A Guide to Japan’s Capsule Hotels

Capsule hotels are the embodiment of Japanese convenience, a quirk that was originally built out of a sense of utilitarianism: a place to sleep after missing the last train. Their uniqueness and affordability, however, means they've now become almost like a tourist experience in themselves.

Like business hotels (which we have a guide on right here), what makes capsule hotels so interesting is their sense of minimalism, stripping away all the unnecessary elements and bringing them back to the most basic. What's interesting, though, is that while they should be almost homogeneous in their styles, as there are not a lot of elements to work with, quite the opposite, the nation's capsule hotels all offer something a little different, a unique experience within what is already a uniquely Japanese experience.

The world's first capsule hotel opened in Osaka — it's in this list, actually — in the late 1970s. It was quite possibly inspired by the post-war Japanese biomimetic architectural movement, which was popular during the 1960s in Japan. The movement was inspired by ideas about architectural megastructures and how they could almost emulate organic biological growth. Buildings were considered utilitarian objects that could potentially change and develop (like an organic being) to accommodate the rapidly developing landscape of Japan's cities.

In conjunction with these new schools of architectural thought, the nation during this time was experiencing a huge wave of economic development post-war. The country's salarymen (white-collar workers) were spending longer and longer days in the office and longer nights drinking in izakayas (Japanese bars), and with trains finishing at around midnight, many folks needed a cheaper alternative to a taxi all the way back out to the suburbs; thus capsule hotels were born.

And like everything else in Japan, if you know a subculture or niche, there's someone here to service it, so, since the original days, the shape, design, and form of this style of hotels have changed to accommodate more niche guests, from the original white-collar workers to lifestyle-centric digital nomads.

As you go through this list, you'll see what you can expect from a capsule hotel, which really depends on where you choose to stay. There are some overarching, near-universal elements, though. Firstly, expect your room or capsule to be not much bigger than your bed; that's essentially all it's there for. To make up for the space, there are often storage lockers for you to keep your luggage and valuables.

Also, it's a little obvious, but don't expect a bathroom in your capsule. These hotels often have shared bathroom (shower, vanity, toilet) facilities that are more often than not gender segregated. Many also have public baths (simple sento, which is just hot water, and occasionally onsen, which is volcanic mineral-rich water), depending on the facility. There are always some exceptions, though, like the capsule hotels with immersive movie screens and scientific sleep labs, so it's worth doing a little research, but don't worry; we're here to help you get started.

A one-minute walk from Ueno Station, a bustling station that services one of Tokyo's most lively neighborhoods, is Sauna & Capsule Hotel Hokuo, a simple, stripped-back capsule hotel that offers soothing spa treatments and a cozy place to rest. Best for those looking to spend a night or two in the area while exploring everything Tokyo offers, the rooms are simple and comfortable and follow the more classic capsule style, a self-contained room with a storage locker nearby.

As part of the room booking, you have access to the hotel's baths – indoor and outdoor – too, which are pumped full of mineral-rich water from Tochiomata Onsen in Niigata Prefecture. There's also a restaurant on-site serving simple Japanese comfort dishes like soba noodles, curry, salmon with natto and rice, and mugs of ice-cold beer. Sometimes, the simple pleasures are all you need.

The Millennials is a forward-thinking hotel brand that argues the case that less – in this case, space – can mean more. The facility is very community and communal living oriented, with open co-working spaces, modern, stylish communal areas, and rental amenities. It's a place that combines slick lifestyle hotel design with the comfort and ease of capsule hotel convenience. The hotel also has a few different capsule types, from more standard but still cozy pods to the theater pod, which is decked out with an 80" projection screen. Each pod is also equipped with smart technology in the form of an in-house-only app that centralizes functions like lighting, airflow, and mattress incline.

The nine hours Akasaka sleep lab is a capsule hotel with more. Here, you can expect a convenient, affordable, modern, and comfortable stay without the frills but with all the minimalist style. Its sleek interiors fit in well with the stylish luxury hotel-populated district of Akasaka. However, there's one thing this outpost has that the other nine hours outposts don't, and that's being the first capsule hotel in Japan to offer sleep analysis services. The capsule units can measure your sleeping conditions, including sleep quality and respiratory status while you sleep, and provide you with an insightful analysis report based on the data, which will help you better understand your body.

We have more capsule hotel options in Tokyo right here.

Now, feeling tempted to explore more hotel options in Tokyo? Well, we've got a whole bunch of articles to get you ready for your next adventure. If you're traveling and working, we've got a piece covering the best hotels in Tokyo for digital nomads.

