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The Truth About Capsule Hotels in Japan

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Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

I was greatly curious about capsule hotels. I remember seeing them on the Travel Channel many years ago and feeling fascinated. As a kid I loved to make “forts” in my closet with pillows, blankets, my stuffed animals and books to read. I love cozy places. When I arrived in Tokyo,Japan I started looking for a capsule hotel but I was shocked to find most of them did not accept women or people with tattoos. I even read a Tripadvisor review from a guy who was kicked out of a capsule hotel for having tattoos at 2:00am! Japanese people associate tattoos with the Japanese mafia, the Yakuza. As for women not being allowed, it is for safety issues. I was delighted to finally find Capsule Inn Kinshicho located in central Tokyo-in Sumida. They had positive TripAdvisor reviews and it was an affordable $25.00 per night.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

The floor that I stayed on was women only. There is a door to the entire floor that locks, only the women staying on the floor and female staff have the key. I felt very safe.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

The first thing I did when arriving was take my shoes off, put them in the shoe locker and give the key to the front desk while they looked up my reservation. The front desk person only spoke Japanese. They have some employees who speak English and some who do not, after all, I was in Japan. The staff were generally kind and helpful, language permitting.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

I was surprised that the capsule didn’t look that small. It is a little over 6 feet long, 3 feet wide and 3 feet tall.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

I am 5’2 so I felt like I had plenty of room. I didn’t feel claustrophobic at all. I could easily change sleeping positions. The mattress was thin but comfortable.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

They give you a kimono to wear! I think it is meant to wear to their shared bath house and sauna but I wore it around for fun. Men and women do have separate bath houses and saunas.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

There was a little living room, coffee vending machine(how Japan!) and balcony outside the locked door of the women’s floor. This would be the perfect place to meet friends. They also have an awesome rooftop area where you can barbecue. For local attractions, there is Arca Kit, Tomozuna Stable, Tokyo Skytree Town, and heaps of tasty restaurants. Really you can take the train from Kinshicho Station to anywhere you want to go in Tokyo! I highly recommend doing a cooking class with Buddha Bellies Cooking School, I learned so much and had a blast!

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

The bathrooms on my floor were clean but no frills. I was given a toothbrush, toothpaste and a towel. They had face towels, razors, shampoo and conditioner in the bath house. If you want to change privately, you could change in the bathroom stall. I had no problem changing in the sink area as it is only women on the entire floor.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

I seriously felt like I was in my own rocket ship! The whole thing is made of plastic with a retro control panel and everything. It didn’t surprise me when I read that it is designed in the image of a jet’s cockpit.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

Japanese TV is amusing. I took these photos with my fish eye lens so it may look a little larger than it is. However I did not feel crammed. I could easy sit up and move around.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

You obviously do not have doors and you can hear your neighbors. When I was there people were generally quiet and considerate. I didn’t hear anyone talking to each other partially because you are in a capsule by yourself.  I do sleep with Skullcandy earplug headphones and a sleep mask. Not too much will bother me.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

No matter how many days you are staying you must leave between 12:00pm-3:00pm so they can clean.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

These are the lockers everyone gets a key to store their things for free in. If your luggage does not fit in the lockers they are happy to store it for you at the front desk. I left my ridiculously heavy backpack outside my capsule. If someone is motivated enough to lug that thing away, good riddance!

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

The wifi was very fast in my capsule so I spent some time on social media and watched a couple of movies.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

The control panel allowed you to set an alarm, listen to the radio and adjust the lights. There is also a small shelf for your phone, a coffee or whatever you like.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

I know on some level it sounds fun but men and women may never sleep in the same capsule, or even the same floor.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

The mattress was not fancy, more of a thick soft sleeping pad. It was perfect for me.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

You choose whether to turn the lights on and off in your own capsule. You do have the dark curtain if you want to shut out the light from the room. At night they do turn off the lights.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

There is no curfew at this capsule hotel, you may come and go as you please.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

The capsules were made up nicely, the temperature was pleasant and it was extremely clean. All of the linens were freshly washed.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

On the side of the control panel there is a power outlet! Thank goodness. I charged my computer, Kindle, iphone and camera batteries.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

Honestly, I had so much fun in my capsule, you know-pretending that I was either going to the moon in a rocket or exploring the bottom of the sea in a submarine that I didn’t spend much time in the common area. It seemed like a nice place to be if you were feeling social so you didn’t bother anyone trying to rest in their capsule. I did meet a couple of other friendly solo female travelers.

