Exploring the North of Japan has never been more convenient than with the popular trend of capsule hotels. And there are more than enough options to fit your travel style in Sapporo.
Sapporo is the 5th biggest city in Japan and will have you out and about all day long, whether you’re headed to carve some fresh pow pow in the mountains or check out the latest ramen shops.
So it’s perfect to have somewhere to rest your head at night that won’t break the bank. (I’m sure the other activities will be more than happy to spend your money.) And that’s exactly what these pods in Sapporo offer travelers throughout Japan.
Maybe you’re okay with the bare necessities like a bed and pillow (my boyfriend), or you need all the extras like a white sound machine, a weighted duvet, and a TV (me). Luckily, Sapporo Capsule hotels offer both, and here I’ll help you decide which one is best for you.
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Quick Answer: The Best Capsule Hotels in Sapporo
- Epic Capsule Hotel in Sapporo for Solo Travelers – Ten to Ten Hostel
- Best Capsule Hotel for Couples in Sapporo – Gardens Cabin
- Most Budget-Friendly Capsule Hotel in Sapporo – Theatel Sapporo
- Best Capsule Hotel in Sapporo for Digital Nomads – Hotel + Hostel SAPPORO
- Best Capsule Hotel for Groups in Sapporo – The Stay Sapporo
What to Expect from Capsule Hotels in Sapporo
Sapporo is an excellent place to stay in Japan especially if you enjoy both outdoor activities and the energy of a bustling city. And just like the rest of Japan, it’s full of efficiency and innovation, which brings us to the star of the show—capsule hotels in Sapporo!
If you’ve never heard of Capsule Hotels, get ready to have your budget stay view change drastically. With these pods, you don’t have to sacrifice your comfort while traveling.
The capsule hotels were designed to be small private sleeping pods for travelers who missed their last train or just needed somewhere to crash without the hefty price tag of a hotel room. And have since turned into the perfect stay for all kinds of backpackers around Japan.
The capsule hotels offer a lot of similarities to hostel-like common areas to meet other travel buddies. Some have rooftop bars or cafes to grab a coffee, making it easy to connect and hang out outside of the cubby rooms.
Best of all, they are on the low end of the accommodation. Of course, the cubbies are usually stacked, and you’ll be sharing the room with others, but because of the way they’re built, it really gives you the feel of a private room for half the cost. Sapporo capsule hotels range from $20-$40 a night.
Booking them is also super easy. You don’t need to go scouring every hotel to find out if they offer capsules. On booking.com, you can adjust your filters to show you Capsule hotels only, and from there, you just book a bed similar to how you would book a hotel room.
And if that feels a little too complicated, you can just select one of my options (They’re the best anyway!).
Best Capsule Hotels in Sapporo
This guide has everything you need to choose the best capsule hotel in Sapporo.
Whether your priority is in the size of the capsule, how cool the communal area is, or how cheap the bed costs, we’ve got you all covered!
Ten to Ten Hostel – Epic Capsule Hotel in Sapporo for Solo Travelers
If you’re a Japan solo traveler, this hostel is the perfect stay in Sapporo. The whole setup makes it easy to meet other travelers. Everything feels very family-style and communal here. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up your privacy while you sleep.
The capsules are dorm-style, with them stacked on top of each other. They’re quite small compared to some of the other capsule hotels on this list as it’s pretty much just a bed with a light and outlets. But the beds are cozy, and the thick curtain at the foot of the bed makes it your own private little cave when you’re ready to go to bed.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Free Towels
- Multilingual staff
- Welcome Drink Coupon
The Sapporo hostel is located near the university, making it a popular spot among the younger crowd. And it’s only about a 10-minute walk from the station so when you want to venture a little further you’ll be able to do so easily.
And with the self-service check-in, you don’t even have to communicate with anyone as you’re coming and going, but I have to say, as a millennial, I prefer human contact. The staff at ten to ten are awesome. They really go above and beyond to help you plan out your days or answer any questions you may have.
The bottom floor is a local curry spot that is also the perfect place to have a yummy dinner (especially during the winter) Sapporo receives quite a bit of snow, so that warm curry will get you right after coming in from the day.
Gardens Cabin – Best Capsule Hotel for Couples in Sapporo
Capsule hotels in Sapporo aren’t always the best option if you’re traveling as a couple since a lot of them separate the rooms based on gender. But occasionally, you’ll find a gem that has double beds, and you and your partner can even share the capsule. Score!
The Gardens Cabin has more than enough options. They have Male and female-only rooms, deluxe capsules, double bed capsules, Japanese style rooms for groups of three. Literally any type of bed/room you need to make your stay all the more comfy they have.
