We Stayed At Capsule Hotels In Japan And Found The Best Capsule Hotel In Japan!

We Stayed At Capsule Hotels In Japan And Found The Best Capsule Hotel In Japan!

06 June 2024Jon Ng

eady to check in to a capsule hotel in Japan? Get the best deals and experience in Japan with our list of the best capsule hotels in Japan.

When it comes to choosing accommodation in Japan, capsule hotels offer an excitingly unique experience. These pod-style hotels provide a budget-friendly alternative for those seeking an adventure within the country.

With sleek and modern facilities, capsule hotels are perfect for a traveler on the go, or even someone looking for an easy and comfortable stay in a Japanese city.

With luxurious interiors, spacious and well-equipped amenities, determining the best capsule hotel in Japan can be a daunting task.

From popular cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, to smaller, more rural resorts, capsule hotels around Japan vary greatly.

We checked out the best capsule hotels and provide an overview of their services, amenities and location.

Whether you are looking for a city retreat or a coastal retreat, you are sure to find the perfect capsule hotel for your needs.

In case you don’t know about a Japanese capsule hotel in detail, like price, availability, rules & regulations, and other facts, then you are at the right place now.

Today, I will provide an in-depth discussion regarding this topic, so stay with me till the end to know every ins and outs.

Best Capsule Hotels in Tokyo

All the hotels that I will mention here are open for both men and women.

So, whatever your gender, feel free to check them out one by one.

Nine Hours Narita Airport

Best Coed Capsule Hotel in Japan

Suppose you are stuck in Narita airport for a connecting flight or you arrived here at past midnight, then this capsule hotel in Terminal 2 can be your hideaway.

https://twitter.com/MyVIPflight/status/494232465225961472

The hotel has a shower facility, lockers, and a lounge. They have 24 hours reception and check-in service.

Complimentary toiletries and Wi-fi are also available.

Hotel information & price:
Fee for the first hour: ¥1,500 (500 yen will add for every hour next).
Cost on weekdays: ¥7,200 ($65) / night.
Price on weekends & Fridays: ¥7,800 ($69) / night.
Entry Time: 12:00 PM to 5:00 AM.
Exit Time: 10:00 AM.
Address: 1-1 Furugome, Narita City, Chiba, 282-0004.
Official Site: https://ninehours.co.jp/narita

Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel

Best Capsule Hotel Near Shinjuku Station

If your travel destination from Narita airport is Shinjuku, you may check out this hotel.

It is closer to the Shinjuku Station and provides amenities like a 24-hour bath & sauna and a relaxing lounge with PCs and wifi.

Capsule Hotels In Japan

This hotel also has coin laundry and a restaurant.

Hotel information & price:
The average cost of a room: ¥9,000. ($79) /night.
Per night for women (Discount plan): ¥3,200 to ¥3,800 ($28 to $33.5).
Per night for men (Discount plan): ¥3,200 to ¥3,600 ($28 to $32).
Address: Touyo Building 3/F, 1-2-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.
Check-in Time: 2:00 PM to 12.59 PM.
Check-out Time: 10:00 AM.
For Booking: check out kayak.com

First Cabin Haneda

Capsule Hotel in Haneda Airport

When Narita airport has a capsule hotel, how can Haneda Airport stay behind!!

The First Cabin Haneda is located inside Terminal 1, and as the name refers, it has luxurious sleeping pods.

In fact, the rooms are more like cabins rather than a capsule.

First Cabin Haneda

With more space, a wide semi-double bed, side table, 32 inch LCD TV, air conditioner, keyed safety box, a power outlet, and wifi, they represent a Japanese mini-hotel.

Hotel information & price:
First-class cabin cost per night: ¥7,000 ($62).
Smaller cabin cost per night: ¥6,000 ($53).
Hourly price: ¥800 to ¥1,000 ($7 to $9).
Check-in Time: 7:00 PM.
Check-out Time: 10:00 AM.
Official Site: https://first-cabin.jp/en/hotels/15

If you don’t plan to stay in Haneda, they have two other branches in Tokyo that you may consider.

