THE THRONE ROOM AT MEGURO GAJOEN

It all began innocently enough over breakfast this morning when one of my local, Japanese colleagues asked me, "Marty-san, have you tried the Golden Toilet yet?"  "That sounds like a trick question," I responded, chuckling.  "No," he replied, "The toilet on the main level at the Meguro Gajoen is quite something."  "Thanks," I said, "If the need arises, I'll let you know."  Later in the day, one of our Corporate Hosts opened a formal speech before more than 200 executives by saying, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope by now you've all had a chance to visit the Magnificent Toilet downstairs."  Well, you don't have to ask me twice.  I grabbed my camera phone and made a Beeline for the Bathroom.  Trust me when I say it was worth the wait.  Sliding Black Lacquer Screens inlaid with Gold lead to an antechamber covered with artwork that would make any museum proud.  A Babbling Brook filled with Carp winds its way to an Ornate Washroom and, to get to the toilets, you have to cross a bridge over a traditional Japanese Water Garden.  Best of all, by the time I finally found the toilet itself -- cleverly hidden behind a mahogany doorway -- I actually had to use it ...!