The rooms are also spacious as most of them you can stand in as they don’t have beds stacked on top of each other.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Laundry Machines
- Public Bath and Sauna
- TV in Capsules
The Gardin Cabins Hotel does feel more like a hotel than a hostel type of environment. The common areas are used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and aren’t super conducive for meeting other travelers. But if you’re already traveling with someone, then this might not be a huge concern for you.
The location is probably one of the best ones on this list, regardless if you’re looking to stay in the Sapporo or head out to the mountains for the day.
With Odori Park only a 5-minute walk away and the metro only 150 meters away, you won’t have to plan too hard to figure out how to spend the day. And if you aren’t sure, the hotel staff can help you decide.
Theatel Sapporo – Most Budget-Friendly Capsule Hotel in Sapporo
For less than $20 a night, you can stay in one of the coolest capsule hotels in Sapporo. It almost feels like a video game when you walk in with lines of neon lights and metal walkways. It’s impossible not to feel like a character in an Anime movie with this décor.
This capsule hotel is the very essence of Japan, with space efficiency and futuristic vibes. The capsule beds are small in width as the bed reaches from wall to wall, but it makes up for it in height. (Which I prefer. I hate feeling like a top bunk is coming down on me.)
If you’re feeling a little cramped, head to the common area, where there are loads of different projectors to watch pretty much anything you want.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Movie Projectors
- Futuristic Aesthetic
- Multilingual
The location is a little bit far from the Sapporo train station, but there is a metro just a stone’s throw away. It’s also right in the heart of the entertainment district, so as soon as you step outside, prepare for more restaurants, bars, and karaoke than you can handle.
Despite being in the middle of all the entertainment, this capsule hotel still manages to be quiet and cozy. It’s definitely more basic than some of the others on this list, but that’s also why it’s the cheapest. And honestly, the vibes were still great. Groups of travelers were going out every night, and the lounge space always seemed to have people hanging out.
So, if you’re a budget backpacker, this is the perfect capsule hotel in Sapporo. Oh, and the beds were actually some of the best capsule beds I’ve ever had. (maybe I should have led with that. ha!)
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View on Osprey View on REIHotel + Hostel SAPPORO – Best Capsule Hotel in Sapporo for Digital Nomads
I’ve never seen so many working desks in a hotel/hostel. I mean, there are just rows of private cubbies in the common areas, making this an excellent option in Sapporo for digital nomads.
Like hostels, there are bunk bed style dorm rooms, but you can also rent out a private capsule, which is labeled “private room with a shared bathroom” on Booking.com, or you can rent out a bigger room for a group of people.
And because of this, they attract a diverse range of visitors. So if you’re working, you’ll probably find a few others to share the wifi with, and on your days off, you can join the travelers who don’t have to log in to Zoom every Tuesday at 7 PM. It’s a bit like the best of both worlds.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Loads of working desks
- Vending Machines
- Self-service laundry
Traveling and working remotely is such a fun way to see the world, but woof, it ain’t easy. Especially if your time zone is always changing. Early morning sightseeing, late-night work calls, and trying to squeeze in all the “chores” of living out of a suitcase.
But Hotel + Hostel makes some of it a bit easier, with self-service laundry available for guests to use and vending machines scattered throughout the common areas.
So, when you’re up late trying to finish that report, Helen told you about literally today, at least you won’t have to worry about running out of snacks. And if you do need a break from work, there are plenty of cozy spots in the hotel to relax and recharge before heading back out on your next adventure.
The Stay Sapporo – Best Capsule Hotel for Groups in Sapporo
Stay Sapporo is definitely one of the best capsule hotels in Sapporo for big groups.
Their family rooms can hold up to seven people, so unless you have more friends than that (in which case, I’m jealous), you’ll be able to all stay together in one room.
The rooms and beds are cozy. Some of them are bunk beds, some are single standing, and for your friend that just absolutely needs their privacy, they can grab one of the single capsules. (I will say the walls are a bit thin here, so bring your earplugs.)
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Bicycles for rent
- Board Games
- Shared Kitchen
The shared kitchen is perfect for cooking. If you have a big group, this is a great travel tip to save money. Everyone pitches in, and in no time, you have a meal that costs way less than what you would pay for at a restaurant. (But don’t do this every night. You’re in Japan, and the food is a MAJOR part of the travel.)
With board games and vending machines in the lounges, you and your group can have some friendly competition in the evening time before heading out to see the city light up.
During the day, rent one of the bicycles. The hotel is located near the Susukino area, which could be a great addition to your Sapporo itinerary.
