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 also, have you noticed how many hotels look exactly the same? Same beige walls. And same generic artwork pretending to have personality.
In fact, some chains deliberately make their hotels look identical to sort of give people the comfort of familiarity in an unfamiliar land.
Well, when I travel, I have this (unhealthy) habit of veering from the safe and predictable and choosing something a little different, sometimes even bordering on unhinged.
Like the Soviet prison I stayed at in Latvia, the cow barn in Switzerland, or the treehouse with geckos in Indonesia.
So, when I went to Japan, it felt only natural to skip the standard hotel room and check myself into a capsule instead.
At the time, capsule hotels felt like a novelty. Now they’re everywhere. But Japan is where the concept began. And if you’re going to voluntarily sleep in what resembles a human filing cabinet, you might as well do it properly, right?
Here’s what it was really like staying in a capsule hotel in Japan for the first time.
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 side by side and on top of one another, and each one is usually just big enough to fit one person.
If that sounds a bit like a coffin, well… it kind of feels like one too.
Today, you can find capsule hotels in many countries around the world, but the concept started in 1979 in Osaka, Japan.
The original purpose was to accommodate traveling salarymen who missed the last train home, which explains why many capsule hotels were built near train stations.
These days, capsule hotels also cater to tourists. Their main clientele includes budget travelers, solo adventurers, and curious people who simply want to try something different.
How much does it cost to stay in a capsule hotel in Japan?
The average rate per night at a capsule hotel ranges from JPY2,500 (USD16) to JPY6,000 (USD40). Not exactly cheap by my Southeast Asian standard, but that’s about as cheap as it gets in Japan.
But do compare prices. Sometimes you can find business hotels or dormitories offering competitive rates, especially if you’re traveling in a group and can split the cost of a room or Airbnb.
Some capsule hotels also offer hourly rates for those who just need a short rest. It’s worth asking at reception if that’s what you’re looking for.
What to expect at a capsule hotel in Japan
During my visit to Tokyo, I stayed at Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel, near the Shinjuku metro station.
As I was traveling on a strict budget and relying entirely on public transport, it made perfect sense to stay close to the station.
Address: Touyo Building 3/F, 1-2-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Check-in: 3:00 pm | Check-out: 11:00 am
Although I didn’t make a prior booking (this was before I discovered booking apps), the check-in process went smoothly.
I was given a key to a small locker for my shoes. There were also bigger lockers for luggage, but I didn’t need one. I always travel with a tiny backpack that I would rather take with me to bed.
What really impressed me was the communal bathroom. Like many things in Japan, it went beyond my expectation. Clean, modern, and stocked with all the amenities you could think of, from hair-dryers to complimentary lotions and dental kits.
It was easily the fanciest shared bathroom I had ever used.
Other facilities included sauna rooms, a restaurant, coin-operated washing machines, and even a business lounge with PCs and printers.
I actually arrived quite late. After freshening up, it was already time for bed.
There weren’t many other guests that night. Normally, that would have pleased me immensely. But in this setting, the quiet gave the room a slightly eerie atmosphere.
If the individual sleeping compartment reminds you of a coffin, seeing dozens of them stacked together might remind you of something else — a morgue. Or an incinerator. I don’t know, I ‘ve never seen an incinerator, but that’s what I imagine it to look like.
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 nearly as morbid.
I could sit fully upright, and there was still plenty of space for my backpack and my 5’5″ frame.
You wouldn’t believe it, but there was a TV and a radio mounted on the wall.
Each capsule also came with a light, alarm clock, mirror, power outlets, and an emergency button. I’m still not sure if that button made me feel reassured or slightly concerned.
The capsules typically do not have locks — only a shutter or curtain for privacy, much like regular dormitories.
It offers visual privacy but does very little for noise. If you’re unlucky enough to share the floor with rowdy guests or loud snorers, you’ll need earplugs.
My capsule felt slightly stuffy when I fully closed the curtain, so I left it halfway open throughout the night for ventilation.
I’m happy to report that nothing happened that required me to press that emergency button.
Additional tips for staying in a capsule hotel
- Some capsule hotels in Japan cater exclusively to men, although more and more are now accepting female guests (but rooms are still gender-segregated). Do check before booking.