Akihabara branch location: 3-38 Kanda Sakuma-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.

Akasaka branch location: 3-13-7 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo.

Capsule Inn Kinshicho

Best Capsule Hotel in Akihabara

Positioned in the tech hub area of Akihabara, Capsule Inn Kinshicho is a great option for anyone set on exploring the center of Tokyo.

It’s also near the Sumida Hokusai Museum and sumo stables.

Capsule Inn Kinshicho

The hotel provides a coffee shop & restaurant, a 120 degree Celcius Edo-style sauna, free wifi in the public area, free LAN inside the capsules, a Japanese bathhouse, and a fitness center.

Hotel information & price:
Cost per night: ¥3,100 ($27).
Discount Price: ¥2,800 ($24.5).
Access: 24 hours.
Check-in Time: 3:00 PM.
Check-out Time: 12:00 (noon).
Address: 2-6-3 Kinshi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0013.
Official Site: https://capsuleinnkinshicho.com

It’s always exciting when a group of male friends decides to go on a trip together.

And, staying in a capsule hotel will add more fun to your Japan tour.

So, here are some men-only capsule hotels in Tokyo.

The Nell Ueno Okachimachi

Best Men Capsule Hotel in Tokyo

The shape of this hotel room is like a square box.

When I first saw the room, it reminded me of vintage TV!

The Nell Ueno Okachimachi

If you are a 90s kid, you possibly remember what they used to look like.

Anyway, the price starts at ¥2,800.

Hotel information & price:
Average cost per night: ¥3,300 ($29).
Check-in Time: 2:00 PM.
Check-out Time: 10:00 AM.
Address: 2-15-9 Higashi-Ueno, Taito, Tokyo.
For Booking: Check out hotels.com

Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Shinjuku

English-speaking Capsule Hotel In Japan For Men

The atmosphere of this men-only capsule hotel is luxurious and calm, which is inspired by Balinese retreats.

This place is safe and organized with English-speaking staff and modern amenities.

Hotel Anshin Oyado Shinjuku

Your stay will begin with a complimentary green tea, and you can spend your leisure time soaking in a jetted bath or enjoying a massage.

This hotel has many branches in Tokyo and all over Japan, so make sure to check their official site and choose where to stay.

Hotel information & price:
Cost per night: ¥4,500 to ¥12,000 ($40 to $108).
Check-in Time: 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
Check-out Time: 1:00 PM.
Official Site: https://www.anshin-oyado.jp/english

Okay, it’s girls’ time now!!

Although I have already mentioned these two hotels above, it’s time to check out their prices and facilities.

Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuya

Best Female-Only Capsule Hotel in Tokyo

It has a tatami-covered common room, Japanese style art & decor, and a large laundry facility.

When it comes to grabbing something to eat, the hotel is surrounded by many dining options.

And, the hotel is only 10 minutes away from Shibuya Station.

Hotel information & price:
Cost per night: ¥3,600 to ¥4,600 ($31.5 to $40.5).
Check-in Time: 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
Check-out Time: 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Official Site: https://nadeshiko-hotel.jp/en/

Bay Hotel Akihabara

Best Female-only Capsule Hotel Near Akihabara, Tokyo

Located only a 3 minutes walk away from Akihabara Train Station, this female-only accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and a shared lounge.

Female capsule hotel

Showers are shared with other guests, and you will find the nightwear and toiletries in your personal locker.

And, the Kanda Shrine is within a 15-minute walk from the hotel.

Hotel information & price:
Cost per night: ¥3,070 to ¥3,700 ($27 to $33).
Check-in Time: After 4:00 PM.
Check-out Time: 10:00 AM.
Official Site: https://www.bay-hotel.jp/akihabara/eng

As mentioned, these micro hotels are found all over Japan, but mainly in big cities like Kyoto, Fukuoka, Sendai, and Osaka.

Here are some examples.

