A Guide to Sleeping in a Capsule Hotel in Japan for First Timers
Five-star hotels bore me.
That’s mostly my empty wallet speaking. But really, conventional hotels are pretty boring, aren’t they? In fact, some of them are deliberately made to look identical so that people get the comfort of familiarity in an unfamiliar land.
I enjoy something a little different — like the Soviet prison I stayed at in Latvia, the barn in Switzerland, or the treehouse with geckos in Indonesia.
What is a Capsule Hotel?
Also known as a pod hotel, a capsule hotel is a type of accommodation that features small compartments called capsules. These capsules are stacked together, and each of them is just big enough to fit a bed for a single person.
If that sounds too much like a coffin, well, it kinda feels like one too.
At present, you can find capsule hotels in various countries around the world, including Belgium, China, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Poland.
But this concept originally started in 1979 in Osaka, Japan. Its original purpose was to accommodate traveling salarymen who missed the last train home, which explains why most capsule hotels were built near train stations.
Nowadays, capsule hotels also cater to tourists. Their main clientele are those who do not require or cannot afford larger, more expensive hotel rooms, and those who go there just for the experience.
How Much is It to Stay in a Japanese Capsule Hotel?
The average rate per night at a capsule hotel ranges from JPY2,500 (USD24) to JPY6,000 (USD57) — not very cheap by my Southeast Asian standard, but that’s about as cheap as you can get in Japan.
Still, keep a lookout for other deals. Sometimes, you may be able to find hotel rooms or dormitories that offer better rates, especially if you’re traveling in bigger numbers and can split the cost of a hotel room or Airbnb.
Some capsule hotels offer hourly options for those who just need a short rest. Do check with the reception if they have this option.
What to Expect at a Capsule Hotel in Japan
On my visit to Tokyo in Summer 2014, I stayed at Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel, near the Shinjuku metro station. As I was traveling on a strict budget and relied entirely on public transports, it made sense to stay close to the station. The current rate starts from JPY3,000 per person per night.
Address: Touyo Building 3/F, 1-2-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone: +81 3-3232-1110
Check-in: 4:00 pm | Check-out: 10:00 am
Although I didn’t make any prior booking (this was before I was introduced to booking apps), the check-in process went without a problem.
I was given a key to a small locker, where I was to put my shoes. There were also bigger lockers for luggage, but I didn’t need any of those. I always travel with a tiny backpack that I would rather take with me to bed.
What really impressed me about this hotel was the communal bathroom. As with anything else in Japan, it went beyond my expectation. Clean, modern, and equipped with all the amenities you could think of — from hair-dryers to free lotions and dental kits — it was hands down the fanciest shared bathroom I had ever experienced.
Among the other facilities provided were sauna rooms, a restaurant, coin-operated washing machines, and a business lounge with PCs and printers.
I arrived pretty late. After freshening up, it was already time for bed. There were not many other guests that night. Normally, this would have pleased me immensely, but this time it gave the room a certain eeriness.
If the sleeping compartment by itself reminds you of a coffin, seeing them stacked together like that reminds you of something else — a morgue. Or an incinerator. Staying in a capsule hotel is certainly not a good idea when you’ve been watching too many horror movies.
Fortunately, the inside of the capsule didn’t feel quite as morbid. I was able to sit fully upright, and there was still plenty of space for my backpack and my 5’5″ self.
You wouldn’t believe it, but there was a TV and a radio mounted on the wall. Each sleeping compartment also came with a light, an alarm clock, a mirror, power outlets, and an emergency button. I’m not sure if that button made me feel more relieved or worried.
The sleeping compartment usually has no locks — only a shutter or curtain to give you some privacy, much like regular dormitories. However, it does not do much with regard to noise. If you’re unfortunate enough to room with rowdy guests or loud snorers, you’re still going to need those earplugs.
My compartment felt a little stuffy when I shut the curtain completely, so I left it halfway open throughout the night to allow some air in. I’m happy to report that nothing happened that required me to press that emergency button.
Final Thoughts on Staying at a Capsule Hotel in Japan
I personally don’t have any complaints about capsule hotels other than the fact that they look creepy. Once I got inside the capsule though, I really appreciated the privacy and having my own personal space.
It was clean, comfortable, and had everything that I needed. I liked the thoughtful touches like the mirror in the capsule and the amenities in the bathrooms.
