Luxury Capsule Hotels in Japan
Where to Find Luxury Capsule Hotels in Japan
Japan is a country full of amazing ideas. One of them is the capsule hotel. These small sleeping pods first appeared in the 1970s. The idea was simple a clean bed for a night at a low price. But today, capsule hotels have changed. Some are fancy and luxurious, with soft beds, clean bathrooms, and even saunas!
I stayed in a few of these luxury capsule hotels during my trip to Japan. They were safe, comfortable, and very modern.
In this article, I will tell you where to find the best ones in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. I will also answer important questions many travelers ask, like: Are they safe for women? Are they claustrophobic? Are they good for couples?
Are Capsule Hotels Claustrophobic?
This is a common worry. Some pods may feel small. But many luxury capsule hotels now offer bigger spaces called “cubes.” You can sit up, stretch, and even stand inside some of them.
Tips to avoid feeling trapped:
- Choose a hotel with taller or cube style capsules.
- Try one night first, not several.
- Use calming features like soft lights and background music.
If you have severe claustrophobia, capsule hotels may not be the best choice.
What About Showers and Bathrooms?
Most luxury capsule hotels have shared showers and bathrooms, but they are very clean and modern. Here’s what to expect:
- Separate floors for men and women.
- Private shower rooms with shampoo, soap, and towels.
- Free amenities like toothbrushes, razors, and hairdryers.
- Some even have hot springs, saunas, or public baths!
I always felt safe and relaxed in them.
Are There Female-Only Capsule Hotels?
Yes! Many capsule hotels have women-only floors, or are completely for women only.
Recommended female friendly hotels:
- MAJA Hotel Kyoto (female-only, very stylish)
- Anshin Oyado (separate secure floors for women)
- Nine Hours (some branches are only for women)
- Manga Art Hotel (female-only floors)
These places have added security and privacy, which is perfect for solo travelers.
Are There Capsule Hotels for Couples?
Capsule hotels are mostly for solo guests, but there are some options for couples too!
- Some capsule hotels offer side-by-side capsules, but you must still book separately.
- MyCUBE and Hotel Cargo offer bigger capsules with more space nice for couples who don’t mind being in separate pods but staying close.
- For total privacy, you can book the entire hotel at places like Cat Ryokan.
- The Millennials Kyoto has a shared lounge and chill areas where couples can hang out before sleeping.
So yes capsule hotels can work for couples, especially in modern o
Tokyo: Cool and High-Tech Pods
1. Hotel Zen Tokyo
This capsule hotel is inspired by Japanese tea houses. The pods are bigger than usual. You can sit up and stretch inside. The bedding is soft and clean. There’s also a bar and breakfast lounge in the basement. It feels calm and stylish.
Price: Around ¥5,000 to ¥8,000 per night (USD $32–$52)
Bathrooms: Shared, very clean, with shampoo, conditioner, towels, hairdryers.
2. Anshin Oyado
This chain has many locations in Tokyo. Each pod has a TV, soft mattress, and headphones. There are public baths, massage chairs, and saunas. It feels like a small spa!
Price: Around ¥5,000 to ¥7,000 (USD $32–$45)
Showers: Very clean. Free towels, bathrobes, and toiletries.
Female-only floors available.
3. Nine Hours
This hotel feels futuristic. The pods are white and bright. There is soft lighting to help you sleep better. Staff are quiet and helpful.
Price: Around ¥4,000 to ¥6,000 (USD $26–$39)
Bathrooms: Spotless and minimal. Shared but private in design.
Also has female-only branches.
4. MyCUBE by MYSTAYS
These are not tiny capsules but “cube rooms”. They are bigger and feel like a mini bedroom. You can stand inside. Great if you have luggage.
Price: Around ¥6,000 to ¥9,000 (USD $39–$58)
Showers: Shared, clean, modern. Toiletries and pajamas provided.
5. Manga Art Hotel
Love manga? Then you’ll enjoy sleeping beside shelves of over 5,000 comics. You can read all night!
Price: Around ¥4,500 to ¥6,500 (USD $29–$42)
Bathrooms: Clean, gender-separated, modern.
Female-only floors available.
Kyoto: Tradition and Comfort
1. The Millennials Kyoto
This hotel uses smart technology. You get an iPod to control the bed, lights, and alarm. There is also a lounge, kitchen, and free beer hour!
Price: Around ¥6,000 to ¥10,000 (USD $39–$65)
Bathrooms: Very clean. Large showers with fresh towels.
Female-only floors available.
2. Anshin Oyado Shijo Karasuma
Like the Tokyo branch, this one has hot baths, steam saunas, and massage chairs. It feels like a fancy bathhouse!
Price: Around ¥5,500 to ¥8,500 (USD $36–$55)
Showers and bathrooms: Shared but excellent. Everything is provided.
3. MAJA Hotel
This women-only capsule hotel has a Scandinavian-Japanese design. Each pod looks like a little wooden hut. Very stylish! There’s also a quiet café on-site.
Price: Around ¥7,000 to ¥9,000 (USD $45–$58)
Bathrooms: Clean, relaxing, and female-only.
Osaka: Fun and Friendly Capsules
1. Hotel Cargo
Each capsule has a TV, light controls, and charging points. There’s a nice open-air bath on the rooftop! Very peaceful after a long day.
Price: Around ¥4,500 to ¥7,000 (USD $29–$45)
Bathrooms: Gender-separated, spa-style, clean and bright.
2. Shell Nell Namba
Trendy and modern! The hotel has clean pods, a stylish café, and soft lighting. Great for people who love design.
Price: Around ¥5,000 to ¥8,000 (USD $32–$52)
Bathrooms: Elegant and very clean.
3. Cat Ryokan by Neko Republic
Love cats? This capsule hotel is also a cat rescue café. You can book the whole place with a group of friends or family. You can even adopt a cat!
Price: Around ¥15,000 to ¥25,000 (USD $98–$160) for the entire place.
Bathrooms: Private use, great for small groups.
Conclusion
Luxury capsule hotels in Japan are more than just a place to sleep. They offer comfort, design, and great service at a lower price than regular hotels. Whether you’re in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, you’ll find a capsule hotel that suits your needs.
✔ Clean and modern
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Unique and stylish
✔ Great for solo travelers and sometimes for couples
If you’re going to Japan soon, I highly recommend staying in one even just for one night! It’s a cool experience you won’t forget.
FAQs
Q1: How much does a luxury capsule hotel cost?
Most luxury capsule hotels cost ¥4,000 to ¥9,000 per night (around $26 to $60 USD). Some offer free drinks, breakfast, or access to a bath. A few fancy ones may cost more, especially in busy places like Tokyo or Kyoto.
Q2: Do capsule hotels have private bathrooms?
Most do not have private bathrooms. But shared bathrooms are very clean and modern. They have private shower rooms with shampoo, soap, and towels. Many luxury hotels offer spas, saunas, and public baths, too.
Q3: Are capsule hotels good for couples?
Capsule hotels are mainly for solo travelers. But some offer double pods or side-by-side capsules. Others let you book larger cube rooms. A few places, like Cat Ryokan in Osaka, allow you to rent the whole place as a couple or group.
Q4: Are capsule hotels good for women?
Yes. Many capsule hotels in Japan have female-only floors or are for women only. These places have extra privacy, safety, and soft designs. Some even offer skincare, hair tools, and female staff.