Capsule Hotels 💊

How did it all start?

If you’ve looked into Japanese culture a bit, you’ve probably come across the Japanese work ethic - long hours, extreme punctuality, and a serious lack of sleep. Unlike in Western companies, in Japan it’s not common to leave work before your boss does. And if you do leave, it’s quite common to head out to an izakaya (a Japanese pub) or sing karaoke until the late hours of the night. The thing is, the last trains leave exactly at midnight (00:00). If you miss them, you’re stuck.

That’s where the need for a place to sleep came in - not something fancy, just somewhere to rest your head until the next morning. And that’s how capsule hotels were born. It’s worth noting that things have changed since then, and today capsule hotels are used mainly by tourists.

A standard capsule is a fiberglass unit built around a single-size futon mattress, measuring roughly 1.2 meters wide, 2 meters long, and about 1 meter high. Each capsule comes with sheets, blankets, and pillows, lighting, an alarm clock, and sometimes even a TV. In most places, you’ll also find power outlets and free Wi-Fi. Facilities such as bathrooms, toilets, and showers are usually shared among guests.

Who Is It For?

Mainly for people looking for a cheap place to crash for a night, or for those who want the experience itself (I recommend trying it for at least one night).

I’ve gathered a few solid options based on personal experience here, under a special “filter.”

Note: In most capsule hotels, men and women are separated. If you’re traveling as a couple, look for a place that allows you to stay on the same floor or close to each other (even if in separate capsules).