Everything You Need to Know About Capsule Hotels in Japan

If you’re looking to get a good night’s rest at the most affordable price in Japan, you should stay in one of the many pod hotels Japan has to offer. Commonly known as capsule hotels, these futuristic, pragmatic, and convenient accommodations have become the go-to option for cost-conscious tourists in Japan.

In this post, we’ll explore everything there is to know about capsule hotels in Japan. Let’s dive in!

What Are Capsule Hotels? Understanding Japan’s Unique Hospitality Concept

A capsule hotel or pod hotel is a special type of accommodation that originated in Japan and features small rooms containing only beds and minimal amenities. One of these small rooms is called a capsule, and a hotel can have several capsules lined side by side in a corridor.

A typical capsule contains a mattress with some pillows, bed sheets, and blankets. It may also contain an electronic light, a radio, a TV, wifi, and an air conditioning unit. You basically get all you need to have a comfortable night’s sleep. For privacy, the capsules are fitted with a door or curtain.

Capsule hotels are a popular accommodation choice in Japan because they are highly affordable and cozy. Many of their guests are people who either can’t afford conventional hotels or who don’t want to pay for the extra space and amenities. The capsules provide a cheap stay for anyone who missed the last train home, as many of them are located next to stations and nightlife districts. You’ll find a few near Tokyo Station during your trip to the city.

Pod hotels are more similar to hostels than they are to hotels. The majority of the facilities are shared, including toilets, lounges, dining rooms, internet, and showers.

The History of Capsule Hotels: How They Became a Japanese Icon

The first ever capsule hotel was the Capsule Inn Osaka, which opened on February 1, 1979, with 415 beds. Built in Umeda district, Osaka, it was owned by sauna company New Japan Kanko and designed by leading Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. The hotel is still active today under its new name, New Japan Umeda.

It didn’t take long after the first capsule hotel opened for similar lodgings to spring up in major cities across the country. By 2019, the total number of individual capsules in Japan had risen to 35,000. While the first capsule only had a bed, TV, and radio, modern versions contain more amenities, such as internet and air conditioning. The concept of pod hotels has spread to places outside the country, particularly China, South Korea, Canada, Poland, Iceland, and Indonesia.

What to Expect Inside a Capsule Hotel: Space, Amenities, and Experience

You don’t have to be intimidated by the idea of staying in a capsule hotel for the first time. The entire procedure is straightforward and simple.

Checking In

Check-in is as easy as with a regular hotel. After checking in, you will receive a capsule number, which will be used to identify your assigned pod. You will also receive the key to your designated locker, which is located away from the capsule. Use this locker to store luggage and valuables. Do not take them to your capsule, as its doors usually don’t lock from the outside. Some establishments have separate sections for male and female guests. Others are male- or female-only capsule hotels.

Pods

One capsule is stacked on top of another and placed side-by-side along a lengthy corridor. If you’re given a capsule on the second level, you can reach it via steps or ladders. This is similar to the bunk bed system in hostels.

The typical pod is roughly the size of a single bed. It’s not as high as a traditional small room and has a height that only allows you to sit upright on the bed. Most people can’t stand up in a pod without touching the ceiling with their head.

One end of the pod is sealed off and the other left temporarily open. You can close a door or curtain whenever you need privacy. The door can only be locked from inside the pod. Each capsule typically includes sheets, pillows, radio, TV, and air conditioning. You will be provided with soap, shampoo, toiletries, towels, a bathrobe, and possibly nightwear.

Shared Amenities

A lot of the basic amenities available in capsule hotels are communally shared. They usually offer shared bathrooms, toilets, wifi, dining areas, entertainment rooms, restaurants, bars, pools, co-working space, lounges, and vending machines. Be mindful and respectful when using these shared amenities. You are not allowed to eat or smoke inside your pod, so some of these shared spaces can be highly beneficial.

Checking Out

Checkout time in capsule hotels is in the morning, mostly around 10 AM. You can book a pod for multiple nights; however, every guest is required to exit in the morning and stay out until afternoon. Some hotels will even require that you remove your belongings from the lockers. These checkout rules allow the staff to properly clean the hotel for the next influx of guests.

