When you consider what you value from an airport, it might come with some fairly run-of-the-mill expectations. Short lines for customs and immigration, helpful signage, plenty of seating, and solid options for shopping and food all typically rank highly. However, one thing that perhaps isn't considered as frequently is how good (or not so good) the bathrooms are, which has been the focus of a new category on the Skytrax World Airport Awards this year.
The World's Best Airport Washrooms list was based on assessments by Skytrax's audit office across 235 airports, evaluating factors such as cleanliness, design, maintenance, and overall comfort. Of the 10 on the list, a truly impressive 50% were based here in Japan, with the highest ranked honors going to Tokyo's Haneda Airport in second place.
The other Japanese airports on the list included Kansai International Airport (KIX) in 6th place, Sapporo's New Chitose Airport (CTS) in 7th place, Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) in 8th place, and Fukuoka Airport (FUK) rounding out the top 10.
Taken together, these results highlight just how seriously Japan takes even the most ordinary aspects of travel, turning something as mundane as a restroom break into a clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed experience. As global travel continues to rebound, awards like this serve as a reminder that the best airports aren't just efficient transit hubs, but places where every detail (right down to the washrooms!) reflects a deeper commitment to hospitality and care.