- Baths are often communal. I didn’t personally experience this, but if you have visible tattoos, you may be denied entry to shared baths or saunas. In Japan, tattoos are sometimes associated with organized crime groups, so policies can be strict.
- Capsule hotels are generally designed for short stays. Some require guests to check out daily, even if staying multiple nights, though policies vary by property.
- Check-out time is typically around 10:00 a.m. Some hotels allow late check-out for a few hundred yens per hour.
- The capsules aren’t fully soundproof, even with the curtains closed. Bring earplugs.
- Japan is widely considered a very safe country. Many travelers feel comfortable leaving belongings unattended. But you never know. Better safe than sorry — use the lockers provided.
What to pack
1. Earplugs
Capsules aren’t soundproof. If someone snores, you’ll know.
2. Sleep mask
Some capsules let in hallway light if you leave the curtain open for ventilation.
3. Room slippers or clean flip flops
You’ll be leaving your shoes in the shoe locker. Some places provide room slippers, but you can also bring your own.
4. A small backpack
Large suitcases are stored in lockers or luggage rooms. Inside the capsule, space is limited. Pack what you need for the night in something compact.
5. Personal toiletries (optional)
Most Japanese capsule hotels provide basic amenities. But if you’re particular, bring your own.
6. An open mind
You are voluntarily sleeping in a drawer. Embrace it.
FAQs
Are capsule hotels in Japan safe?
Yes, generally very safe.
Japan has a low crime rate in general, and most capsule hotels provide lockers for valuables. The sleeping pods themselves usually don’t lock, but floors are often gender-segregated and staff are present at reception.
Still, basic travel common sense applies. Use the lockers. Don’t leave valuables lying around just because everyone else looks trustworthy.
Are capsule hotels claustrophobic?
They can be.
If you’re uncomfortable in small enclosed spaces, you might struggle. You can sit upright inside most capsules, but you cannot stand. It feels more like sleeping in a private bunk than a full room.
If you panic easily in tight spaces, this may not be the “quirky Japanese experience” for you.
Can couples stay together in a capsule hotel?
Usually no.
Capsule hotels are typically gender-segregated. Even in mixed properties, men and women sleep on separate floors or rooms.
If you’re traveling as a couple and want to stay together, a business hotel will be a better option.
Do capsule hotels have private bathrooms?
No. Bathrooms are shared.
That said, Japanese communal bathrooms are often extremely clean and well-maintained. Some capsule hotels also have on-site public baths or saunas.
If sharing bathrooms is a deal-breaker for you, capsule hotels may not be ideal.
Are capsule hotels cheaper than regular hotels in Japan?
Often, yes. But not always dramatically cheaper.
In major cities like Tokyo, a capsule hotel can cost nearly the same as a budget business hotel if you book late or during peak season.
Always compare prices before assuming it’s the cheapest option.
Can you stay multiple nights in a capsule hotel?
Yes, but policies vary.
Some require daily check-out even if you’re staying consecutive nights. Others allow extended stays without moving capsules. It depends on the property.
Capsule hotels were originally designed for short-term stays, so they’re not ideal for settling in for a week with two suitcases and a shopping problem.
Are capsule hotels only for men?
Originally, many were.
Today, plenty of capsule hotels accept women, and some even have women-only floors or entire female-only properties. Always check the listing before booking.
Is it worth staying in a capsule hotel in Japan?
If you’re curious, traveling solo, and okay with compact spaces, yes.
It’s not the most luxurious sleep you’ll ever have. It’s not the most social or the most spacious.
But it’s uniquely Japanese. And cheap.
Final thoughts
I don’t really have complaints about capsule hotels, aside from their slightly creepy aesthetic.
Once inside, I genuinely appreciated having my own little space. It felt private in a way that hostel dorms usually don’t.
Plus, it was clean, comfortable, and had everything I needed. I especially liked the small thoughtful details, like the mirror inside the capsule and the fully stocked bathrooms.
If money is tight, the affordable rate is its biggest advantage. But even if you can afford a traditional hotel, I still think it’s worth trying at least once just for the experience*.
*Capsule hotels might not be for you if you’re:
- claustrophobic
- much taller or broader than average
- hoping to socialize like you would in a backpacker hostel
Check out my other unique stays:
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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