Tousu at Tofuku-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan

The oldest surviving toilet in Japan can be found at Tofuku-ji, a major Zen temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto. Dating back to the early Muromachi period (1336–1573), this historic restroom is over 500 years old.

Known as tousu, this type of toilet is one of the seven facilities that comprise a Zen temple complex. As every act of living is part of the training in Zen, monks were required to relieve themselves here in complete silence, and had to follow numerous rules and manners even when squatting.

The tousu at Tofuku-ji is not only the oldest toilet in Japan, but also one of the few surviving examples of its kind, and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. It’s not in use today, so don’t worry when you take a peek into the building.