Backpackers’ Must-Bookmark List: Kyoto’s 5 Best Capsule Hotels Starting at Just Around NT$1,000 per Night

Reported and compiled by Reporter Tsai Wen-chun

The "capsule hotel" lodging concept that originated in Japan has been growing in popularity in recent years. Beyond the affordable rates, its themed and stylish designs have also become a major draw for travelers. In Kyoto, a top destination for Taiwanese tourists visiting Japan, there are five must-stay themed capsule hotels. The cheapest even goes for as little as around NT$1,000. If you're looking to save on accommodation costs while experiencing something completely different, these are great places to start.

1. First Cabin
First Cabin can be considered the presidential suite of the capsule hotel world, offering two room types: the 4.4-square-meter “First Class Cabin” and the 2.5-square-meter “Business Class Cabin.” Each floor has separate security doors, as well as shower rooms, large baths, dressing rooms, and coin-operated washing machines. The women’s floor even provides premium makeup remover, facial cleanser, toner, lotion, and an essential curling iron for women—reducing luggage weight while ensuring a comfortable and safe stay. Prices start from 4,600 yen per night.

First Cabin plans to open its second Kyoto location in Arashiyama in March 2018, with 100 rooms, most of which will be women-only. Even female solo travelers can feel secure staying here.

2. 9 Hours Capsule Hotel
Born in Kyoto, 9 Hours Capsule Hotel is beloved by overseas backpackers for its futuristic space design. The hotel’s philosophy is based on three human activities: showering (1 hour), sleeping (7 hours), and getting ready (1 hour), aiming to help guests recharge fully before continuing their journey. One of the hotel’s most unique features is its thoughtful gender-segregated design. At the main Kyoto location, both the sleeping areas and washrooms are separated by gender, allowing female solo travelers to stay worry-free. Early bird discounts are available for those who book 60 days in advance, with prices starting from 2,900 yen per night.

3. Comic Capsule Hotel “コミカプ” (Comics and Capsule Hotel)
Opened in early 2017, the comic capsule hotel “コミカプ” offers two types of capsules: standard and deluxe. The deluxe capsules are larger and each comes equipped with a small light, power outlet, and clothes hanger. To fulfill the dream of sleeping surrounded by manga, the hotel has created massive bookshelves with hollowed-out sections for capsule rooms. The surrounding shelves hold a wide selection of comics, allowing guests to easily reach for a new read. The hotel houses over 30,000 comics, along with movies and novels for entertainment. Prices start from 3,000 yen per night.

Comic Capsule Hotel コミカプ
Address: 4th Floor, 525-1, 4-chome, Higashi-side-machi, Nishiki-gawa, Naka-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

4.“BOOK AND BED KYOTO”
Inspired by the concept of a "bookstore you can sleep in," BOOK AND BED TOKYO lets guests drift off among towering bookshelves. Unlike the Tokyo branch, the Kyoto location adds a “river-view room” option, where guests can gaze out at the scenic Kamogawa River while reading.

As a hotel built around the “livable bookstore” concept, books are naturally a key feature. The Kyoto branch boasts a central bookshelf that can hold 5,000 volumes, and also offers a variety of locally brewed Kyoto beers for guests to enjoy, creating a distinct atmosphere from its Tokyo counterpart. Prices start from 4,800 yen per night.

5. The Prime Pod Kyoto
Following the launch of its first store in Ginza, The Prime Pod capsule hotel has now expanded to Kyoto. The Kyoto location offers 150 capsule rooms, all equipped with TVs. The Grand Pod room type is designed like a private single room, featuring not only a single bed but also a simple desk and chair—providing business travelers with ample personal space.

In terms of communal areas, the design draws inspiration from greenery and the traditional duck-boat platforms (yuka) along the Kamogawa River. Wooden seating, along with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that let in natural sunlight, create a warm and inviting space. Guests can relax and soak up the sun here. Room rates start from 3,000 yen per night.