Want to experience accommodation that is uniquely Japanese? You can’t go past Japan’s answer to low cost accommodation: capsule hotels.
Capsule hotels debuted in Osaka in 1979, the first was “Capsule Hotel in Osaka” designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa.
There are many things to be aware of when visiting a capsule hotel, one of these is that many capsule hotels are men only, traditionally geared towards businessmen but there are capsule hotels with women only floors and some of the newest aimed at both genders.
They’re a nice cheap way to sleep in Tokyo with the going rate usually being between $30USD to $50USD a night, and that often includes high-speed internet and sometimes even amenities like toiletries.
Each hotel has a different rule but here are the basic ones that are pretty much uniform:
- Take off your shoes – there are shoe lockers near the front desk and they provide slippers at the front for you to change into
- You will usually get another key, one that opens a locker in the change room for you to store your belongings in
- You’re usually given a gown, a robe or even sweats to change to
- A lot of capsule hotels put a lot of effort into their baths and saunas, this is usually a communal bathing experience – wash your body and hair before you get into the bath – if you have tattoos you will need to cover them
- Each capsule has a shutter or blinds that you can close; the walls are thin though so be courteous to your neighbours.
4. Capsule Hotel Inn Osaka
See where it all started, the original Capsule Hotel Inn is still open in Osaka. Unfortunately, this hotel is men’s only; also if you’ve got tattoos, this is not the place for you.
3. Green Plaza Shinjuku
A popular hotel in the Shinjuku region, it’s got a great location and has good support for English speakers. The Green Plaza Shinjuku also features a modern spa. Note that this is a men’s only hotel.
2. Capsule Ryokan Kyoto
If you’re after something a little bit more old school Japanese, then try Capsule Ryokan Kyoto; you sleep on tatami mats! But don’t let the traditional sleeping facilities fool you, they still have high speed internet.
1. First Cabin Akihabara
First Cabin caters for men and women with 99 make cabins and 50 female cabins. They offer first class and business class accommodations with the capsules almost looking like rooms, this is the luxury equivalent of the capsule hotel world. They feature a lounge, large communal bath, shower booth, women-only lounge and a smoking room. It’s a little pricier than the rest, but you pay a price for “luxury”