Yet Another Travel Blog Surviving with Forex, Poker and other location independent stuff.

A night in a capsule hotel in Kabukicho, Tokyo

In city with so many people and very limited space, someone just had to think about it. Capsule hotel is a typical Japanese invention, where instead of a room or a dormitory, you're given a small cubicle roughly size of a bed.

As I arrived to Tokyo too late to get the keys for my flat, I've booked a night in Green Plaza Capsule Hotel in Shinjuku(you can get a direct express train there). To be precise, it's right opposite Seibu Shinjuku station, but still within walking distance from the main Shinjuku station and quite easy to find. Just pass the more expensive Prince Hotel Shinjuku and you're nearly there.

Oh, that area is also called Kabukichō, a well known 'entertainment' district. In case you're worried, don't. It's not Thailand and you won't see aggressive touts offering you donkey shows, Viagra, coke or anything like that. In short, there's no 'in-your-face' sleaziness and I felt very safe the whole time.

The check-in procedure is slightly different that usual. First of all, you need to put your shoes in a special locker, take the key and go to the reception(all on the 4th floor). You have to pay for your stay and hand over the key you've just got. You'll get a bracelet with a bar-code(you can use it to buy various things from vending machines in the hotel) and the key to your private locker but in case you've got anything bigger than a small backpack with you, you'll need to store it in a separate area. The reception is open 24 hours/day and you can always get your shoes by presenting your bracelet.

Also, you'll be given a robe, which you should wear when in the hotel. I haven't seen any other foreigners and walking around the place full of very quiet, identically dressed Japanese men was an unusual experience. Oh, male and female guests are completely separated, for obvious reasons.

As for the hotel facilities, there's everything you would need, including free wired Internet access, dining area, communal showers, spa and massage services. Towels, toothbrushes and even hair gel – everything is provided.

Ok, now for the capsule itself. I was pleasantly surprised with it, as it's far from the claustrophobic box I imagined and the bed itself was very comfortable. There's a radio, tv, alarm clock and a light inside and I think you can even get premium movies/channels with a special card – I haven't tried that though.

To summarize, I've slept very well, my belonging were safe and I think it's definitely something you should experience while visiting Japan. I wouldn't stay there more than one night though – you need to check-out before 10am every day, even if you're planning to stay longer. All capsules are then thoroughly cleaned and you can check-in again at 3pm.

There are few other decent hotels I've visited while in Tokyo, namely Tokyo Kiba Hotel and Park Hotel Tokyo(if you don't mind spending more).

In any case, even after the terrible nuclear disaster, Tokyo is an amazing place to visit.