If you’re looking for an affordable stay in Japan and want to immerse yourself in Japanese culture even during your slumber, why not try a “capsule hotel” for a few nights? These classic, budget-friendly hotels offer capsule-sized rooms designed for solo travelers. However, there are also newer, more stylish options that provide ingenious ideas to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Let’s explore the offerings of these “big” capsule hotels and recommend some cutting-edge hotel chains!
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What Are “Capsule Hotels”?
Originating in Osaka in 1979, capsule hotels, also known as “pod” hotels, started offering compact bedrooms at a more economical price compared to traditional hotels, usually around 2,000-4,000 yen. The typical size of a capsule room is 2 meters long, 1 meter high, and 1 meter wide—just enough space for one person to crawl in and spend the night.
The floors are usually lined with double-stacked capsule rooms placed side by side. While you can create a private space by closing the door or curtain, it’s important to note that most capsule hotels don’t allow the locking of the capsules due to legal restrictions. Instead, you’ll be provided with a separate locker to store your belongings while you sleep. Initially catering to Japanese businessmen, these hotels are now a popular lodging option for travelers and locals of all genders, with many establishments having separate floors for males and females.
What Do They Offer?
Each capsule room is equipped with lighting, a small TV/radio system or iPod, power outlets, a clean pillow, a mattress, and a futon. Bathrooms and shower booths are usually shared with other guests on the same floor, but hotels supply shampoo, soap, and towels individually. Additionally, most hotels offer Wi-Fi, yukata (a light kimono), laundry facilities, vending machines, and a lounge area with comfortable couches on public floors.
Recent capsule hotels have gone the extra mile, providing more entertainment options, such as manga libraries and trendy cafes serving expertly brewed coffee. Some newer establishments also showcase aspects of Japanese culture and futuristic designs.
Why You Should Choose Capsule Hotels
As mentioned earlier, the most significant advantage of choosing capsule hotels is their affordability. With rooms numbering in the hundreds, you can often make a reservation on the same day. For Japanese businesspeople who find themselves without a ride home after long overtime hours or a night at the izakaya (Japanese pubs), capsule hotels have long served as a safe haven for a good late-night rest instead of paying exorbitant taxi fares. Moreover, in recent times, some capsule hotels have even added coworking spaces, attracting more individuals who opt to use these spaces as remote workplaces, given the rise of remote work culture.
Where to Find Capsule Hotels
With the increasing number of travelers to Japan and major cities like Tokyo and Osaka over the past few decades, capsule hotels have become more prevalent near hub airports and stations, offering convenience and cost-effectiveness for tourists. Here are some highly recommended options.
See also: A Comprehensive Guide on Transportation in Japan
FIRST CABIN (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagasaki)
FIRST CABIN is a popular chain of capsule hotels with nearly 10 locations spread across Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Nagasaki. Conveniently situated within a 5-minute walk from the nearest stations, the facilities at Haneda Terminal 1 and Kansai Airport are particularly beneficial for travelers catching early-morning flights. True to its name, FIRST CABIN provides an ambiance akin to first-class airplane cabins, offering more spacious and comfortable rooms (semi-double beds) compared to typical capsule accommodations. Some locations even boast large bathtubs and saunas, providing a relaxing experience immersed in Japanese culture. Each hotel also features a dedicated female-only floor. Café bars and lounges are available for dining, reading, and even for working remotely, complete with meeting rooms in select locations.
- Location: Tokyo (Haneda Terminal1, Akasaka etc.), Osaka (Kansai Airport, Midosuji Namba etc.), Fukuoka (Hakata) and Nagasaki
- Price: 4,000 yen~
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, plug socket, in-room safe (lockable), pajamas, bath amenities, towels and more
- Official Website: FIRST CABIN
BOOK AND BED TOKYO (Tokyo, Osaka)
BOOK AND BED TOKYO offers a unique concept—combining a vast library of around 4,000 books with cozy beds—at its two locations in Tokyo and Osaka. The stylishly designed library space houses small yet private bedrooms, making it a dream haven for bookworms. For those traveling in pairs, you can opt for either side-by-side single-sized rooms (90cm×200cm bed) or a double-sized room (130cm×200cm). As a delightful bonus, the hotel’s breakfast plan includes a fresh fruit sandwich and drinks at the attached café, which also offers a variety of unique sandwiches, coffee, and alcohol during happy hours (1 PM to 6 PM).
- Location: Tokyo (Shinjuku) and Osaka (Shinsaibashi)
- Price: 5,000 yen~
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, plug sockets, towels and more
- Official Website: BOOK AND BED TOKYO
NADESHIKO HOTEL SHIBUYA (Tokyo)
NADESHIKO HOTEL SHIBUYA is an exclusive female-only hotel that embodies the essence of Japanese culture, just like its name “Nadeshiko” (撫子) symbolizes delicacy, fragility, and dignity often associated with Japanese women. Nestled in a tranquil hideaway area of Shibuya, an iconic city, especially for younger generations, NADESHIKO HOTEL exudes the serene and sophisticated atmosphere of a traditional Ryokan. Here, you might momentarily forget you’re amidst an area brimming with innovative trends. The hotel offers a large public bath stocked with towels and amenities, including skin care products, for guests to enjoy freely. Additionally, you can savor the experience of wearing rental kimonos and using free PCs to plan your next day’s itinerary or simply relax in the Tatami lounge.
- Location: Google Map
- Price: 4,500 yen~
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, USB plug, plug socket, lockers, yukata, shampoo/soap, hairdryers, towels, skin care items and more
- Official Website: NADESHIKO HOTEL SHIBUYA
GRIDS HOTEL + HOSTEL (Tokyo)
Nestled in Ueno, one of Tokyo’s most popular sightseeing areas, GRIDS HOTEL + HOSTEL presents two room choices catering to your needs and budget. The hotel-type rooms come with either 2 beds or 2-3 bunk beds, along with private shower rooms and toilets (some shared with the floor), ensuring a more secluded and comfortable stay. Alternatively, the hostel/dormitory option offers a more budget-friendly alternative. All guests have access to the common kitchen, shower rooms on each floor, powder room, and laundry room, available 24/7. The café and bar are open from 7 AM, serving Japanese and Western-style buffet for breakfast and lunch, and offering Japanese sake during the evenings.
- Location: Google Map
- Price: 7,700 yen~
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, USB plug (some rooms), plug socket, lockers, bath amenities, towels and more
- Official Website: GRIDS HOTEL + HOSTEL
Anshin Oyado (Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto)
For a truly authentic capsule hotel experience, look no further than ANSHIN OYADO. Situated within a 4-minute walk from the nearest stations, ANSHIN OYADO not only serves as a safe haven for weary business travelers who’ve missed the last train but offers much more. The hotel features an artificial onsen (hot spring) space with a jet bath and mist sauna, private booths for internet use, a lounge stocked with thousands of comic books, and complimentary massage chairs. Additionally, as per tradition, ANSHIN OYADO provides free green tea and other beverages, including alcohol in the evenings.
- Location: Tokyo (Shinjuku, Akihabara, Shinbashi, Ogikubo), Nagoya, Kyoto
- Price: 4,980 yen~
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, plug socket, lockers, bath amenities, towels and more
- Official Website: ANSHIN OYADO
Summary
With these recommended hotel chains, we’ve introduced you to the world of capsule hotels. Not only will these stays save you money while traveling, but they will also offer a unique glimpse into Japanese culture (and ensure a good night’s sleep)!
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