There are some amazing parks throughout the city that biking through is a must-experience. If you aren’t sure where to go, the staff speaks English and is more than happy to point you to all the best spots in the city.
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Hide Yo’ Money!Other Capsule Hotels in Sapporo
Remember when I said that Capsule Hotels are all over Sapporo? I wasn’t joking. Here are a few more capsule hotels in Sapporo that you’ll love.
Arura Sapporo
Loads of people head to Sapporo for a home base for skiing, and if that’s you, Arura Sapporo is the place to stay. It’s the perfect starting point for skiers, and the hotel even sells passes to get up the mountain.
With an airport shuttle and being a ski pass vendor, staying here will make your vacation super easy. They can help you sort out all of the logistics for renting equipment and getting to and from the mountain.
And if you bring your own gear, they can even store it. Nights here are filled with card games and drinks, as most people aren’t looking for a wild night out since they’ll be hitting the slopes in the early morning.
Unfortunately, the beds are bunk bed style, making them a little less private than a traditional capsule, but with a weighty curtain and the option for a private room, you can still get some personal space. With a cafe, restaurant, and terrace all on-site, you’ll be making friends with your roommates in no time, and maybe all that personal space won’t even be necessary, ha!
Plat Hostel Keikyu Sapporo Ichiba
The Plat Hostel is one of the newest accommodations in the city, giving its guests a clean and modern option for a capsule stay in Japan. With a prime location, this hostel is ideal for those looking to explore the city day or night.
Some dorms have less privacy as there isn’t a curtain on the beds, just a higher partition to somewhat seclude your area.
If you need more than that, you can book one of the twin rooms with a shared bathroom. And let me tell you, the shared bathrooms are some of the most private bathrooms I’ve had in a hostel.
I don’t know who they talked to, but their design team knew what they were doing. There are plenty of toilets and showers that you won’t have to wait on others, and they are exceptionally clean.
There are a few different common areas for you to mix and mingle with other guests. And a shared kitchen if you want to make some food, or have a coffee in the mornings.
Unstapped Hostel
This hostel in Sapporo will have you feeling at home as soon as you walk through the door. Especially in the winter when they have the fire going. The hostel is very cozy with its wooden interior, and the staff is known for being incredibly friendly and welcoming.
But what sets this Japanese hostel apart is its bookshop and cafe on-site. Perfect for those who want to relax with a good read or enjoy a cup of coffee while soaking up the atmosphere.
Similar to the other two listed on this “others” capsule list, the rooms are much less private than traditional capsule hotels. But the atmosphere more than makes up for it. You’ll still have a curtain in the dorm-style rooms, and they also have some private rooms available.
Located just one minute from Kita-Juhachi-Jo Station, it’s a great base for exploring Sapporo or taking a day trip out to the mountains. They also offer bike rentals for the days you want to stay around the neighborhood.
Sapporo Capsule Hotels FAQs
We know your curiosity is piqued, and we’re here to satisfy it with intriguing answers to some of the most common questions. Let’s dive in!
Travel Safety Tips for Sapporo
When backpacking, you never know what can happen. While traveling, I’ve had several unfortunate accidents where travel insurance would have saved me so much anxiety and trouble.
From motorbike crashes, food poisoning, ear infections, and broken bones. Take it from me, make your Japan trip anxiety-free and get solid travel insurance.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Capsule Hotels in Sapporo
Sapporo is usually the starting point for adventure travelers who are looking to hit the fresh powder of Hokkaido. So it’s no surprise that capsule hotels are a popular choice for budget travelers who would rather spend their money on ski lift tickets and delicious food.
But even if you’re not a skier, capsule hotels offer one of the best stays in the city. They make it easy to meet people, have your own space, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. To me, it’s a no-brainer.
It all comes down to choosing the best capsule hotel in Sapporo for you, whether you need to work during the day, you want to be close to the parks, or you just really love a good happy hour with new friends.
But if you’re still undecided, I would suggest dropping anchor in Ten to Ten Hostel. It’s a capsule hotel with a genuine social vibe! The onsite restaurant and cafe create the perfect setting to mix and mingle. Tell us about your experience in the comments!
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking around Japan.
- The coolest memories are crafted in the trendiest neighborhoods. Here’s exactly where to stay in Sapporo.
- Mix and mingle and make the most of your journey at some of Sapporo’s best hostels.
- Planning out an itinerary for Sapporo is a great way to maximize your time.
- Jump on a train and head to Tokyo, where you’ll discover even more EPIC capsule hotels.
- Location matters! Read this guide on the best hotels near Tokyo train stations.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Japan.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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