Japan Day 1: The Intriguing Capsule Hotel

Only a few hours before i start my intended climb to Japan’s highest peak, i was already feeling quite adventurous. And, i also wanted a shower – so, i went searching for the Capsule hotel that i found out about over the internet. Straight from Shinjuku station, i went around (of course with the help of a policeman with a big old map of Shinjuku) and looked for the Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Inn (literally, the Capsule Inn in front of Shinjuku City Building). It was a few minutes walk from the station, albeit a little bit difficult to find but not that challenging.

tip: To find it, look for the Shinjuku Kuyakusho (Shinjuku City Building Annex 1). The City building would be facing a big high-way, and there is a small street next to it. The hotel is on the opposite side of that street.

After a u-turn and going in a small road (the Inn is actually on one side of the goverment building, on the opposite of the road rather than in front of it) – i finally found the place. I checked in and told them I wanted to have a capsule for day use. The staff at the counter could speak a little English and they also have English instructions so it was a breeze.

note: once you check-in, you won’t be able to get out and buy food and all without checking-out (meaning you’d pay the lodging time). so, better to buy anything you might need before going in.

The Inn had everything i needed – a (common) shower, several o-furo (a sort of jacuzzi), a lounge with a large TV, and all the minor necessities (i.e. towels, soap, shampoo, and a surprising toothbrush that is pre-treated with toothpaste!) and of course, there are the infamous capsules.

A few minutes in the locker area and i was already in the robe that they provided, ready for the much desired bath. Thankfully I’m sort of used to a ‘public’ bath with months of staying in a dormitory in Japan before, so it wasn’t a culture-shock anymore. I took to one of the sitting shower stalls in front of the tub area. A little scrub here, a foamy wash there. Repeat. Then close with a rinse of a really high-temp water – and i was done with the shower! Increasing the water temperature was a sort of preparation for the hot tub.

After the nice (but still awkwardly) sitting shower, i picked one of the several large o-furo. The feel of the hot water enclosing every part of my body up to my chest and neck was just total relaxation. It also made me remember the times, when i was still working in Japan, that i used to do this every weekend after a long and tiring work week.

Those were good times, really good times.. but this wasn’t time for relaxation! I have a capsule hotel to explore! So, off i went.

After the immensely relaxing and nostalgic dip in the common bath and hot o-furo, i ecstatically hopped onto to my designated capsule. Actually, i had to do a bit of climbing at first before actually hopping on, as mine was on the second row.

The capsules was as intriguing as i had wished it would be but not at all as claustrophobic as i imagined it would be. It was quite roomy inside, and contrary to what most people would think i could actually do an indian-sit quite comfortably inside with some room to extend my arms above my head. Of course, i definitely would not be able to stand inside the capsule but it was quite ample. I tried to straighten up while lying down, but my my head and my feet were right up to the ends. A 6-footer guy would not be able to straighten up without dangling his feet out (and probably causing some LOLs around).

The capsule had a TV, an alarm clock, a radio and its own lighting with a dimmer. The opening also had a sort of curtain-blinds that you can pull-down for privacy. It’s not really a door that you can lock up but it was enough to  make you feel sheltered and the space private. And sheltered i was.

I managed about an hour of comfortable sleep. It wasn’t the discomfort that woke me up but the excitement of my next adventure. After all, sleeping is the last thing you’d want to do when you’re in Tokyo.

The capsule hotel is such a novelty, and a unique stay – it was also comfortable. Although, i only tried it for a few hours (not as an overnight stay), it seemed to be a nice way to experience Japan. For those who want just a taste of it, I would suggest to try it for a night, but not more than that. Of course, i will not stop you from staying there for a week. Anyway, a night (or a day) should be a good enough time to have a feel of it – plus it’s really cheap.

Also the facilities in the rest of the building are really quite nice. The bathing area, toilets and lavatories are clean and spacious with complete necessities. The lounge are really spacious with couches,  dining tables, a large LCD TV in front and a small bar at the back. They also have lockers, luggage area (but not quite secure), coin-laundry, vending machines, presses and internet-enabled computers.

Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Inn is actually one of the very few that are open 24-hours a day. Most capsule hotels are only open from 4pm ‘til early morning. They have the ‘day-use’ option for their capsules and have separate floors for men and women. Plus, the staff at the reception were really friendly and helpful.

It was a unique experience – and, it was barely even 5 PM. This day is definitely going to be a very long and exciting day!

link to post 1: Of Bullet-Climbing, Bullet Trains and Everything in Between