A capsule hotel in Tokyo is one of the most convenient accommodations alternatives when visiting Japan, especially if you’re spending most of your time exploring the city.
While 2-3 star hotels in Tokyo usually cost between 12.000 – 25.000 yen per night, capsule hotels are much cheaper, ranging from 6.000 – 20.000 yen per night.
However, there are some things to consider before booking one; you can’t expect much privacy outside your capsule, and noise can also be an issue.
Capsule hotels in Japan were originally accommodations for local business trips. However, there are some capsule hotels that we thought would be ideal too for tourists in Tokyo.
Note: The prices mentioned are per 2024 excluding taxes.
1. Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuya – Woman-Only Traditional Capsule Hotel
Image by Nadeshiko Hotel
📍 Location
💴 Estimated Price: 5.000 – 9.000 yen/night
In the past, capsule hotels in Japan were mostly men-only. Nadeshiko Hotel in Shibuya is the first capsule hotel in Tokyo to show that women would also book a capsule hotel.
Nowadays, there are more women-only capsule hotels in Japan. But let us tell you why this capsule hotel is ideal for tourists. This hotel offers a miniature experience of a traditional Japanese inn in the quiet Shinsen area of Shibuya.
When you check in at this hotel, you’ll receive basic amenities, along with a yukata and tabi socks to enhance the traditional Japanese inn experience. There is also a public indoor onsen with a feminine mural of a pink version of Mt. Fuji in the bath area.
🛎️ Booking Info
2. Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa – A Spacious Capsule with Modern-Classic Japanese Touch
Image by Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa
📍 Location
💴 Estimated Price: 7.000 – 11.000 yen/night
Resol Poshtel in Asakusa is an accommodation that offers a fusion of the ‘Edo’ era with modern Japanese minimalism. One of the biggest downsides of capsule hotels in Tokyo is noise complaints. Resol Poshtel designs its hotel area and provides amenities to minimize this issue.
The number one reason we recommend this hotel is its spacious capsules. They have relatively wider beds and higher ceilings compared to other capsule hotels. Each capsule also has a large storage space under the bed for your luggage and other belongings.
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3. Nine Hours Akasaka – Perfect Capsule Hotel for the Urban Adventurer
Image by 9h Nine Hours
📍 Location
💴 Estimated Price: 11.000 – 22.000 yen/night
Nine Hours is one of the most well-known capsule hotels in Japan, with branches across major cities. There are several in Tokyo, but we recommend the one in Akasaka.
Nine Hours is generally intended for business trips rather than tourist accommodation, but we think the Akasaka location would be a refreshing choice for foreign tourists. Compared to other branches, Nine Hours Akasaka has an open-space concept, with more natural light and greenery.
The Akasaka branch also places its capsules differently, allowing you to enjoy the city view even from the capsule area. The name “Nine Hours” is based on the total amount of time people generally need for basic activities: 1 hour for a shower, 7 hours for sleep, and 1 hour for getting dressed—9 hours in total.
Just to make it clear, the name of the capsule hotel doesn’t apply to the maximum duration of your stay. You can book for a couple of nights and you can stay for more than 9 hours.
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4. The Millennials Shibuya – Hi-Tech Capsule Hotel
Image Source: Lively Hotels
📍 Location
💴 Estimated Price: 20.000 – 22.000 yen/night
Claimed to be the future of lodging, The Millennials in Shibuya is a smart-capsule hotel with most of its facilities equipped with sophisticated technology. It’s perfect for tourists in general and digital nomads.
In The Millennials, they don’t call it a ‘capsule’; it’s a SmartPod, where you can control the lights, blinds, ‘silent alarm’ system, and even your bed through an app on your phone. The blinds can also function as a projector! The SmartPods are also spacious, with large storage under the bed.
You can use the app to check in and check out of the hotel. There are also rental items and services you can book through the app. The Millennials truly aim to provide comfort, efficiency, and a fascinating experience for their guests.
🛎️ Booking Info
5. Manga Art Hotel – Otaku Safe Haven
Image Source: Work TVman
📍 Location
💴 Estimated Price: 6.000-7.000 yen/night
The last on the list—while it’s not the best capsule hotel for accommodation, we can’t help but acknowledge it. If you’re a manga otaku, staying at Manga Art Hotel would be an experience you won’t want to miss.
Unlike other capsule hotels in Tokyo, Manga Art Hotel encourages you to stay indoors and immerse yourself in their manga collection. It also offers basic capsule beds, restrooms, and other standard hotel necessities. The only downside is that the capsules can feel cramped if you’re taller than 170 cm.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to stay for a night or two and binge-read all the popular manga (as well as cult classics and hidden gems) available in both Japanese and English. There is also a women-only floor with a larger shoujo manga collection that anyone can access before 7 pm.
🛎️ Booking Info
In conclusion, Tokyo offers a wide variety of capsule hotels that cater to tourists, blending affordability with unique experiences. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Japanese stay, a tech-savvy pod, or a manga-filled retreat, there’s a capsule hotel to suit every traveler’s style and needs. With their convenience and innovative features, capsule hotels in Tokyo provide an ideal option for those seeking both comfort and a taste of Japan’s distinctive lodging culture.