Smart Stay Shizuku Oimachi is more comfortable than your average capsule hotel, with cozy wooden panelling, low lighting, and the attention to detail you’d expect from fancier types of accommodation.
What’s the hotel like?
This is genuinely decent accommodation, at a budget price point. Expect clean, cozy sleeping pods in a setting that feels more like a day spa than anything else. Smart Stay Shizuku Oimachi is one of two Smart Stay capsule hotels in Tokyo; the other is in Ueno.
What facilities does the hotel have?
The hotel has fast Wi-Fi, drink vending machines, a coin laundry, a smoking room, and luggage storage space (on each sleeping floor). There is also a private shower, and powder room, on each floor too — the floors are separated for men and women.
One of the highlights is the large public bath and sauna (gender segregated) — some people come just to use this facility, which opens from 5 a.m.
Note: If you have tattoos, you will not be able to use the bath or sauna.
Is there anywhere to hang out in the capsule hotel?
There is a big relaxation lounge with multiple TVs, reclining chairs, a massage chair (15 minutes, ¥200), and manga (Japanese). Women can use the special “ladies’ corner” if they don’t want to see any men.
The lounge is not for chatting, but there is a dining area on the same floor, where you can hang out and eat food you have brought, or order simple dishes and drinks.
I tried the kimchi hotpot with a glass of beer, and had some churros and ice cream for dessert. In total, it cost under ¥2,000 and was pretty satisfying. Afterwards, an elderly gentleman gave me some watermelon, which was sweet.
Note: All purchases, including drinks from the vending machines, and the massage chair, are recorded on your wristband, and settled using an automated machine at check-out. The wristband doubles as a key to your room floor.
What are the rooms like?
Each capsule is like a mini room, with a shelf and TV (complete with mandatory headphones), a lockable closet big enough to stash a rucksack, a firm mattress, and pillow and duvet set.
The pod walls are wooden, which is much nicer than the plastic commonly used in capsule hotels. Overall, it is calming, rather than claustrophobic.
The pod is big enough that you can sit up comfortably, and I couldn’t touch the ceiling when lying down. I will say that I *just* fit lengthwise; I’m 175 cm, so anyone taller might find their toes sticking out the opening.
In each pod, there is an overhead light, a plug outlet, and a ventilation fan, which provided both clean air and a bit of white noise. When you turn off the light, the pod is surprisingly dark.
The capsules are stacked in rows of two, with no difference between the levels. I will say that it was a little tricky clambering up and down to my top bunk, though, so if you have mobility issues, definitely request a bottom capsule.
Note: Like all capsule hotels, the pod cannot be locked. However, there is a blind that can be pulled down for privacy.
Amenities
The hotel provides complimentary slippers, and you can borrow pajamas from the reception area. A towel set is provided.
You can also borrow items like hair irons, charging cables, and blankets — just ask.
Should I order the breakfast?
The hotel offers breakfast for ¥500, and though we didn’t try it, it looked delicious.
How is the location?
The hotel is near the hub of Shinagawa, but far enough away that it is quiet and peaceful. It is under 5 minutes on foot from Oimachi Station.
Smart Stay is just off a vibey old shopping street with lots of little stores, restaurants, and pubs, where locals come to unwind after work. You can pop into one of these places for a meal, or head back to the station for more dining options.
Note: Avoid the touts from the nearby drinking alleys.
Who should stay here?
This capsule hotel is best for individual travelers and couples who don’t mind sleeping separately for the night. It is not for children.
We recommend 1-2 nights maximum, as you will probably want somewhere a bit more private after that.
Although it is comfortable, it is recommended for those able to sleep anywhere; the pods are not soundproofed, and there is a reason earplugs are sold at the reception. You will hear everything; even the sound of typing. This is a universal experience at capsule hotels.
Tips and tricks for the best stay
Check-in starts at 4 p.m., but you can pay a few hundred yen to hang out in the lounge while you wait. You can do the same after check-out, if you like.
Although there is comprehensive English signage in the hotel, we are not 100% sure of the English-language support available from the staff; we spoke Japanese when we were there — and we didn’t see many other international visitors. But it seemed like it wouldn’t be a problem.