Is a stay in one of Japan’s capsule hotels on your bucket list? Is this uniquely Japanese experience for you? Keep reading and find out!
Ever since I first heard of Japan’s capsule hotels years ago I was instantly filled with intrigue and curiosity; sleeping in one of those tiny capsule pods went straight onto my ever-expanding bucket list. During my trip to Japan I spent 6 nights in 3 different capsule hotels.
So what is a capsule hotel? Japan, being a small country is short of space. The Japanese have invented an ingenious way to sleep lots of people in small spaces. The first capsule hotel in operation began back in 1979 in Osaka with the purpose to provide cheap and basic accommodation. The original market was mainly for drunken salarymen or locals that missed a train/bus ride home late at night. Over time these hotels transformed into stylish, modern and surprisingly comfortable places to stay. All while remaining some of the most affordable beds in Japan; now appealing to both locals and international travelers alike.
9h Nine Hours Capsule Hotel
The Capsule Experience
Before you book your own stay in a capsule, you should know what to expect from these unique hotels.You’re probably wondering – are the capsule pods as tiny and cramped as they look? No they’re not! I’m a fairly average sized male at 5’11” and 185 lbs, and I was blown away by how roomy my capsules were. I could lay down flat with plenty of room to spare, and I could sit up without bumping my head or having to hunch over. I sat comfortably and watched TV shows on my laptop. The beds were soft and I got a good night’s sleep in all the capsules I stayed in. Each capsule came with a roll down partition or curtain for privacy, but they don’t block out noisy snorers completely. Each capsule came with its own lighting controls and fans. Some came with flat-screen TVs and headphones built in. The capsules are stacked two-high, so you will have to choose between the bottom, or a short ladder climb to the top level.
Inside My Capsule at Rumor Plaza
Although they can vary from place to place, most have a uniform set of rules and guidelines you’ll be expected to follow and it’s quite a bit different than any hotel experience you’ve ever had before. In some ways, they’re a lot like hostels – shared rooms, shared bathrooms and lockers to keep your belongings in. But unlike the stereotypical young, laid back, party vibe of a hostel, capsule hotels have older ages, strict rules and quiet spaces.
For Men Only?
The majority of capsule hotels are restricted to men only. That’s right, only men! However, newer and nicer capsule hotels have recently opened up that cater to both sexes, where entire floors of capsules are divided into men or women only, always separated. There are also a few popping up around the country that are for female guests only. So if you’re a female, or a couple who wants to stay at the same place, make sure to pay attention when booking. I have provided a small list of hotels further down the post to help you find one that allows your gender.
Pajama Party!
The norm at a capsule hotel is that when you check in you get handed a set of pajamas and slippers to wear. The first floor of the capsule will be filled with large lockers for your luggage and for changing clothes. Everyone on the upper floors where the food, work stations and capsules are – will be wearing identical pajamas and slippers. At first I found the idea completely bizarre and baffling but quickly got used to it.
There is generally a shoe locker right at the entrance or next to the front desk. When you enter you’ll immediately take your shoes off and grab your slippers out of your numbered cubbyhole; and then store your shoes in your luggage locker. Any time you leave the hotel, you might be expected to give your key to the front desk clerk and retrieve it again when you return.
Your Tattoo is Taboo
While most of the world has come around to acceptance towards tattoos, they’re a no-no in the shared bathrooms of capsule hotels. For many years inked skin has been partially taboo in Japan, due to connotations with Japanese organized crime. If you have tattoos you will need to keep them covered up or not use the shower/bath. My only tattoo is on the top of my back, so I showered with a small hand towel covering it.
Shared Bathroom at Rumor Plaza
Shared Bathrooms
At all the capsules I stayed in the bathroom facilities were super clean and nice. However, showering and bathing privacy is non-existent. All the showers are in one large room, and there’s a giant tub, filled with naked people. If you’re too embarrassed to shower and bathe in a room with members of the same sex, a capsule might not be in your future.
Entertainment & Food
The capsule hotels I stayed in had loads of vending machines, and one even had a free refreshment station filled with an enormous variety of sodas, coffees, teas, and all sorts of odd Japanese drinks. Some provided a limited breakfast bar. Some also had a room with shared tables or desks for laptop use and working. Some had reclining chairs and massage chairs, TVs, and small libraries of manga comics and newspapers to read. Some also had isolated smoking rooms or outdoor balconies.
Best Capsule Hotels in Tokyo :
Anshin Oyado Premier Tokyo Shinjuku
Male Only
I stayed here 3 nights. It’s clean and nice, but more importantly the location is amazing and I got in for an affordable $43 USD per night. It’s only a 3 minute walk from Shinjuku railway station which connects you to transportation to the entire city. And Shinjuku was one of my favorite neighborhoods! Tons of restaurants, including the world famous Robot Restaurant are in walking distance, as is Gyoen National Garden. The capsules are square, come with LCD TVs, high quality headphones, and there’s a free refreshment machine with tons of options as well as some vending machines full of snacks.
Book it at Hotels.com
MyCUBE by MYSTAYS Asakusa
Male & Female
If you prefer to stay in the Asakusa area this could be a great option. MyCUBE is a brand new capsule hotel that opened in June 2016, and is only a 1-minute walk from Kuramae Station. The capsules are larger and not stacked onto each other. Modern & stylish feel.
Book it at Hotels.com
Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae
Male & Female
A 10-minute walk from Shinjuku railway station. Older, but lots of nice facilities.
Book it at Hotels.com
Best Capsule Hotels in Kyoto :
I stayed at 2 capsules while in Kyoto, both of which were nice, modern and have excellent locations near each other. Both are just a few minutes walk from train or bus stations and loads of Japanese restaurants. They were also a short walk to the famous Gion district where geisha can be spotted. I walked directly from both to the Yasaka Shrine in no time. I definitely recommend either of them.
Rumor Plaza
Male Only
I spent 2 nights at Rumor Plaza, which is in very close proximity to Nine Hours. I paid $40 USD per night. The capsules are squared instead of round which provide more room, they also have flat screen TVs in them and Nine Hours doesn’t.
Book it at Hotels.com
9h Nine Hours Capsule Hotel
Male & Female
Nine Hours is the most modern and futuristic capsule hotel I stayed in. It was also the cheapest at $23 USD per night. There are separate elevators and floors for men and women. It’s very clean. The staff spoke good English and were friendly. Right on the street next to it is a 7/11 convenience store.
Book it at Hotels.com
Best Capsule Hotels in Osaka :
New Japan Capsule Hotel Cabana
Male Only
This one looks similar to Rumor Plaza in Kyoto, with nice squared sleeping capsules. It also has a gym and weights which is a huge bonus! It’s also right in Dotonbori, a popular tourist spot with tons of great restaurants and the famous Glico Man Sign.
Book it at Hotels.com
First Cabin Midousuji-Namba
Male & Female
Nice and new, also just a few steps from Osaka’s popular Dotonbori street. Great option for women and couples. Capsules are also larger than other options in case you’re worried about space.
Book it at Hotels.com
Capsule Hotel Inn Osaka
Male Only
This has the novelty of being the original and first capsule hotel ever. That means it was built many years ago and despite renovations still looks a little dated, but still neat to be able to say you’ve stayed there!
Book it at Hotels.com
Last updated: Jan 2, 2017