If money is an issue, then the capsule hotel’s cheap rate is definitely its biggest advantage. But even if you can afford better hotels, I still think you should give capsule hotels a try — just for the experience*.
*The capsule hotel is probably not for you if you’re:
- claustrophobic
- taller and/or bigger than the average Asian
- looking to meet and socialize with other travelers as you would in backpacker’s hostels
Additional Tips for Staying in a Capsule Hotel
1. Some capsule hotels in Japan may only cater to men, although more and more are now allowing female guests (but rooms are still gender-segregated). Do check before booking.
2. Baths tend to be communal. I didn’t experience this personally but if you have tattoos, you might not be allowed in the communal baths or saunas, as the Japanese people often associate tattoos with gangs and organized crimes.
3. Capsule hotels are meant for short-term stays. You won’t be able to book for a whole week’s or a whole month’s stay. You can, however, check out and then check in again every day.
4. Check-out time is usually at 10:00 a.m., but some hotels allow you to extend for a few hundred yens per hour.
5.The capsules aren’t entirely soundproof even if you shut the curtains. Bring earplugs.
6. In general, Japan is a very safe country. You can leave your valuables in your capsule and expect to still find them there when you get back. Stealing is probably not in the Japanese gene, but you may not be able to say the same thing about the other travelers you’re rooming with. Better safe than sorry — use the lockers.
menarikla..siapa yg selalu backpacker travel boleh stay dlm kapsul hotel mcm ni. yelah bukan stay lama pun kan.
Betul, bagi backpacker macam saya ni, memang selalu lebih pentingkan harga daripada comfort. Tapi yang ni memang seriously selesa.
Mmg kalo kat oversea banyak hotel jenis capsule kan sebab buat khas utk backpackers. Skrg kat Malaysia pun dah byk
Haah, saya pun dah pernah cuba yang kat KL ni. Container hotel, cuma saiz dia lebih besar la daripada yg kat Japan.
Sesekali bercuti kalau pilih capsul cam gini pon ok jugak kan. Tapi rasa rasa kalau ada anak mungkin tak sesuai sangat. Yang bujang bkh la try atau suami isteri yang tak bawak anak..
Ya, melainkan kalau anak2 pun memang suka nak try capsule hotel ni. Tapi tak tau la ada had umur ke tak.
Had experienced capsule hotel before but in KL, not yet in Japan though I do include it on my bucket list as one of the things to try. Agree on your point that the room is not for claustrophobic. But as for me I found it comfortable enough for a budget stay. Hihi.
Yup, price is everything for me too, haha. And I actually found it more comfortable than many other hostels I’ve come across. I know the Japanese wouldn’t skimp on comfort and cleanliness.
Baru2 ada pergi hotel capsule dkt kl pun dah rasa kagum duduk dalam tu. Japan ni memang terkenal dgn konsep mcm ni. One day nak travel ke sana jugak
Tu la, saya pun teringin nak visit sekali lagi, sebab haritu sempat pegi Tokyo je. Tu pun tak habis explore.
i love the idea of capsule hotel. cheap and comfortable enough just for a sleep. but never try before, hope to try in future
Yup, it’s really cool! Hope you’ll get to try it soon 🙂
Considerin the rate in Japan then its quite affordable as if ita in KL the rate is rather high might as well check in a 3 star hotel. But this capsule hotel is suitable for backpackers n lone rangers.
Yah, in KL it would be considered quite expensive, I guess. If people go at all, it’s for the experience and not so much about the price.
This is so cool! Saya selalu nampak Capsule hotels masa bercuti Di Japan. But I haven’t try it. Maybe in the future. Thank you for sharing your experience.
You’re welcome. Hope you’ll give it a try — just for the experience if nothing else. 🙂
Wow..nice sharing..maybe i can consider staying in capsule when travelling to Japan later after the pandemic over
Hope you’ll enjoy it! 🙂
This is interesting and thanks for sharing this.. I have always been looking for a chance to experience staying at capsule hotel since forever! Will check out for the one nearest to me soon, the one at Chinatown Malaysia 🤭
I haven’t been to the one in Chinatown. Hope you’ll write a review on it when you stay there.
Baru tau ade hotel ni dekat Petaling street. Gila gempakmla hotel dia.. Macam dekat space je. Tp ni utk yang solo dan backpaker la kan.. Family tak sesuai la kan..