The Millennials Capsule Hotel

This high-tech super artistry hotel provides users an iPod for controlling their bed position, lights, and temperature.

Cool!! Right?

They even covered the walls with different art, giving the rooms a young and hip feel.

And to be honest, it is one of my favorite capsule hotels in Japan that I have previously stayed in.

Although it is a bit pricey, they are worth it.

Hotel information & price:
Depending on the season, the average cost per night: ¥8,000 ($70).
Locations: Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka.
Official Site: https://en.themillennials.jp

Location of Millenials Capsule Hotel in Shibuya Tokyo

Location of Millenials Capsule Hotel in Kyoto

Location of Millenials Capsule Hotel in Fukuoka

Book And Bed

Best Capsule Hotel with Library

Did you ever imagine yourself sleeping in a bookcase?

I guess no, but expect something beyond your wildest dreams when you are in this creative country.

Climb in between rows of books and snug into your bed.

These capsules have a coffin feel but don’t be scared, as it’s just a saying.

Hotel information & price:
Average cost per night: ¥6,000 ($52.5).
Average cost per night (on weekends & holidays): ¥7,000 ($61.5).
Locations: Tokyo, Osaka
Official Site: https://bookandbedtokyo.com/en

Location of Book And Bed in Tokyo

Location of Book And Bed in Osaka

Referred before in the Tokyo section, The 9h Nine Hours (Kyoto, Fukuoka, Sendai) and First Cabin (Hokkaido, Chiba, Aichi, Kyoto, Osaka, Wakayama, Fukuoka, Nagasaki) are also available in different cities in Japan.

I think you have no quarries left that I didn’t answer.

So, let’s finish off here.

What To Know Before Booking A Capsule Hotel In Japan

Suppose you missed your last train to move to another place; a capsule hotel can be your ultimate way out. They are not too pricey, and you will have complete privacy as well.

Cool, right?

Okay, first of all, I will explain what a capsule hotel is, as many people don’t know about them.

What Is a Capsule Hotel, Actually?

Built by Kisho Kurokawa in 1979 in Osaka, the capsule hotel contains pod-like rooms.

Well, they are not precisely rooms but more like small compartments assembled in rows side by side along the corridor, offering minimum space and amenities.

Capsule hotel in japan

For your kind information, capsule hotels are also called sleeping pods, cube or cubicle hotels.

There is enough space for one person, sometimes two, to sneak inside the room and lie down.

If you are not very tall, then you can sit down too.

The standard size of a capsule hotel room is around 1.2 meters wide, 2 meters long, and 1 meter high.

Although capsule hotels were firstly dedicated to busy office workers, tourists now appreciate this type of place because of the cheaper rate compared to most regular hotels.

Also, people find these types of rooms unique, futuristic, and sometimes cute!!

2. Facilities & Other Informations

When you check into a capsule hotel, they will assign you a capsule number and a key to the corresponding locker.

The lockers are for keeping your personal belongings, but keep in mind that they are not very large.

inside capsule hotel room

Thus, most places have an additional luggage room where you can store your suitcase and other large items.

 

Some of the hotels have English check-in instructions on their counters and may have English-speaking staff.

The basic inside room facilities include sheets, blankets, pillows, an air conditioner, a light, and an alarm clock.

At the same time, some capsule hotels also provide a power outlet, free Wi-fi, a TV, and radio.

Usually, there is no lock system, only a curtain or shutter door to give you little privacy from others.

Many capsule hotels offer restaurants, lounges, and other entertainment areas where you may relax or spend time with other people.

capsule hotel room

Eating or smoking are usually prohibited inside the capsule rooms.

Wait! Wait!

Maybe you are excited to book one right now, but there are some essential things that you should know beforehand.

Hence, keep going…

3. Price of Capsule Hotel

I have already mentioned above that the price of these hotels is relatively lower.

But, now I will give you a specific answer to the question: how much does it cost to stay in a capsule hotel in Japan?

The average rate per night ranges from ¥2,500 to ¥6,000 ($22 to $53).

