
The capsule hotel is typically representative of the image that many people have of Japan, combining dense use of space, technical ingenuity, and a futuristic vibe. Capsule hotels, also known as pod hotels, are one of Japan’s best-known and unique types of lodgings. Typically located around major public transportation hubs in large metropolitan cities, they target individuals looking for a low-budget, single-night stay.
Each guest is called to occupy a capsule, essentially a bed-sized pod, offering privacy with either a door or a curtain. Arranged in rows and double-stacked, each capsule offers all the necessary amenities that guests seek – namely air-conditioning, power outlets, and high-speed Wi-Fi – without the significant price tag often times attached to standard or business hotels, with patrons being expected to pay between 2,000 to 5,000 yen a night. The first capsule hotel opened in Osaka in 1979, and today, can be found all across Japan and beyond.