Unless your kids pun memang nak try tido dalam capsule. But I’m not sure if they allow children.
I have yet to try the capsule hotel but would love to try it soon. Am so intrigue to know about the communal bath – unisex or otherwise? Haha. Nervous pula jika unisex kan
Haha no! The Japanese are quite conservative when it comes to that. Apparently they don’t even allow people with tattoos to enter the bath.
i think i cant. since i have those phobia to stay inside. u go girl
Oh no, that’s too bad. 🙁
Two lines into the post and I already laughed. Appreciate your additional tips. Definitely will come back to this post when I visit Japan.
Hahaha, thank you! Glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
Great sharing… the capsule hotel is so cool… something different in the accommodation choice that we could choose from… simply interesting… this means that you are in Japan right now?… take care of your health ya…
Ah no, this was back in 2014, I think? But thank you!
For Backpackers this is definitely like a 5star hotel but easy on the money. But unfortunately for me i cant do this kind of accommodation. Claustrophobic. Hoho
Oh no, that’s too bad!
nampak selesa walaupun sedikit kecil spacenya..
Haah, selesa sebenarnya. Siap ada tv bagai.
Tak pernah try lagi tapi penah tengok jela org lain review hehe. Suailah yg backpackers.
Ye sangat sesuai.
I stayed in capsule hotel before but that was in Malaysia, next time i would like to try overseas capsule hotel.
And don’t forget to write about it. Would love to read your review 🙂
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I’m intrigued by capsule hotels, but I don’t think they are for me. It was interesting to read about your stay though! The mention of no locks really turns me off. But I guess it would be a good experience and way to save money.
Thank you for reading, Elizabeth! Despite the lack of locks, I actually felt quite safe in the capsule. In any case, there’s emergency button right by your head in case anything happens. But yes, it was a good experience and way to save money.
So interesting! I think it is a rite of passzge when visiting Japan as a backpacker to stay in a capsule hotel haha! I think I would try it for the novelty and Luckily I’m not a very claustrophobic person!
Yes, Tam, I think so too — the capsule hotel is definitely a rite of passage for anyone visiting Japan. I hope you’ll get to try it in the future! 🙂
I guess it’s a pretty cool concept – I am not a massive fan of capsule hotels…I normally prefer to share a room with a friend in a business hotel (as they can be a similar price…) but I totally agree about the bathrooms! They may be communal baths, but they are fabulous aren’t they!?
Yes, they are fabulous, Josy! I normally Couchsurf when I travel, but I just felt like I had to try this when I was in Japan.
Oh no! This looks terrifying! But then again, I am a bit claustrophobic. I think I’ll stick with the 5* hotel thank you! Great post though, thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Bella. I agree — the Japanese capsule hotel is not for everyone.
That bathroom though! I’ve never seen such a nice shared bathroom! But maybe that’s because I’m thinking of hostels. Looks like a great experience!
It was a great experience indeed, Julia. And there weren’t too many guests during my stay, so I got to stay in the bathroom for as long as I wanted. 😀
Great post! You are a great writer! A capsule hotel is now on my bucket list!!!
Thank you so much, Tracy! I hope you’ll get to experience the capsule hotel in the future. 🙂
As someone who loves overnight trains, I think I would enjoy the experience of sleeping in a capsule hotel! Japan seems like a perfect place to do it too, everything looks so clean and efficient. Great value for money too!
It is, Emily! The Japanese are really known for their cleanliness and order. I hope you’ll get to try the capsule hotel in Japan someday, I’m sure you’ll love it 🙂
Omg I was supposed to go to Japan and stay in one of these in March!! Hope I can get there sometime soon. Definitely saving this for later!
Oh, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you, Sydney! I hope you’ll get to go to Japan soon and try one of these capsule hotels. 🙂
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This article perfectly captures the unique and intriguing experience of staying at a Japanese capsule hotel. The vivid descriptions and beautiful photos instantly transported me to the heart of Japan, making me feel as if I was actually there. As someone who loves to immerse myself in different cultures and try new things, I found this article to be incredibly inspiring. Thank you for taking me on this virtual journey, and please keep sharing your amazing adventures with us!
Best regards,
Gary Ford
Thanks so much for your comment, Gary. I don’t always have the motivation to blog, but it’s comments like yours that keep me going. Thank you again, and keep traveling.
Best Regards,
Ummi
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