What Are Japanese Capsule Hotels Really Like?

Compact and convenient, capsule hotels are one of Japan’s most original — and infamous — accommodation options. Once just a stack of simple sleeping pods, these hotels have evolved over time, with many now featuring unique concepts or fancy facilities (like hot-spring baths).

But what are capsule hotels really like? Are they a must-try on your trip to Japan? And which ones are worth staying at, in all honesty? With so many capsule hotels in Tokyo, it’s hard to know which one is the best fit. Whether you’re prioritizing price, comfort, or just “the experience”, we’ve tried and tested four different capsule hotels to help you figure it all out.

Capsule hotels compared

We rated the four chosen capsules on the following factors:

• Price: The rate we paid for a one-night stay, for one person.
• Comfort: The size of the mattress, capsule dimensions, capsule materials, and noise levels.
• Amenities and add-ons: Availability of services, and any standout features.
• Cleanliness: How clean the capsule and overall hotel was.
• Ease of check-in/check-out: How smooth this process was (whether it’s available in Japanese and English, etc.).
• Sociability: The potential to meet and interact with other travelers.

Note that all prices are subject to seasonal fluctuations and other changes. We have seen prices for Tokyo capsule hotels vary by ¥10,000 or more, depending on the time of booking.

Pro tip: See our dedicated capsule-hotel guide for more insights and recommended stays.

What to know about capsule hotels

Before we go into more detail about each place we tried out, let’s go over the basics of a capsule hotel. In brief, capsule hotels are hotels where each room is pod-shaped. They are comparable to hostels, as there are typically a dozen (or more) of these pods in one space — sometimes stacked on top of each other.

Designed by the legendary architect Kisho Kurokawa, the first capsule hotel opened in 1979 (the Capsule Inn Osaka). Originally designed to be a cheap place for salarymen to rest their heads, these days capsule hotels are open to anyone — with the exception of men-only hotels (and vice versa).

Did you know? Kurokawa is the name behind the cult-classic, now-gone Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo.

Pro tip: Regardless of the capsule hotel you stay at, you’ll want to pack earplugs — these things are not at all soundproofed! Also, avoid rustling around in plastic bags, and other noisy pastimes.

What facilities do capsule hotels have?

Inside a stereotypical capsule you’ll find a mattress, pillow, some sort of shelf or table, and charging pod. Some also have a TV — but you have to wear earphones to listen.

Regarding privacy, capsule hotels are not allowed to use locking doors, meaning that they use a privacy curtain or slide. Although you can lock away valuable possessions, there’s normally not somewhere to lock your luggage inside the capsule itself. However, there are usually luggage storage areas in the hotel.

There are usually communal showers, sinks, and a social space. You’ll normally find lots of free amenities like toothbrushes and basic toiletries, too. Some fancier places may have a public bath, powder room, and other traditional hotel facilities.

Who should stay in a capsule hotel?

Given their original purpose, capsule hotels are best suited for individual travelers. These days, some hotels offer private areas with multiple pods suitable for couples or larger groups. That said, we wouldn’t recommend capsule hotels for families, especially those with younger children. In fact, kids often are not allowed.

1. Manga Art Hotel

The Manga Art Hotel is just what it sounds like — a hotel themed around manga. Original in its concept, this capsule hotel offers the chance to discover new manga, from the large manga library that surrounds the capsules. The most affordable hotel on this list, it is not surprising that it has the most basic facilities.

That said, it offers a comfortable capsule experience in a convenient location — right between Kanda and Jinbōchō, which we love. Jinbōchō is literally Tokyo’s book neighborhood, so it feels fitting to stay in a book-themed hotel nearby.

The hotel doesn’t offer much in terms of sociability, since the communal space is tiny, but this is a plus for introverts who just want somewhere peaceful (and cool) to stay.

When we visited, we spent a good amount of time just browsing the library — especially the English manga section. Sitting in the social space and reading offered a nice little escape. For a moment, you almost forget you’re in the middle of the city. Read our full review.

Note: This particular branch of the Manga Art Hotel (there are others) can only be booked through the official website.

2. Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa

The most expensive yet luxurious capsule hotel we reviewed, Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa makes a good base on the east side of Tokyo. Where this capsule hotel stands out is in its social spaces. The main “living lobby” gives guests the opportunity to meet other travelers, enjoy free tea and coffee, or just work and relax.

In terms of the capsules themselves, their high ceilings make them feel more spacious than the usual pods — recommended for those who might feel claustrophobic. The facilities are top-notch, with several showers, a powder room, and a smoking room available. The staff members are also friendly, speaking English and Japanese. This hotel really has an international vibe, so you’ll feel right at home.

Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa can be quite pricey for a capsule hotel. In fact, the rates are often similar to what you’d pay for a private room in a regular hotel — something to keep in mind. Read our full review.

3. Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel

The Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel is one of the most popular capsule hotels in Tokyo, among international tourists. While it’s not our personal favorite, it does er, encapsulate the experience people crave.

One of the things that makes it attractive is that it’s so central — the hotel is about 5 minutes from Shinjuku Station, and a few hundred meters away from the popular Samurai Restaurant and Golden Gai drinking area.

It’s also a capsule hotel you will see all over the internet. And yes, it is welcoming to tourists, with full English-language support, ample luggage-storage space, and hassle-free check-in and check-out procedures.

That said, the facilities are fairly simple, and it can get busy. The plastic capsules are clean enough, but they do feel older than some other hotels. And sadly, the nice big public bath and sauna are only available to men — women just get shower cubicles.

The area surrounding the hotel is a mixed bag — you will hear a public-service announcement warning you not to follow touts, as you step outside. But if you are sensible, there are lots of interesting things to do in Kabukicho. Read our full review.

4. Smart Stay Shizuku Oimachi

Smart Stay Shizuku Oimachi surprised us by how nice it was. Our editor, a long-time capsule skeptic, was nearly converted to this class of hotel — that’s how nice it was.

All wooden panelling and dim lighting, this capsule hotel positively radiated relaxation. A little out of the way, near Shinagawa, it seems to be popular mainly among Japanese people looking for a day spa with nap facilities. Although you probably won’t find them on English booking platforms, short stays of 1-6 hours are available.

Men and women both have access to a lovely public bath and sauna, and there is a big relaxation lounge with reclining chairs, manga, and TVs, as well as a dining area. You can bring your own food or order beer and simple dishes like kimchi hotpot with udon (we tried it, it was decent), as well as churros and ice cream.

The hotel is on a narrow street stuffed with old-school restaurants where diners sit outside on upturned crates, and it’s near a buzzing drinking alley (yokocho), which makes it all rather atmospheric. Read our full review.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. We went to these capsule hotels between May and June 2025.