Redefining Minimalism and Comfort: 4 Ultra-Popular Capsule Hotels in Tokyo

▲ Tokyo’s Budget-Friendly Capsule Hotel “First Class” (Photo /www.first-cabin.jp)

By Rita

Traveling to Tokyo doesn’t have to break the bank!? Today’s capsule hotels are nothing like the uncomfortable and unclean image many had a decade ago — they’re actually quite stylish now.CNN has rounded up four super-budget-friendly capsule hotelsthat are perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, or anyone looking to try something new. Go ahead, give them a shot.

1. Tsukiji First Cabin
Tsukiji First Cabin is part of a chain. As soon as you enter the hotel, the check-in counter and bar are combined, resembling an airport business class lounge. The room itself essentially contains just a bed — no desk or wardrobe — but there’s enough headroom to stand. The rooms don’t have doors, only sliding partitions, and there’s a TV above. Guests can listen with headphones without disturbing neighbors. Its proximity to Tsukiji Fish Market and the bustling Ginza district makes this capsule hotel extremely popular.
Address: First Cabin Tsukiji, 2-11-10 Tsukiji, Chuo 104-0045 Tokyo Prefecture

▲ Capsule Hotel “9h” (Photo / 9h Fan Page)

2. 9h Nine Hours
9h also follows a minimalist approach, and your stay is limited to just nine hours (one hour for a shower, seven hours for sleeping, and one hour to relax). Each capsule comes with a Panasonic-designed control panel to adjust lighting and the sound system. The alarm clock is also unique — besides a gentle alarm sound, the lights automatically turn on when it goes off. 9h is a chain, and one of its locations is even inside Tokyo’s Narita Airport.
Address: 9 Hours Capsule Hotel Kyoto, 588 Teramachi Shijokudaru Teianmaenocho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8031 Kyoto Prefecture

▲ Tokyo’s Budget-Friendly Capsule Hotel “Akasaka Women” (Photo /centurion-cabin)

3. Akasaka Women (Women Centurion Cabin & Spa)
As the name suggests, this capsule hotel is exclusively for women. The space is quite spacious, featuring a TV, humidifier, aroma diffuser, and spa facilities. It used to cater mainly to female business travelers.
Address: Centurion Cabin & Spa Ladies, 4-2-4 Akasaka, Minato 107-0052 Tokyo Prefecture

▲ Tokyo’s Budget-Friendly Capsule Hotel “Kita-Senju Capsule Hotel” (Photo /booking.com)

4. Kita-Senju Capsule Hotel (Spa & Capsule Hotel Grandpark Inn Kitasenju)
Men only. The hotel features a whiskey bar and sauna, though some guests note that it’s more suited to Japanese guests, and may not be ideal for international travelers.
Address: Centurion Cabin & Spa Ladies, 4-2-4 Akasaka, Minato 107-0052 Tokyo Prefecture