Japanese Capsule Hotels - Guide To Bargain Lodgings, Amenities, And Manners

Japan’s Capsule Hotels: Budget-Friendly and Comfortable Accomodations

A capsule hotel is a unique type of accommodation in Japan that provides a single-person bed within a box-shaped private capsule. The world's first capsule hotel opened in Osaka In 1979. Since then, these lodgings have expanded everywhere in the country.

Capsule hotels are recommended for those looking for a safe environment while saving on lodging fees. These hotels are also fully stocked with amenities that allow for a pleasant stay.

Capsule hotels were originally simple accommodations strictly used for sleeping. However, there are now many capsule hotels with stylish designs and unique concepts, like samurai and ninja-themed hotels. These minimalistic hotels—neither a typical hotel nor an inn—are also highly popular, allowing guests to have a truly unique experience.

Average Capsule Hotel Fees

A one-night stay at a capsule hotel costs roughly between 2,000 to 6,000 yen. The average is around 3,000 yen per night.

Male-Only and Female-Only Capsule Hotels

There are also male-only and female-only capsule hotels in Japan. Please keep in mind that there are more male-only capsule hotels, so confirm this detail when making your reservations.

In hotels that allow guests of all genders, the floors are often split into men-and-women-only floors.

Capsule Hotel Facilities

Picture from It’s A Waste To Just Sleep! BOOK AND BED TOKYO Hotel Bookstore Asakusa

Each private capsule is an adequate one-person space to sleep in and is well-equipped with facilities necessary for spending the night. Many hotels also offer large public baths and saunas, which are shared among other guests.

Well-Stocked Amenities

Picture from Easy Access To Airports – hotel zen tokyo, A Tea Room-Like Capsule Hotel

Most capsule hotels will provide guests with a bath towel, face towel, and nightwear. Basic sanitary goods like soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and a hairdryer will also be provided to enable a comfortable stay. However, please note that this depends on the hotel.

Internet

The majority of capsule hotels have Wi-Fi for guests. Prior to your stay, be sure to confirm whether the hotel will have Wi-Fi through sources such as the official website.

Meals Services Vary from Hotel

Most capsule hotels do not provide food. Enjoy meals outside or prepared via the convenience store and supermarket. While there are some capsule hotels with restaurants, this is quite rare.

Capsule Hotel Etiquette

Please adhere to the following etiquette when staying at a capsule hotel.

Mind Your Volume and Spend Your Time Quietly

The primary purpose of a capsule hotel is overnight accommodation. Be careful not to make loud noises to avoid bothering your sleeping neighbors. Please also take steps to lower your alarm's volume and move to communal spaces when making phone calls.

Check Whether Food is Allowed Inside

Depending on the hotel, some places will ban food and drinks inside your capsule. Be sure to check whether or not food is allowed beforehand. If it's not prohibited, eat at the communal spaces instead.

Leave Your Belongings in a Locker

Picture from Easy Access To Airports – hotel zen tokyo, A Tea Room-Like Capsule Hotel

Although there will either be a door or noren (curtain) at the entrance of each capsule, these lodging facilities are unable to be locked. As a result, most capsule hotels provide lockers in communal spaces or offer coin lockers nearby.

Be sure to place your large belongings in a coin locker or check it in at the front desk. This guideline is to prevent obstructions when leaving luggage in the passageways or in front of other capsules.

Capsule Hotels Are Ideal for These Guests!

Picture from It’s A Waste To Just Sleep! BOOK AND BED TOKYO Hotel Bookstore Asakusa

Capsule hotels are ideal for travelers who want to save money on lodging fees during solo trips but prefer to not stay in shared, dormitory-style accommodations. These hotels are well-stocked with amenities, so it also makes them useful for sudden overnight stays.

There are many hotels with cafes, workspaces, and stylish concepts that add to the uniqueness of staying inside a capsule hotel.

Original Author: Mayu
*This article is a rewritten version of an article originally published on August 15, 2016.