Tokyo’s Hipster Mecca: The Ultra-Trendy “Bookstore” Themed Capsule Hotel

Text & Photos /Kavanagh

“Book And Bed Tokyo” is a new type of capsule hotel that opened in Tokyo last year (2015). With the design concept of “living in a bookstore,” this unique and tasteful concept created a buzz even before its opening and caused an instant sensation upon launch. It has attracted many literary youths and fashion-forward men and women on a pilgrimage, nearly always operating at full capacity.

As a stylish hipster guy with great taste (self-proclaimed), I naturally couldn’t miss a place so perfect for me. When I planned to stay in Tokyo for one night in early 2016, I immediately booked “Book And Bed Tokyo” online to experience what it’s like to live inside a bookstore.

This time, I booked my room through the booking site “Booking.” “Book And Bed Tokyo” mainly offers two types of “rooms”: one is the “bookshelf bunk” located at the back, and the other is a more conventional “standard bunk” similar to regular capsule hotels. Each type comes in two sizes. Since I was staying at “Book And Bed Tokyo,” I naturally went for the “bookshelf bunk” and booked the “standard bunk in the bookshelf room” (which is more spacious). It cost ¥4,860 (about NT$1,504) per person per night.

Aside from its unique room design, another highlight of “Book And Bed Tokyo” is its extremely convenient location — just a 1–2 minute walk from Ikebukuro Station. In the background of this photo is Ikebukuro Station, showing just how close “Book And Bed Tokyo” really is to the station.

Despite the short distance, it’s surprisingly hard to find. I followed Google Maps to the vicinity of “Book And Bed Tokyo” but couldn’t locate the entrance no matter how hard I looked. After searching for a while, I finally discovered that the entrance is actually on the left side of this commercial building.

There are just too many signs around, so the blue sign for “Book And Bed Tokyo” can easily be missed. Please look for this colorful sign and don’t end up circling the area like I did.

Enter the building’s elevator lobby and take the elevator to the seventh floor. When the elevator doors open, the reception of “Book And Bed Tokyo” is on the left. The reception area is astonishingly narrow. As I stepped out of the elevator, someone was checking in, so I almost couldn’t get out.

On the other side of the space is a small vending machine.

After completing the check-in procedure, I received a password, entered it, and unlocked the door to enter “Book And Bed Tokyo.”

As soon as I pushed open the door, I was greeted by a whole wall of bookshelves standing before me.

The decor and lighting are all very atmospheric. No wonder it attracts so many stylish men and women.

The ceiling is also decorated with books.

The large sofa seat on the far side is very popular — from the moment I entered “Book And Bed Tokyo” until I checked out, there was almost always someone sitting there. It’s basically the “VIP reserved seat” of “Book And Bed Tokyo.”

Since I couldn’t catch a moment when it was empty, I had to wake up early the next morning to take photos without anyone in them.

Through the glass window next to the VIP seat, you can see the streets below Ikebukuro. Early in the morning, the street was completely empty.

They provide hot water, coffee (for a fee), and basic cooking utensils and tableware.

Aside from its trendy interior design and convenient location, the most impressive thing about “Book And Bed Tokyo” is its “book selection.” It’s said that the books at “Book And Bed Tokyo” are handpicked by “Tsutaya Books.” With such a top-notch book curator, it’s no surprise they’ve selected so many excellent titles.

Book lovers will probably not want to leave once they arrive at “Book And Bed Tokyo”!

Room introduction: My bunk is located right in front of the entrance door, on the lower bunk of four adjacent beds.

My suitcase actually matches the decor and furnishings of “Book And Bed Tokyo” quite well.

Inside my “bookshelf bunk.” I had to make the bed myself, and the space is very cramped. There’s one light fixture and a power outlet in the bunk.

Free earplugs provided (lol) — definitely necessary. (Though I’m usually the noisy one myself.)

There’s also a lockable metal cabinet and a clothes hanger in the bunk.

The other side of “Book And Bed Tokyo” is divided into two areas: the right side is the accommodation space for standard bunks, and the left side leads to the toilets and showers.

The space for the standard bunks. It’s slightly smaller than the bookshelf bunk and a bit cheaper. The bookshelf bunks usually fill up faster, so travelers who can’t book them often opt for the standard bunks instead.

Toilet.

The sink and shower room (don’t forget there’s also a washing machine).

Overall Review of “Book And Bed Tokyo”:

Great location, very convenient for transportation and shopping. The interior design is trendy and unique, but the bunks are small and not suitable for extended stays. I think it’s best to stay here just one night for the experience.

Kavanna @ Kyoto – Free-style Stay.
Kavanna x Japan Travel Obsession