Who Stays at Capsule Hotels? Popularity Among Travelers and Locals

It’s clear that capsule hotels are not ideal for everybody. The owners of these establishments know this and have tailored their businesses to cater to a specific customer base. The following are the types of people who frequent capsule hotels:

• Nightcrawlers: The hotel mainly serves people who are socially active at night. When they are too intoxicated to return home or after missing the last train or bus ride, they often turn to a cheap and convenient option like pod hotels. Hence, you will find capsule hotels in areas with plenty of nightclubs, bars, and train stations.

• Tourists: If you’re a tourist in the country, you should only stay there for the unique experience or to save cost, not for luxury. The capsules have a unique, futuristic look, and they can be quite cozy. But they will not give you the same vacation experience as ryokans or regular hotels.

• Business professionals: Business owners and salary earners alike may work late into the night. When they need somewhere to sleep and freshen up, they can turn to capsule hotels.

• Unemployed people: Capsules often serve as temporary homes for unemployed individuals with no place to stay. They can afford to live in the hotel for several months, thanks to its cheap prices.

Capsule Hotels vs. Traditional Hotels: Pros and Cons

As a result, there are lots of advantages to staying in these hotels. One of the biggest perks is the cost-effectiveness of pod hotels. You can usually get a space at a fraction of the cost of traditional options. Capsules also offer more security and privacy than regular hotel rooms, making them the ideal option for introverted travelers. In terms of pricing models, pod hotels tend to be more flexible, allowing customers to pay for specific hours. Furthermore, they are extremely clean and easy to access thanks to their convenient locations.

On the flip side, capsule hotels have some limitations. They are not great options for claustrophobic people or the mobility impaired. Also, many of these pods are not soundproof, leading customers to complain about noise and snoring from neighboring pods. Despite their budget-friendly nature, most capsule hotels can become expensive when you have to rent a pod for every member of a large family or group.

Unique Themes and Designs of Capsule Hotels in Japan

In this section, we’ll explore the creative themes of some capsule hotels in Japan.

• Luxury: Some capsule hotels offer luxurious views and lush greenery around the building. A few use high-end mattresses and relaxing baths.

• Manga: Pods have been fitted with ceiling displays of manga. The entire hotel can be themed around these books and others.

• Space station: As if these pods don’t already look like they came straight out of a sci-fi movie, certain establishments deliberately shape their capsules to resemble spaceships.

• Minimalist: Some of the more traditional capsule hotels avoid going all out with the design. They realized that people prefer the simple black-and-white designs when staying in their facilities. 

Top Capsule Hotels to Stay at in Japan: Recommendations for Travelers

Here are a few notable capsule hotels in the country:

• The Millennials: This is a popular capsule hotel located in Shibuya, Tokyo. Its rooms are tiny, but their heights are similar to those of regular hotel rooms. Another notable feature of this space is that it has a luggage compartment in each pod, eliminating the need for shared locker areas.

• Wise Owl Hostels: This is a chain of pod hotels with branches in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Sapporo. The hotel chain is famous for the excellent conditions of its shared spaces.

• 9h Nine Hours: Travelers who want to remain close to Narita Airport before or after their trip can stop by the nearby Nine Hours. The interior of its pods follows a minimalist approach and facilitates a quiet atmosphere. 9h Nine Hours also has branches in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Aichi, and many other places.

Capsule Hotel Etiquette: Tips for First-Time Guests

The following is a list of capsule hotel etiquette to remember:

• Unless the hotel staff tells you otherwise, keep your belongings in your assigned locker.

• Avoid making loud phone calls or listening to loud music in the pod.

• Always checkout at the appropriate time, even when staying for consecutive nights.

• Wear slippers at all times.

• Don’t eat or smoke in the pod.

Budget-Friendly and Convenient: Why Capsule Hotels Are Ideal for Travelers

Hikers, backpackers, and other travelers can greatly benefit from staying in a capsule hotel because of how affordable and convenient it can be. The lodging is also strategically located next to transportation hubs, especially train stations and airports.

Final Thoughts: Experiencing Japan Through Its Capsule Hotels

Staying in a capsule hotel may not be the most luxurious method to experience Japan, but it's certainly a unique and memorable way to explore the country. Speaking of unique ways to experience Japan, Bokksu offers a taste of the native lifestyle through food. With a Bokksu Snack Box Subscription, you will get a box of snacks and sweets delivered to your doorstep every month!