aquarium bath can only be used by women, Hipopo Papa's staff will gladly show it to male customers, if the coffee is not too full.
Having an aquarium toilet is a great way to attract customers, but it has its drawbacks. Apparently, some of the clients spend much more time in the bathroom simply admiring the landscape, while others are reluctant to use it because they find the idea of having so many sea creatures staring at them shocking.
However, one thing is certain, if you ever found yourself in Akashi, in Hyogo prefecture in Japan, Hipopo Papa coffee is one of those rare places worth visiting just to go to the bathroom.