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

I had so much fun! Can you tell? I loved Capsule Inn Kinshicho! I feel that it is well worth the $25.00 I spent, I highly recommend experiencing this in your life at least once!

Directions: The JB Sobu line from Narita airport will take you directly there to Kinshicho Station for about $11.00, it takes about an hour and 15 minutes.

From Kinshicho Station:
Take the North Exit (the side with the large donut-like sculpture) and start heading left. After the second block, there will be a Burger King to your right—cross the street towards it. Walk past the Burger King. At the first crossroad, you’ll see the hotel on the right side (next to the Italian bar Quintetto).
If you reserved in advance, they’ll write your name on a sign by the door!

 

Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan, Capsule Inn Kinshicho, women, tattoos Japan

 

Please let me know if you have any questions!

 

Capsule Hotel Information Tokyo Japan

 

Click here to book your own stay at Capsule Inn Kinshicho Tokyo, Japan

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21 Comments

  1. Sarah – Exploring Kiwis says:

    Sounds like great fun!! Japan’s very much on my list!!

  2. Miles Dahl says:

    Killin it! Thanks for the thorough guide… though the men's capsule hotel I went to was a little heavier on smoking, sumo wrestling, and dissaproving glances.

  3. Allan Trinidad says:

    I thought capsule hotels are just around $15 but base on what you said and your photos, $25 is pretty cheap! 🙂

  4. Maryrose says:

    Hi Anna! Thank you again for sharing this and answered all of the questions I had 😀

    Such an awesome experience!! Love the photos!

  5. Angela Haugh says:

    Capsule hotels can range anywhere from $15 to $60 depending on location. She got a really nice place for $25.

  6. Eileen Bittner says:

    Are there stalls with door/curtain for you to shower in private?

  7. Kristine says:

    This is so fun! Your entry made me want to try it next time!

  8. Dan Kent says:

    Well done, great article. I've always wondered what that would feel like sleeping in such a small space. Similar to a train bed cabin in size.

  9. Tripologia says:

    Great article. Just one note, there are capsule hotel for couples in Tokyo, we have been in one of them, name is Tokyo Kiba Hotel. The bed is twice wider but everything else is pretty much the same as you noted. The bathrooms are on same floor but separated of course. I would say it was interesting experience for one night but I would gone crazy if that was longer term accommodation. 🙂

  10. trailsnet says:

    The capsule hotels look like they have everything you need for an overnight stay. When I'm on "trail trips" I often check into my hotel at dusk and hit the trail by dawn, so I don't need much more than a bed and facilities. I wish they had capsule as an option even in regular hotels.

  11. Phenomenal Globe says:

    Very cool! I will be traveling with my husband so a capsule hotel will probably not be an option, unless we would be willing to spend a night apart just to try out a capsule hotel. It would be a fun experience… I am looking forward to watching some Japanese TV, it can get pretty bizar from what I've heard:-)

  12. Monika says:

    OMG THIS IS SO CLAUSTROPHOBIC ! How did u stand it there ? 😛

  13. Katya says:

    So cool! And I’m so glad I found your blog – love it! The look, the vibe, your positive attitude 🙂

  14. We’re the Russos says:

    That’s pretty awesome and for $25 it seems like a great deal.

  15. Suresh Nanda says:

    Hi Anna,

    Thank you so much for accepting me as Wayn friend.
    Like all your out door and Capsule Hotel and Girl fitness in Peru Blog,

  16. Laura McVay says:

    Thank you so much for this article! I am planning a solo trip in November and wanted to spend my first night at a capsule hotel. You just solved ALL of my problems and concerns (which hotel allows ladies, how much, how to get there from Narita) in one well written and photographed piece.. THANK YOU THANK YOU!

  17. Janell says:

    Did they say anything about your tattoo on you arm?

  18. Janell says:

    Did they say anything about your tattoo?

  19. Alida Cella says:

    I am taking my son to Japan, he’s 13, just the two of us. Would this be appropriate for mom and young teenager? Could we hang out in the common areas together? or are they, too, separated by sex? And would he be safe sleeping alone in the other area?

  20. Wesley from Trip Hotspot says:

    This is so true.
    I love the pictures.

  21. Ric says:

    Amusing and informative, what a great post! This seems like a great idea for airports for missed layovers.

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