Top 5 Tokyo Capsule Hotels + Full Guide and Photo Tips

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Updated October 2025

Japan’s capsule hotels are one of those weirdly wonderful experiences that every traveler should try at least once.

Imagine crawling into a sleek, space-age pod that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie… only it’s clean, cozy, and surprisingly affordable.

Whether you’re backpacking through Tokyo, chasing cherry blossoms, or just want to check off one of Japan’s most iconic bucket-list stays, this is a tiny adventure with big bragging rights.

In this guide, I’ll share what to expect when you stay in a Japanese capsule hotel, how to book the best ones, and even a few photography tips to help you capture that futuristic glow inside your pod.

Listen to This Podcast Episode About Japanese Capsule Hotels

What Are Capsule Hotels?

Let’s start with the basics: what even is a capsule hotel? Picture this – it’s the late 1970s, Japan’s urban areas are booming, and space is at a premium.

The need for quick, convenient, and affordable lodging is on the rise.

Enter the capsule hotel: a brilliant concept where guests rent tiny, efficient pods stacked neatly in clean, streamlined environments.

Each pod has enough space for a bed and basic comforts like a light and charging port. It’s minimalist living at its best, like stepping into a sci-fi movie come to life.

What started as a practical solution has now become a bucket-list experience.

Travelers stay in capsule hotels not only for their budget-friendly rates but also for the novelty and insight into Japanese efficiency and culture.

Best Capsule Hotels in Japan

You’ll find capsule hotels across the country, from Osaka to Kyoto, catering to everyone from budget travelers to luxury seekers.

However, Tokyo is where the concept truly shines.

Below are some of my favorite capsule hotel finds! I would recommend always looking at reviews and pictures.

9h nine hours sleep lab

If you’re looking for a top-tier capsule hotel experience in Tokyo, 9h Nine Hours Sleep Lab is an excellent choice.

This sleek, futuristic capsule hotel combines minimalist design with a focus on optimizing your rest—perfect for adventurers recharging after a day of exploring. They even offer a sleep analysis!

They have several locations in Tokyo – Suidobashi, Hamamatsucho, Akasaka, Ningyocho, and Shinjuku.

Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa

Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa redefines the capsule hotel experience with a stylish, boutique twist in the heart of one of Tokyo’s most historic districts.

Situated in Asakusa, this capsule hotel is just a short stroll from iconic landmarks like Senso-ji Temple and the Nakamise shopping street, making it a prime choice for adventurers wanting to immerse themselves in traditional Tokyo.

The design is a blend of modern elegance and Japanese aesthetics, with cozy pods that feel more like compact rooms than traditional capsules.

Guests can enjoy shared lounge areas designed for relaxation and socializing, along with amenities like free Wi-Fi, lockers, and premium toiletries.

I am a bit biased because I loved this area of Tokyo. In fact, it is where I rented a kimono!

 Anshin Oyado Shinjuku Ekimaeten (Male Only)

Located just steps from Shinjuku Station, this capsule hotel offers easy access to Tokyo’s bustling heart and beyond, making it an ideal base for adventurers eager to explore the city.

What sets it apart is its elevated amenities, including a relaxing onsen-style bath, free drinks in the lounge, and even a massage chair area for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

The capsules themselves are spacious, clean, and well-equipped, offering more comfort than your standard pod.

Anshin oyado woman Tokyo Ginza shiodome (Female Only)

Anshin Oyado Women Tokyo Ginza Shiodome is a fantastic capsule hotel tailored specifically for female travelers, offering both comfort and peace of mind in one of Tokyo’s most iconic districts.

Located in the upscale Ginza area near Shiodome, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring luxury shopping streets, world-class dining, and cultural landmarks like Kabuki-za Theatre.

With thoughtful amenities such as a relaxing spa area, complimentary beauty products, and cozy lounge spaces, it’s a perfect retreat after a day of urban exploration.

First Cabin Ichigaya

First Cabin Ichigaya offers a sophisticated take on the capsule hotel experience, blending the compact charm of pods with the spacious feel of a first-class airline cabin.

Located in the tranquil Ichigaya neighborhood, this hotel provides a peaceful escape from Tokyo’s bustling core while still being well-connected to major attractions via nearby train stations.

The “cabin-style” accommodations are larger than traditional capsules, featuring enough room to sit up comfortably and store your belongings.

With a sleek, modern design, separate areas for the genders, and top-notch amenities like pristine bathrooms, cozy lounges, and complimentary sleepwear, First Cabin Ichigaya is a great choice for travelers looking for a refined and restful stay.

Honorable Mentions for Tokyo Capsule Hotels

Here are some more honorable mentions for capsule hotels in Tokyo:

• Anshin Oyado Shinbashi Ekimaeten
• Anshin Oyado Akihabara Denkigaiten
• Akihabara Bay Hotel (Female Only)
• MyCUBE by MYSTAYS Asakusa Kuramae
• Smart Stay SHIZUKU Ueno Ekimae

Photography Tips for Capsule Hotels

Capsule hotels are surprisingly photogenic! And trust me… you will want to capture the moment in some way while you are checking this off of your bucket list.