From trendy lifestyle hotels to buzzy hostels with well-designed communal areas, these options (many of which are in Tokyo) are great places to start! Are you looking to treat yourself to something a little more upmarket? Tokyo has plenty of five-star luxury establishments that will redefine what luxury means to you. Check out this list, but be warned, after staying here, hotels will probably never be the same again.

MAJA HOTEL KYOTO is a stylish women-only capsule hotel designed with a heavy Scandinavian influence. The entire interior — from the common lounge area to the capsules — is mostly made of exposed wood, giving the space a warm and welcoming ambiance. In Finnish, "Maja" translates to "hut", which is how MAJA HOTEL KYOTO refers to their pods. The sixty huts are designed to look like miniature houses with an endearing triangular roof shape at the top.

Beyond the huts themselves, MAJA HOTEL KYOTO has plenty of amenities to offer for a comfortable stay. Downstairs, you'll find a chic cafe space where you can enjoy a delicious Scandinavian-style breakfast. Or, grab yourself a tea in the communal lounge and meet some of your fellow guests. When you're ready to explore, MAJA HOTEL KYOTO is conveniently located steps away from the famous 400-year-old Nishiki Market, or with a longer stroll, you can easily get to other top attractions, including Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

If you're looking for a more retro, old-school Japanese hotel experience, check out Amenity Hotel. The oldest of the bunch, it was built in 1967 during the Showa era. Located only a five-minute walk from Kyoto's arguably most famous temple, Kiyomizu-dera, it's great for those looking to immerse themselves in the truly historical area of Kyoto.

Amidst all of the famous sites surrounding it, the Amenity Hotel is a modest and unassuming building. It wasn't built to be hip or trendy for the twenty-first century, but that's part of its nostalgic Showa era charm. Actually, Amenity Hotel isn't strictly only a capsule hotel. Some of the rooms are Japanese tatami-style, where you can sleep on traditional futons on the floor — while others contain a combination of futons and bunk beds, and others still contain capsule-style beds for up to three people.

The first floor of Amenity Hotel contains a Chinese restaurant that's open for lunch and dinner hours. When you need a break from Japanese food or just want to opt for sheer convenience, try some gyoza made from local vegetables or "negi soba" ramen.

We have a more in-depth guide to Kyoto capsule hotels right here too!

If you're watching your spending but want a little more space than what a capsule hotel can offer, then you're in luck because Kyoto is actually populated with plenty of excellent budget hotel options. Here's a guide to some of the best hotels in the city for under $150 USD per night. Looking for a hotel that's sure to impress? We have options for that, too; just check out our guide to the coolest hotels in Kyoto.

The world's very first capsule hotel is the Capsule Inn Osaka. Founded in 1979 by renowned architect Kisho Kurokawa, Capsule Inn Osaka is found in the commercial district of Umeda, just a seven-minute walk away from the Higashi-Umeda Station. Capsule Inn Osaka has undergone major renovations in recent years to ensure its facilities are as chic and modern as other newer capsule hotels. Besides the aesthetics, all rooms are also equipped with air cyclone mats to ensure a comfortable night's rest for all guests. It's important to note that Capsule Inn Osaka maintains its original concept of being a male-only accommodation.

If you are searching for a capsule hotel in the heart of the city, look no further than Cabin & Capsule Hotel J-SHIP Osaka Namba. The modern Japanese-style capsule hotel is located just south of the JR Namba exit, just four minutes away by foot. Guests can choose between the deluxe cabin, the size of two capsule beds, or the stylish-looking moderate capsules. As with other capsule hotels, there is a large public bath and, additionally, a jacuzzi available for guests to soak in and relax. The fifth floor of the hotel features a Japanese rock garden and a lounge area with a library of manga and board games that guests can freely enjoy.

Step back in time to the Edo period with this one-of-a-kind capsule hotel. Ninja & Geisha is a new and exciting kind of capsule hotel that will make you feel like you've entered into an Edo-period picture scroll. From the moment you step into the reception area, travelers will be greeted by a line of red toro, which is the traditional Japanese street light. The lounge area also features a warm lighting fixture comprised of paper lanterns to compliment the dark wooden furniture, creating a calming atmosphere. The capsules continue the traditional themes, and the walls of each capsule are adorned with traditional Japanese artwork. This capsule hotel, with its striking fusion of tradition and modernity, provides a novel stay perfect for the adventurous traveler!

More Osaka capsule hotels for you to browse right here!

Those traveling with a special someone might be a little disappointed to know that most capsule hotels are designed for individuals only. Fear not! Want another, maybe more romantic option? Check out our guide to some of the city's best hotels for couples.