Anyone planning a trip to Japan may have heard of the term ‘Capsule Hotel’. But what is a capsule hotel, and are they worth staying at? In this brief guide, we’ll cover the basics and the pros and cons of staying at a capsule hotel in Japan.

What is a Capsule Hotel?

A Capsule hotel is a type of hotel popular in Japan where guests stay in a capsule, or small sleeping pod, rather than a traditional hotel room. Most capsule hotels are set-up with multiple capsules in each room or floor of the hotel. They are often separated by Male and Female guests, each with their own shared shower and toilet facilities.

The Pros and Cons of staying in a Capsule Hotel

The Pros

Cost: Capsule hotels are known to be an affordable short-term option for travellers. With rates just a fraction of a traditional hotel room, capsule hotels are well suited to travellers on a budget. Capsule Hotels can be as cheap as about $20 USD per night if you pre-plan enough.

Convenience: Capsule hotels are often in very convenient locations, such as near major train stations or airports. They are ideal for those who simply want a bed for the night. Whether you’ve got a late night arrival into the country, or you missed the last train for the night, capsule hotels offer a comfortable place to rest your head.

It’s an Experience: Capsule hotels are the epitome of Japanese efficiency, and they offer a unique hotel experience for guests.

The Cons

Privacy: Capsule hotels have much less privacy than a traditional hotel, with dozens of capsules in each sleeping area. Most capsules merely have a curtain covering the entrance, which does very little for sound proofing.

Shared amenities: Toilet, shower, and dining facilities are more often that not, shared spaces. This means that all guests use the same toilets, showers and more. For those used to their own space when they travel, they may find this uncomfortable.

Limited space: Capsule hotels are made for those who simply need a place to rest their head at night. Capsules are small, requiring you to store your luggage in a locker as there is no room for it elsewhere to store your things.

Not the best for Couples: Capsule hotels may not be the best options for couples, as quite often the sleeping arrangements are typically separated by male and female. If you’re looking for a romantic get away, capsule hotels are it. However, if you are’t travelling with your signficiant other, then this may be a bonus for you!

Is it worth staying at a Capsule Hotel?

Ultimately, Capsule hotels offer a rather unique hotel experience. It comes down to the use-case for each individual, and what their needs are. If all you need is a place to rest your head at the end of a long day, then capsule hotels will probably work well for you – they’re usually cheap, and in convenient locations. However, if you like privacy or enjoy having your own space, then capsule hotels might not be the best option for you.