The Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel is a popular capsule hotel in central Tokyo. It is welcoming to tourists, with full English-language support and lots of space to store your luggage. If you crave the “classic” capsule-hotel experience, one of these plastic pods might be for you.
What’s the hotel like?
The Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel is an unfussy, old-school capsule experience: rows upon rows of square plastic sleeping pods, stacked two high.
It is nothing fancy, but it is clean, and it will give you those “one night in a capsule” memories that have brought you here.
Check-in and check-out are easy and in English, and there is lots to do in the area, though do be sensible, and avoid any touts.
What facilities does the hotel have?
The hotel has multiple floors of sleeping pods, though only one for women (this one is locked). There is a large public bath and sauna for men, though only individual showers for women. There is fast Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
Pro tip: For the women — take a bag to the shower, as there is nowhere to hang your clothes.
Other features include food and drink vending machines for those late-night cup-ramen cravings, microwaves, portable charging banks (rental basis, sign-up needed), coin washers, and lots and lots of luggage storage space, including individual lockers.
Is there anywhere to hang out in the capsule hotel?
Yes, there is a large relaxation lounge and eating space, which is available to all guests. Here, you can laze around, do some work (the tables have plug points), or watch TV.
Depending on the day and luck of the draw, it could be a fun place to meet other travelers and socialize. When we were there, the other guests mainly seemed to be frazzled salarymen on a day-spa break, however, and they were more interested in sleeping and personal grooming.
What are the rooms like?
The capsules are stacked in rows of two, and there are tons of them. Each one contains a comfortable mattress. The pod is fitted with a power outlet, a small mirror, and an overhead light. There is also a pillow and duvet set.
Like all capsule hotels, the pods cannot be locked, but there is a blind you can draw for privacy. Some light still sneaks in, so pack a sleep mask if you need darkness.
The capsule was bigger than I thought it would be; I was able to sit up comfortably, and there was room for my 175-cm self to stretch out and relax. The floor is airconditioned, but the individual capsules are not.
Again, like all capsule hotels, it is not the quietest kind of accommodation; I heard every rustle, scuffle, and cough. Earplugs are your friend, here.
Note: If you want to work or eat, you need to go to the relaxation lounge — your capsule is just meant for sleeping.
Amenities
The hotel provides towels, pajamas and slippers, as well as basic toiletries and toothbrushes. You can buy additional items like a “heated eye mask”, razors, and hair ties, from the reception.
How is the location?
The Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel is as central as it gets. Just a few minutes’ walk from Shinjuku Station, it’s tucked down a street in Kabukicho — known for its nightlife, and then some.
The hotel is — as indicated in the Japanese name — right in front of the Shinjuku Ward Office. It’s sandwiched between restaurants and shops, with a British-style pub on the second floor of the building, and a karaoke center on the fifth.
It’s close to the Samurai Restaurant and the famous bars of Golden Gai, if you want to check off more “only in Japan” experiences.
Note: You might hear a public-service announcement on the streets around the hotel, warning people not to follow touts. Listen to this advice. As the recording says, you will be ripped off.
Who should stay here?
Solo travelers looking to party in Shinjuku, as well as couples/friend groups who don’t mind sleeping apart for the night. The youth (but not kids).
This hotel is perfect if:
- a) You want the classic Japanese capsule hotel experience
- b) You don’t plan to sleep for more than a few hours, e.g. after partying in Golden Gai, or
- c) You can sleep through anything (at least with the help of earplugs, anyway)
Remember — men get more perks, as they have access to a big Japanese public bath, whereas women only get a shower.
Tips and tricks for the best stay
Head to the pub Hub on the second floor of the building to meet other travelers. There is also karaoke on the fifth floor.
Bring socks — you have to leave your shoes in a locker before you even check in, and it feels odd being barefoot in the elevator.
Read our guide to Kabukicho for ideas on what to do in the area.