Coolest Capsule Hotels in Japan

Do you love traveling but hate having to sacrifice your comfort? Or maybe you’re just looking for a unique and unforgettable experience on your next trip to Japan. Either way, capsule hotels are the perfect solution! Offering travelers all the convenience and amenities of a standard hotel room, but in a much more compact package, capsule hotels are becoming an increasingly popular choice for visitors to Japan. Check out our list of the coolest capsule hotels in the country and start planning your next adventure today!

 

What is a Capsule Hotel?

A capsule hotel, sometimes known as a pod hotel, is a type of lodging where guests stay in small, individualized rooms that are similar in size and design to a sleeping capsule. First introduced in Japan in the 1970s, capsule hotels were originally intended as a convenient and affordable option for business travelers who missed their last train home or needed a place to stay for the night. Since then, capsule hotels have evolved to become popular tourist destinations in their own right, offering travelers a unique and efficient way to experience all that Japan has to offer.

 

How Do Capsule Hotels Work?

Capsule hotels are typically designed for guests to use on a short-term basis, with most rooms only providing enough space for a single person to sleep. Guests typically check in at a central reception area and are given a key to their capsule, which is usually located in a large dorm-style room with dozens of other capsules. In some cases, capsule hotels may also offer additional amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, and common areas for socializing or working.

 

What are the Benefits of Staying in a Capsule Hotel?

Capsule hotels offer travelers a number of unique benefits, chief among them being their convenience and affordability. Unlike traditional hotels, capsule hotels typically do not require guests to check in or check out at specific times, making them ideal for those who need a place to stay for just a few hours. In addition, capsule hotels often offer a variety of amenities such as laundry facilities and common areas, which can be a great way to save time and money while on vacation.

 

Are Capsule Hotels Safe?

Yes, capsule hotels are generally safe. However, as with any hotel, it is always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. When staying in a capsule hotel, be sure to lock your capsule door when you are inside and keep your belongings close by. Additionally, it is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the hotel’s policies and procedures in case of an emergency.

 

Top 6 Coolest Capsule Hotels in Japan

1. First Cabin Akasaka

First Cabin Akasaka is a top-rated capsule hotel in the heart of Tokyo’s business district. Offering travelers a comfortable and convenient place to stay, the hotel features a variety of room types including single, double, and family capsules. In addition, First Cabin Akasaka also offers a number of amenities such as a restaurant, bar, and lounge area. Prices average about $60 USD per night.

2. Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Tokyo

Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Tokyo is a popular capsule hotel chain with locations in Tokyo and Kyoto. All of their locations are within 240-second walk from the nearest train station, making their hotel locations desirable options for business travelers or backpackers alike. Their capsules in Tokyo come equipped with Wi-Fi, and there’s an artificial hot spring and internet cafe that guests can use at any time. The prices of a capsule start at 4,980 yen ($33 USD), and you’re able to stay up to 24 hours if you check in at 3:00 p.m.

3. Nine Hours Shinjuku-North

This capsule hotel is located in Tokyo’s business district of Shinjuku and just a 3-minute walk from the nearest train station. The Nine Hours Shinjuku-North location features single and female-only capsules, as well as a number of amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, and a lounge area. In addition, the hotel also offers a “Nine Hours Sleep” package, which includes a mattress, pillow, and sheets for guests to use in their capsules. Prices for a capsule start at 2,700 yen ($18 USD).

4. Capsule Hotel New Iwaki

Capsule Hotel New Iwaki is a capsule hotel located in the city of Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the nearest train station, making it a convenient place to stay for both business and leisure travelers. Capsule Hotel New Iwaki offers a variety of room types, as well as a number of amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, and a lounge area. Prices for a capsule start at 2,500 yen ($17 USD), and guests can stay for up to 24 hours.

5. The Millennials Shibuya

The Millennials Shibuya is a capsule hotel chain with locations in Tokyo and Osaka. The hotel features capsule rooms with bunk beds, as well as a number of amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, and a lounge area. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s “Workation” package, which includes a desk, chair, and Wi-Fi access in the capsule room. Prices for a capsule start at ¥2,900 ($20 USD), and guests can stay for up to 19 hours.

6. ℃ (Do-C) in Shibuya

Located a minute away from the train station in busy Shibuya, the Do-C capsule in hotel is sleek and modern in its design. The capsules are outfitted with a TV, AC, and Wi-Fi while guests have access to showers and laundry facilities on the premises. Also, the capsule hotel features a sauna that was imported from Finland that’s available to guests. An average night costs between ¥3,900 ($35) and ¥4,900 ($45), and includes breakfast. Or, if guests only want to take a nap and don’t need a full night’s stay, they can take advantage of the hotel’s 9-hour nap policy for around ¥1,900 ($17).

 

The Bottom Line

With so many capsule hotels to choose from in Japan, there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a convenient place to stay near the train station or a sleek and modern hotel with all the amenities, there’s a capsule hotel in Japan that’s right for you.