Sleep in a bookstore: Drift off to sleep surrounded by books at this Tokyo capsule inn

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
 

Have you ever been reading your favorite book, your eyelids growing heavier as you read, only to realize when you come to that it’s already morning? A capsule hotel called “Book and Bed,” a dream come true for book lovers, has opened in Ikebukuro, Japan. It offers a uniquely bookish accommodation space — a “bookstore you can spend the night in.”

During your travels, there are always moments when you just want to focus on being alone with yourself. With reading as its theme, Book and Bed is a themed capsule hotel that combines a bookstore with lodging. The space was designed by the renowned architecture firm SUPPOSE DESIGN OFFICE, led by internationally acclaimed architects Makoto Tanijiri and Ai Yoshida. Its unique concept features beds embedded within massive bookshelves. The books are provided by SHIBUYA PUBLISHING & BOOKSELLERS, a bookstore in Shibuya that promotes the concept of “a life with books.”

Unlike the typical bustling youth hostels, Book and Bed is more like a 24-hour library, making it an ideal place for travelers who love to read. There are comfortable corners everywhere for immersive reading — whether it’s a cozy sofa or a comfy bed. Guests can find rest and relaxation here, both physically and mentally, while immersing themselves in the world of words. The inn houses a wide variety of books, including travel guides, business literature, fiction, and magazines. Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can still use the lounge during teatime.