Nevertheless, keep in mind that the prices may vary from time to time, especially during peak tourist season.

So, what do you think? Isn’t 2,500 yen cheap?

Of course, yes!

It is tough to find a place in this price range, specifically in Tokyo, which is one of the favorite cities among travelers to visit.

4. Do Capsule Hotels Have Showers?

Unfortunately, there is no toilet or bathroom attached to the rooms.

In a general capsule hotel setup, you will find washrooms at the end of the hall, either on your floor or another.

shower in capsule hotel

Note that the baths are communal, but of course, gender-segregated.

Soap and shampoo are usually provided, and private shower stalls can be available too.

5. Many Capsule Hotels in Japan Are Only For Men

As capsule hotels were mainly developed for business travelers for an overnight  budget stay, most of them are just for men.

You will rarely find a capsule hotel that allows women, purely because of safety issues.

capsule hotel for men

However, nowadays, some capsule hotels are offering rooms to women but keeping the floors and areas separated by gender.

And guests typically need a unique key to access the sleeping quarters.

6. There Are Women-Only Capsule Hotels Too

If you are a woman, I think you were heartbroken after reading my previous section.

Well, don’t be, as there are also female-only capsule hotels in Japan.

capsule hotel for women

The Kanda branch of the famous Nine Hours Capsule Hotel (nearby Tokyo Station and Akihabara), the Akihabara Bay Hotel, and the Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuya are three decent options for women.

7. Are There Any Capsule Hotel for Couples?

In case you are on a romantic trip with your sweetheart, obviously you will look forward to doing something fun and unique.

Therefore, staying in a capsule hotel can be an exciting date idea, which will definitely surprise your mate.

It seems like you are getting impatient to know whether there is such an option or not.

Shortly, yes.

couple in capsule hotel

A few capsule hotels allow the couple to stay together, like Tokyo Kiba Hotel, First Cabin Hotel & Centurion Hostel Nara.

Another hotel that offers mixed dormitory rooms is UNPLAN Kagurazaka that has a vibrant atmosphere and comfy bed to sleep in.

These capsules have a double-bed room, so don’t worry about comfort.

8. You Have to Check Out From Your Room Each Day!

Although you can stay in a capsule hotel for long terms, you have to check out from your room by 10 AM (usually) each day.

And then you can go back to the hotel room again within their check-in time.

In some cases, you may extend your time limit by paying a few hundred yen per hour.

It’s typically done to give the staff time for changing the bedsheets, pillow covers and cleaning the area.

By far, you have only known about the details of these capsule hotels.

To help you more, I am going to give enough information about some capsule hotels in Japan.

Let’s start with Tokyo.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you got a complete guide about the capsule hotels in Japan by now.

Well, what do you think? Don’t you want to experience something unique?

Then, pack your bag and come here to feel the excitement.

And, you are very much welcome to enjoy the cultural variation and all the fun activities that our country has to serve.

Capsule Hotels in Japan: FAQs

How long can you stay at a capsule hotel?

You can book a capsule hotel for the same amount of time as you would at a regular hotel.

Depending on the hotel, the check-in and check-out time varies.

But, most of them follow 2:00 PM to 10:00 AM as one day.

Also, there is an option of booking them for a few hours when you just want to take some rest and then leave.

Are capsule hotels claustrophobic?

Most of the capsule hotels are comfy and not too cramped. Even some fancy hotels have pods that are closer to the size of a mini room.

Yet, if you have severe claustrophobia, I recommend not staying in one.

Also, some hotel rooms are like small boxes that don’t have enough airflow, which can be dangerous for claustrophobic.

How much does it cost to build a capsule hotel?

Building a capsule hotel depends on various facts like the location and materials used in the room.

Despite that, I am giving a rough cost that you may expect to invest.

Anyway, around $1.5 to $2 million is needed for initial investment. And, the size of one pod scales between 50 to 90 square feet.

Setting up each pod equipped with facilities for the customer will cost about $8,000 to $9,000.

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