lemiOpposites attract in Japan—ancient traditions fuse with advanced technology while minimalism meets kitsch
Peace in a Pod
Tokyo
Capsule hotels are no-frills, micro-accommodations stripped down to include only the essentials for a good night’s sleep. It was primarily used by businessmen who’d miss their trains after working overtime or drinking out too late. Over the years, it has transformed into a movement of trendy spaces, partnered with a few bonuses (like saunas, social lounges, and libraries) for an even better stay! Tokyo has the highest concentration of capsule hotels in the world, but we’ve curated the city’s best. Take off your shoes and change into the provided pajamas, it’s time to squeeze into your pod!
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Jetsetters will love First Cabin’s aviation-inspired interior. Enter the reception area, and you’ll notice how it’s fashioned after a business class lounge—bar included! The hotel provides pods of varying sizes, each named after an airplane seating area. The First Class Cabins are the roomiest, with enough room to step off your bed. Communal showers are the norm here, but there’s also a public bath to melt away the inhibitions.
- +81 3 5652 4580
6-16 Yokoyama cho Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
〒104-0045 東京都, 中央区築地2-11-10- https://first-cabin.jp/en
Nine Hours’ multifunctional, minimalist space attracts business people on-the-go. Stay the night at a comfortable high-tech capsule, rent a desk for a few hours to get some work done, or pay a fixed rate to take a shower! There are no food and drinks available here, but there are nearby restaurants that offer filling meals as options.
- +81 3 5291 7337
Shinjuku-North Building, 1-4-15 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
〒169-0073 東京都新宿区百人町1-4-15 ナインアワーズ北新宿ビル3-8F- http://ninehours.co.jp/en
Take the girls to Centurion Cabin & Spa for a budget-friendly, rejuvenating night in! Pamper yourselves at the luxurious oriental-style (common) bathroom, sweat it out in the sauna, or get a massage in the spa. On top of the usual amenities, the female-only hotel also supplies skincare products like makeup removers and facial cleansers—just what you need before turning in for the night!
4-2-4 Akasaka Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
港区赤坂 4-2-4, 東京都, 日本- http://centurion-cabin-spa.hotels-tokyo-jp.com/en
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Luxury Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado (Shinjuku Ekimae)
豪華カプセルホテル安心お宿
Tokyo, Japan • Recommendation •
Sink into your Simmons (American mattress manufacturer) bed, and find peace in Luxury Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado’s tropical vibe. The upscale hotel has a restaurant, a bar, and a lounge in-house that come with gorgeous views of the city. The best part, however, is the artificial onsen (温泉, Japanese hot spring bath), so get ready to dip into waters rich in 40 different kinds of minerals!
- +81 3 6856 3222
4-2-10, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
〒160-0022 東京都新宿区新宿4-2-10- https://www.anshin-oyado.jp/english
Book and Bed has named itself a “bookshelf accommodation” where the main attraction is their massive collection of books—the sleeping pods are just a bonus! Expect small spaces and barely-there beds here, but you’ll have no trouble sleeping once your eyes start to get droopy from saying “just one last chapter” countless times!
Lumiere Building, 1-17-7 Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku Tokyo, Japan
〒171-0021 東京都豊島区西池袋1-17-7 ルミエールビル7階- https://bookandbedtokyo.com/en
The Prime Pod Ginza Tokyo is one of the first luxury capsule hotels in the city. For an affordable price, you get an accessible location, superb security, an elegant lounge, and beautiful views of the area! Each cabin is also fitted with a Dream Bed Co. (United Kingdom bed manufacturer that supplies luxury hotels) mattress for the best and most comfortable slumber!
- +81 3 5550 0147
Ginza Duplex Tower, 5-Chome-13, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
〒104-0061 東京都中央区銀座5丁目-13 銀座デュープレックスタワー5/13ビル 13階
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MyCUBE by MYSTAYS only opened in 2016, but has already gained regular patronage thanks to its functional capsules, spacious shower areas (which even have tubs!), and daily breakfast buffets. Equipped with a lounge and an in-house restaurant, MyCUBE has enough communal space for you to mingle with fellow guests over dinner and drinks!
- +81 3 5835 3181
2-6-7 Kuramaue, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan
〒111-0051 東京都台東区蔵前2丁目6-7- https://www.mystays.com/en-us/hotel-mycube-by-mystays-asakusa-kuramae-tokyo
The pink-hued interiors of Akihabara Bay Hotel invites women from all walks of life to its gender-exclusive accommodation. Wear your wristband key (this tracks all of your charges) to move through the pastel-colored facility, including their relaxing lounge. A treat for lady otakus (おたく, fans of anime and manga), the hotel occasionally ties up with local anime series for their themed rooms!
- +81 3 5256 0015
44-4 Kandaneribeicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
東京都千代田区神田練塀町44-4- https://www.bay-hotel.jp/akihabara/eng
- Check rates and book
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A night in The Millennials means making friends over free beers during happy hour before retreating to an oh-so-comfy bed enclosed in a surprisingly roomy pod. Made for the technologically adept, each Tosaken-designed (local designer) cabin is controlled via a smartphone app. Adjust the lights, recline your bed, or even project a movie—all just a tap away!
- +81 3 6824 9410
1-20-13 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
〒150-0041 東京都 渋谷区神南 1-20-13- https://the-millennials-shibuya-shibuya-ku-jp.book.direct/
Immerse yourself in Japanese pop culture without leaving the confines of Capsule Net Omotenashi No Oyado. Peruse through its collection of manga, anime series art, and other paraphernalia in between sightseeing around Ueno—that is, if you’re able to pull yourself away from your pod! There are also mixed gender floors here, perfect for couples or groups of friends who’d rather stay together.
- +81 3 3834 3850
6-8-20 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan
東京都台東区上野6-8-20- https://capsule-net.tokyo/en
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