Have you heard of Capsule Hotels? How did they come about? In this article, we will talk all about this Japanese invention, the famous capsule hotels in Japan, their curiosities, and origins.
The kapuseru hoteru [カプセルホテル] is a brilliant idea that offers super cheap accommodation without the services provided by conventional hotels. They are shared rooms with thousands of capsules that provide accommodations for a good night’s sleep.
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Table of Contents
What are the capsule hotels in Japan like?
The guest accommodations are inside a modular block made of plastic or fiberglass measuring 2m x 1m x 1.25m, serving as a dormitory. In addition to the capsule, the person has access to a locker with a password or key to store their valuables.
The entertainment options at the facilities vary (most include a television, a console, and a wireless internet connection). Some capsule hotels offer onsen, relaxation areas, massages, and other amenities found in regular hotels.
We also recommend reading: 7 onsen to visit in Japan
The price varies greatly depending on the location; if you are lucky, you can find prices between 50 to 150 R$ per night. It may not seem so cheap for Brazilians, but it is very affordable for the Japanese wallet. Prices can vary according to dates and holidays.
Capsule hotels are known for accommodating workers who miss the last train and do not want to pay for a taxi, or for those who overindulged in Sake at bars and karaoke.
Hostels vs Capsule Hotels
If you search through the hostels in Japan, you will come across some capsule hotels. The truth is that the difference between these two places is minimal.
In the West, most hostels tend to be small, friendly shared rooms, but in large cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, hostels are practically giant rooms with about 40 beds that look more like capsules.
I think the only difference between these Japanese hostels and capsule hotels lies in the material surrounding the bed. Hostels are usually made of wood, while traditional capsules are made of fiberglass or plastic.
I personally prefer hostels because they give a more homey impression, while capsules seem somewhat industrial and strange.
We recommend reading: 20 types of accommodations and lodging in Japan
Problems with Capsule Hotels
Not everything is perfect; cheap options often come with their problems. The capsules have a limited size. Very tall people may literally not fit in the capsule. The stay duration at the hotel is limited.
Night owls may have difficulty adapting to the hotel’s 9-hour philosophy. Fortunately, some capsule hotels allow multiple nights, but you will likely have to check out before 11 a.m.
Capsules are not a good option for those traveling with family. Couples are separated, and children are not accepted in the hotel. There are hotels that prohibit the entry of women; they have valid reasons, but they do not provide options for females.
There are also hotels exclusively for women, but some offer capsules on a mixed floor, allowing you to stay close to your girlfriend or wife, and maybe even share a night in a capsule (you will have to pay for two).
Curiosities about Capsule Hotels
- The first capsule hotel opened in 1979 in Osaka;
- It is said that the idea to create a capsule hotel came up in a sauna in Osaka;
- Shared baths tend to discourage some tourists;
- In addition to capsule hotels, there is something similar called “Cabin Hotel”;
- In 2009, a capsule hotel was inaugurated in Warsaw, Poland;
- In 2011, a capsule hotel was opened in Shanghai, China, but it was closed;
- Some capsule hotels consist of up to 700 or more capsules;
- One of these hotels offers 4,000 books and mangas for reading;
- It is possible to find vending machines in the hotel to have a meal and drinks;
Capsule hotels are easy to find on hotel search sites like Booking and AirBNB.
We also recommend reading:
- Manga Kissa – Internet Café – Cheap accommodation in Japan
- Cheap accommodation in Japan – Experience in a Hostel
Videos about Capsule Hotels
To delve deeper into capsule hotels, I will finish by leaving a video in Portuguese talking about these hotels:
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