9 Must-Try Capsule Hotels in Tokyo For Your Next Visit

If you’re looking for a quintessential experience in Japan, then you absolutely have to try staying in a capsule hotel. While it is only in recent years when capsule hotels gained its popularity, it’s actually been around since the 1980s when the concept first emerged in Osaka, Japan. The idea came to mind when company leaders at a sauna operator noticed that they would often have businessmen take naps in the sauna after working late at night. This is why capsule hotels are built small, as their purpose is just for sleeping. But while capsule hotels might get a bad rep for being too claustrophobic, and while that may have been true a decade ago, modern capsule hotels are now hip, comfier, and not as tiny as they used to be! 

That said, capsule hotels have evolved to have plenty of perks! They are more affordable than regular hotels, and they are great places to meet fellow travelers and make new friends from different parts of the world. A lot of capsule hotels in Tokyo also feature creative designs that make for a truly unique experience. So, if you’re in the city, consider staying for at least one night! 

But of course, there are a few things to keep in mind when staying at a capsule hotel. If you are a light sleeper, then you should know that it may get noisy any time of the day since guests can come and go freely, and the walls are often quite thin in some. You also will not have as much private space as a lot of the facilities are communal, such as the bathrooms and storage rooms. So if you need peace and quiet at the end of your day, capsule hotels just might not be your cup of tea.

To help you, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best and coolest capsule hotels and hostels in Tokyo for your visit to the city!

The Millennials in Shibuya is an adults-only capsule hotel in Tokyo and is known for its high-tech amenities. One of their offerings is a “theater pod” that features a projector in the sleeping capsule so guests can enjoy their very own mini-theater experience! 

Address: 1 Chome-20-13 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0041, Japan

How to get there: 260m from Shibuya Station, or a 4-minute walk

Located at a prime location - easy access to Tokyo, Ginza and Akihabara! - The 9h nine hours capsule hotel in Tokyo (Ningyocho) is perfect for those planning to always be out and about in the city. While the spaces are pretty small, its minimalistic, clean, and chic design and its location make up for it! 

Address: 3 Chome-6-1 Nihonbashiningyocho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0013, Japan

How to get there: 160m from Ningyocho Station, or a 2-minute walk

Offering a unique concept of “a book shop where you can stay,” bookworms will have an absolutely fantastic time at Book & Bed Hostel, and is one of the most unique capsule hotels in Tokyo! The capsule beds are surrounded by shelves filled with thousands of books and a main book room, perfect for reading and mingling with fellow travelers.

Address: 1 Chome-30-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan

How to get there: 220m from Seibu-Shinjuku Station, or a 3-minute walk

Located in the heart of vibrant Shinjuku, this capsule hotel in Tokyo is perfect for budget travelers who want to stay in the middle of all the action! While a lot of facilities are shared, there are female-only and male-only capsule rooms and bathrooms for extra comfort for the guests. Do note, however, that the hotel does not accommodate guests with tattoos. 

If you have some ink, you’ve got nothing to worry about, though because there are still other capsule hostels on this list that you can consider!

Address: 3 Chome-3-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan

How to get there: 250m from Shinjuku-sanchome Station, or a 3-minute walk

Promoting comfort above everything else, you’re sure to have a good time at Glansit Akihabara when you visit Tokyo! While it is essentially a capsule hotel, guests also have the option of private rooms – this includes a capsule bed along with your own desk and storage area. 

Address: 1 Chome Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan

How to get there: 400m from Akihabara Station or a 6-minute walk

If you’d like to make new friends on your trip to Tokyo, you’d want to stay at Tokyo Guesthouse HIVE. Featuring cozy beds, a social area, a terrace, and a bar lounge, it’s the perfect capsule hotel in Tokyo to mingle and meet fellow travelers!   

Address: 1 Chome−5−6, Chuo City, Nihonbashibakurocho, 〒103-0002 Tokyo, Japan

How to get there: 180m from Bakuroyokoyama Station, or a 3-minute walk

If you’re celebrating your bachelor’s in Tokyo or just going on a trip with the boys, the Anshin Oyado capsule hotel in Shinjuku is exclusive for men. So you can find amenities and many details specifically designed for yo, making it the perfect place to bond with your “ride or dies” if you do decide to stay in a capsule hotel in Tokyo. It is also located on the energetic side of Shinjuku, so you’re sure to have a wild and carefree experience with the group! 

Address: 4 Chome-2-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan

How to get there: 170m from Shinjuku Station or a 2-minute walk

Here’s another capsule hotel in the heart of Shinjuku worth checking out on your trip to Tokyo, especially if you’re visiting during the cherry blossom season! Shinjuku Sky Capsule Hotel features a picnic area and garden, so you can enjoy views of the Sakura at your leisure anytime! 

Address: 1 Chome-2-4 Nakai, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 161-0035, Japan

How to get there: 140m from Shinjuku Station or a 2-minute walk

Branding itself as a place where guests feel like they’re visiting a friend’s home, Imano Tokyo Hostel is a cozy hostel in Tokyo perfect for those who want to stay close to the upscale area of Ginza without breaking the bank. It is also within walking distance to the Tsukiji fish market, where you can enjoy the freshest sashimi in the city! 

Address: 1 Chome-5-10 Shintomi, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0041, Japan

How to get there: 500m from Hatchobori Station or an 8-minute walk

While Japan, in general, is known as an expensive place to visit because of costly accommodation rates, you can still enjoy the best of the city and stay close to where all the action is with a little bit of sacrifice on sleeping space and privacy. That said, what you lose in space means you gain more chances of meeting fellow travelers and more budget for shopping or other activities around the city!

Here are some other Tokyo guides you can read to help you with budget planning and itinerary-making for your trip to the city!