Capsule Hotels カプセルホテル

When I first started to travel or tour in Japan, I heard about an option for budget accommodation called Capsule Hotels カプセルホテル. The first explanation I heard was that they were alternatives for businessmen who miss the last train because they are priced reasonably less than a long taxi ride home. This is one use of a capsule hotel, but there are many other advantages from this style of accommodation. You may imagine some futuristic shell that encloses you, but capsules are basically glorified bunk beds with built in ventilation and usually a television.
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Prices usually range from 3000-5000yen a night. Business hotels (very small roomed budget hotels) usually start from about 6000-7000. If you book in advance online you can usually get considerably cheaper packages like 2500yen a night.

An advantage of a capsule hotel is obviously the price. Overnight charges at an Internet/Manga Cafe are usually similar to capsule hotels, but you have the inconvenience of waiting in line for the shower, lack of a bed and little security.

Most capsule hotels have great bathing facilities. Saunas are common and depending on the place they may use hot spring water. At many establishments you can choose to visit only the sauna/bath without a capsule for a certain amount of time. You can sometimes opt for an overnight sauna/bath which will be considerably cheaper (as cheap as 1500yen), however instead of an assigned bed you need to take your chances getting a reclining lounge or sleeping on the floor. Perhaps good for late night desperation accommodation.

When entering a capsule hotel, usually you will have to remove your shoes at the entrance. You place your shoes in a shoes locker and take the key with you to the front desk where you state your reservation or check in. They will usually hold the key to your shoes locker until you leave and hand you a wristband key for your locker. Normal procedure is to drop all of your belongings in the locker, remove all your clothes and accessories, place them in the locker too, then wear the provided one or two piece gown with the locker key on your wrist. The lockers are often small or thin and if your luggage does not fit in the locker you can usually store it behind the front desk. It is usually recommended to place valuables at the front desk or in specific valuables lockers. It feels great to leave the burden of all your belongings in one place, then you can go straight to the bathroom and sauna to bathe and relax. Massage services are commonly available at an additional price.

After finishing your bath, sauna and relaxation, you can retire to your capsule. After entering the capsule rooms things will usually be dark and quiet. There are many capsules so you are in close proximity to other guests while you are sleeping, separated by the capsule walls. Look for the corresponding locker/capsule number and you will find your capsule on the bottom or top bunk. Normally sheets, a blanket and pillow will be at the foot of the capsule as you enter. There is often a switch to turn on the light next to the name plate with the capsule number. After you enter you can pull down the blind at the entrance to the capsule. Television, radio and alarm clock controls will be beside you. Unlike a normal hotel, you may prefer to visit the capsule only when you're about to sleep.

Disadvantages include the lack of a private room. In a capsule hotel you'll need to put all your belongings in a locker and return to that locker when you need something. This can be inconvenient. If your luggage does not fit in the locker and you have stored it at the front desk, this can also be inconvenient. However, with some organisation and light packing it can be a refreshing alternative being able to walk around without all your belongings.

If you want to save money and you prefer or don't mind Onsen / Hot spring style bathing, the Capsule Hotel may be a suitable accommodation option for you in Japan.
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