Capsule hotels might be tiny, but they’re a huge opportunity for creative photography.

The rows of glowing pods, sleek lines, and moody lighting scream “cyberpunk Tokyo” (if you know how to shoot them right).

Here are a few of my best tips from behind the lens:

Work With the Lighting (Not Against It)

Capsule hotels tend to be dimly lit (more spa vibes than studio lighting) so you’ll want to adjust your settings accordingly.

• Bump your ISO higher than usual (start around 1600–3200) to keep your shutter speed fast enough to avoid blur.
• If you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, open your aperture (f/2.8 or lower if possible) to let in more light.
• When you can, use a small travel tripod or even prop your camera on a steady surface to avoid hand shake, especially in low light areas like lounges or hallways.
• Don’t use flash unless you’re doing a controlled setup in your own pod — it’ll flatten the shadows and disturb others.

Mermaid Tip: LED strips inside the capsules often have a warm color temperature. Try setting your white balance to around 3200–3800 K for that cinematic blue-white glow.

Composition Ideas

• Symmetry shots: Center your camera at pod level and capture the rows of capsules. It’s an instant futuristic photo.
• Inside the pod: Use a wide-angle lens (24 mm or wider) or your phone’s ultra-wide mode to show the cozy interior.
• Story details: Photograph small items like your slippers, keycard, or morning coffee in the shared lounge to tell the story of your stay.
• Reflections: Look for polished metal, glass, or LED glow reflections for creative framing.

Respect Privacy and Culture

This is so important: capsule hotels are shared, quiet spaces, not open studios.

• Always ask for permission before photographing in common areas, especially if other guests or staff might appear in the shot.
• Avoid photographing sleeping pods that aren’t yours, even if no one’s inside. It’s a matter of respect in Japanese culture.
• Many hotels have signage about photography; if it says no photos in the sleeping area, stick to the lobby or lounge instead.
• When in doubt, focus your camera on architecture, light, or your personal experience.

If you are worried, I would ask for a lower corner pod so that it is easier to photograph without getting others in the shot.

Recommended Settings Snapshot

Situation	Setting Suggestion	Notes
Inside your capsule	ISO 1600–3200 / f 2.8 / 1/60 sec	Use ambient LED light; steady your shot
Lounge or hallway	ISO 800–1600 / f 4 / 1/80 sec	Tripod helps; look for leading lines
Exterior neon shot	ISO 400 / f 5.6 / 1/100 sec	Try at dusk for best light balance

What To Expect from Capsule Hotels

Checking into a capsule hotel is like entering a futuristic dream. Some even use automated kiosks instead of reception desks.

Once inside, your pod awaits. It’s a tiny cocoon in a row of neatly stacked capsules. Inside, you’ll find a mattress, pillow, and just enough space to sit up or lie down.

Many pods include adjustable lighting, USB chargers, and sometimes even small TVs.

One tip: bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. Pods are not always soundproof, and though capsule hotels are typically quiet, it’s always good to be prepared.

Respect the shared spaces and embrace the cultural experience. Japanese hospitality and politeness are truly unmatched.

My Capsule Hotel Experience

I first stayed in a capsule hotel while visiting Japan with my best friend. We had friends working at Disney Tokyo, and the capsule hotel felt like a perfect, bucket-list-worthy adventure.

I mean, how often do you get to stay in a literal capsule?

We checked in, and honestly, the vibe reminded me of a hostel, though much cleaner, quieter, and more refined.

Each dorm-style room had several capsules, and though we shared the space with others, it never felt crowded.

They even gave us robes and a little amenity kit with slippers, toothbrushes, and more.

There was also a small spa area with traditional Japanese bathtubs, which felt luxurious.

I chose the top capsule, and my friend took the bottom. Crawling into the pod felt like building a fort as a kid. It was like a cozy, tiny space all my own.

It had a light, a charging station, and a minimalist vibe that made me feel like I was prepping for a space mission, but with a Japanese twist.

It was one of the most unique places I’ve stayed… right up there with a pod on the side of a cliff in Peru!

Other Amenities That Capsule Hotels Offer

Capsule hotels often go above and beyond with their shared spaces.

Many have communal bathrooms with individual shower stalls, lounges with vending machines, and even manga libraries.

The onsen baths and spas are a particular highlight. It’s perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring.

One of my favorite moments was soaking in a giant cauldron-shaped bath. It was both relaxing and hilarious and a truly memorable experience!

Would You Stay in a Capsule Hotel for Your Bucket List?

Capsule hotels are quirky, efficient, and unforgettable. If you’re worried about feeling claustrophobic, take a deep breath and remember… it’s all part of the adventure.

Even one night is enough to check this off your bucket list. And trust me, these hotels live up to the hype.

Each one has its own personality, making every stay unique. Don’t forget to grab your camera and stay adventurous!

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and follow me on social media @TheBucketListMermaid.

Articles Related to This Episode

• Japan Bucket List
• Renting a Kimono in Japan

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