Capsule Hotel Experience
Matthew Baxter
Capsule hotels are one the most interesting, if not strange, experiences you can have in Japan. Usually costing from 2000 to 3500 yen, depending on spa facilities and location, they offer a great way to stay the night in the city center. Most customers are usually business men who have missed their last train, so some are men only. But these days many offer women only floors, so there is no need to worry about privacy.
Unless, you find it too much to stay in a capsule above/below another capsule! While it does sound very strange, it is a highly recommended experience.
Staying in Tokyo? Have a look at the Capsule Hotels in Tokyo.
One thing to note: Capsule hotels are usually just for the night, and will not allow you to keep your luggage there during the day. If you want to stay in a capsule hotel for more than one night, you can put you bags in a lockers at one of the stations (should be no problem finding one in a Japanese station!)
My First Capsule Hotel Experience
My first capsule hotel experience was in Ueno. Upon entering a capsule hotel, you will see a collection of ‘rooms’ like below.
If you are in one of the upper capsules, you just use the little ladders on the sides. Maybe best not to bring your grandpa here!
As you can see below, there is just enough room to sleep. If you are tall, your feet may come out of the capsule, or you can just bend the legs. But I’m 180cm and I have never had to do this. Most people will just about be able to sit up, but no guarantee!
Though it may be small, the capsule has all you need. A TV, radio and alarm clock are always included. The beds are not super comfortable, but are clean, and its’ only about 3000 yen!
Facilities like baths, showers and restrooms are all shared. You can also put valuables in secure lockers if you want to.
Give it a try!
