What is a capsule hotel?
A capsule hotel (or pod hotel) is a type of hotel that features very small rooms that allow for a cheap and basic overnight stay.
Who are capsule hotels good for?
- If you’re looking for somewhere just to lay your head
- If you’re looking for somewhere unique to stay on your trip
- If you want an extremely cheap accommodation option
Should I stay in one on my trip to Japan?
If you can factor it into your bucket list of things to do during your trip, then I would highly recommend it.
Sure it won’t be the most luxurious or best hotel you’ve ever stayed at, but it will give you a unique experience on your trip that you’re unlikely to get anywhere else. And the great thing is that capsule hotels are so affordable that any budget could fit it in, even if it’s just for one night.
Below, I’ve put together a list of five of the most interesting capsule hotels you may want to stay in on your trip. Let me know if you’ve stayed in any or if I’ve missed your favorite one!
1. 9h: Nine Hours – The best capsule hotel for those who want something unique
With a chain of capsule hotels all across Tokyo, 9h is probably the most well-known pod hotel in the capital and definitely one of the best looking.
9h in Shinjuku North is perhaps the closest you’ll ever get to being on a space shuttle and to be honest I’m totally ok with that.
Just look at it!
This place wouldn’t be out of place on a Star Wars movie, let alone the streets of Tokyo!
Check in: 14:00
Check out: 10:00
Price: ¥4,900 Per Night
2. First Cabin – The best capsule hotel for those who couldn’t afford first class
Couldn’t quite afford the 5k business or first-class seat on your trip over?
Well, I’ve got some great news for you!
First Cabin hotel in Tokyo is modeled after the flying industry and designs its rooms based on the ticket class.
With branches in Shinjuku, Haneda Airport, and Akihabara, a First cabin capsule hotel will never be too far away.
Honestly, there is such a lot of difference in the price of this hotel.
The below rates are included in an ‘April Special’ which is why they’re Spectacularly cheap.
However, check about a week after and you’ve got the same rooms without meals for around ¥4000 instead.
Not bank-breaking by any means, but not exactly a cheap capsule hotel either.
Check in: 14:00
Check out: 10:00
Price: (Depending on hotel and time of booking)
- First: ¥2,800 Per Night
- Business: ¥2,500 Per NIght
- Economy: ¥2,300 Per Night
3. Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuya – The best capsule hotel for women
Japan is well known for having women-only carriages on trains.
It should come as no surprise then that there are a few women-only hotels dotted around the city.
One of these women-only hotels is the Nadeshiko Capsule hotel in Shibuya.
Its central location makes it a great choice to stay in if you’re a solo female traveler and have spent the day exploring Tokyo.
Check in: 15:00
Check out: 10:00
Price: ¥3,000- ¥4,000 per night (Early booking discount)
4. Hotel Zen – The best capsule hotel to relax
I mean just from the looks of it, this ‘Capsule hotel’ screams luxury. It may even best First Cabin.
A far cry from the coffin-like dimensions of the standard sleeping pods, Hotel Zen Tokyo seems to be changing what it means to be a pod hotel.
If you’re looking for somewhere to wind down from your busy day exploring Tokyo then you might be onto a winner, even if you’re on a budget.
Rates start from ¥4,000 yen which technically makes it the most expensive capsule hotel on the list, but it’s still cheap compared to regular hotels. And for what you get, it’s well worth the extra cost.
The interior looks premium, modern, and designed with well-being in mind. Another thing to mention is the ceiling is way higher than what you’d expect in a normal pod hotel. Not to mention these almost look like rooms rather than capsules.
Hotel Zen Tokyo also features a study lounge for you to go and edit that next viral YouTube video.
Perfect!
Check in: 15:00
Check out: 10:00
Price: ¥4,000- ¥6,000 per night
5. Book and Bed Tokyo – The best capsule hotel for book lovers
Designed by the Suppose Design Office, Book and Bed Tokyo is one of the capitals best kept secrets.
Book and Bed is essentially a library with beds. Who wouldn’t want that?!
Upon entering the hotel, you are greeted with books hanging from the ceiling, wooden panels, and an all round cosy atmosphere.
Their website explains ‘there are no comfortable mattresses, fluffy pillows nor lightweight and warm down duvets.” Guests are instead invited to read until the words fall into dreams.
So you’re essentially paying for a bed without a duvet, but you’re also sleeping in an incredibly unique place where you can spend some time recharging your batteries before trekking around Tokyo the next day. Definitely an experience I want on my trip to Japan!
Rates start at a reasonable ¥3,500 a night, which comes in the middle of our capsule hotel prices which I think is more than acceptable due to how unique your stay will be.
They also offer completely free cancellations. There’s literally no reason not to make this a part of your Tokyo itinerary!
Check in: 16:00
Check out: 11:00
Price: From ¥3,500 per night
