Tokyo brings together bright lights, bustling streets, and a unique blend of traditional and modern culture, making it one of the most visited cities in the world. It’s one of my favorite layover cities, as even for just a night, you can experience the energy and excitement that Tokyo has to offer.
But whether you’re in the city for a few nights as a stop on your Japan travels or just resting your head in between long flights, finding the right place to stay can be a make or break stay.
After one too many stays in dorm rooms without curtains and loud ass snorers, I can’t emphasize enough how incredible capsule hotels are, and Tokyo has some of the best ones in the world.
To make your travel life easier, I’ve curated this list of of the BEST capsule hotels in Tokyo to make sure all of your boxes are ticked for your stay in the land of the rising sun.
Photo: @audyscala
Quick Answer: The Best Hotels in Tokyo
- Best Overall Capsule Hotel in Tokyo – Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa
- Best Capsule Hotel for Females – Akihabara Bay Hotel (Female-Only)
- Epic Capsule Hotel for Digital Nomads – nine hours Suidobashi
- Best Capsule Hotel for Solo Travelers – nine hours Hamamatsucho
- Capsule Hotel for Large Groups in Tokyo – nine hours Ningyocho
What to Expect from Capsule Hotels in Tokyo
Maybe you’ve heard of Capsule hotels, or maybe you have no idea what I’m even talking about. Well, good news, I’ve got all the info you need for a comfortable stay in Japan.
Capsule Hotels have become increasingly popular in Tokyo after being created in Osaka in 1979. The concept was everything you’d expect from Japan—efficient, small, and convenient. And it’s exactly what you need after a long day of exploring or traveling.
The capsule hotels are pretty much dorm-style hostels with a little more privacy and, in my opinion, a lot more comfort. Once you’re inside, you can seal yourself off from the outside world and get some glorious shut-eye.
These capsules redefine the Tokyo stay experience, offering comfort and excellent amenities. Some have TVs and alarm clocks. The really fancy ones have mood lighting, air conditioning, and even some white noise for all my extremely particular sleepers out there.
Photo: @audyscala
Averaging around $30-$40 a night, capsule hotels are a total steal as they’re usually located in the heart of Tokyo. Most of them offer communal areas for socializing, perfect if you’re traveling solo and want to meet a buddy to explore Tokyo with.
Okay, so now that I’ve sold you the capsule hotels in Tokyo, let me tell you how to book them. It’s super easy, for one you can just click on my link and it’ll take you directly to the booking, see easy. Ha! But you can also go to Booking.com, and in the filters, they have a category for capsule hotels. Just select that and boom, you’re set.
Best Hotels in Tokyo
Tokyo is waiting for you! With my brief rundown of what you can expect from a capsule hotel, my list will help you choose the best one for you!
As top-ranking properties, these capsule hotels in Tokyo offer unique features, and prime locations, and are a lot of travelers’ favorites, making them sure-fire winners in my book.
Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa – Best Overall Capsule Hotel in Tokyo
Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa has taken the concept of simplicity and efficiency and transformed it into a chic, Japanese-inspired overnight experience. From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice the minimalistic design of the hotel with pops of art, like the huge Mt. Fuji mural in the lobby.
If I’m being honest, the pods look like something out of a black mirror episode, but in a good way. All of the capsules are lined up next to each other, so no one will be climbing ladders or rolling around above you in the night. Built into the wall with a door to close them and curtain to let some fresh air in while still having privacy if you wish.
Each capsule has a different colored curtain, bringing a whole vibe to the room. Inside, you’ll find a clean, spacious area where you can hang out and meet some travel buddies.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Air-conditioned room
- Capsules are big enough to hang up clothes
- Free Coffee
It gets even better, the hotel is located in the Taito district and is close to loads of different transportation options, which makes it easy to get around the city. But if you just want to walk, you’ll also find cafes, museums, and parks around the hotel.
The social aspect here was by far one of the best in Tokyo hostels. Occasionally, these capsules will get guests who have an early morning flight or happen to miss their train home. Resol Poshtel catered more to solo travelers, and even a few digital nomads made themselves comfy in the common area.
Akihabara Bay Hotel (Female-Only) – Best Capsule Hotel for Females
Get pretty in pink at this female-only capsule hotel. Akihabara Bay Hotel is one of the prettiest and girliest hotels that I’ve ever seen. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be bombarded with pink walls and pastel seating areas that will make any girly girl swoon. (Me. I’m the girly girl swooning!)
Staying in shared rooms can always be a little intimidating, especially if you’re a female solo traveler. I’ve spent one too many nights in dorm rooms where I was the ONLY girl, and it’s just not comfortable.
Luckily, at this capsule hotel, you have the extra privacy of the capsule being enclosed but also a room full of only girls. It’s like one big sleepover without all the stinky boys.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Friendly staff
- Vending machines
- Girls only!
But let’s be real, no one comes to Tokyo just to hang out in their hotel rooms. This hotel near Akihabara Train Station is well connected to take you anywhere in the city you want.
Around the hotel, you’ll find some delicious Japanese restaurants and Akihabara Electric Town, which is famous for its anime, manga, and electronics.
And when you decide to stay in this hotel, there are some common areas for you to chill in. You can grab a Japanese drink from one of the vending machines (I tried them all; I mean, that’s what traveling is about, right?) and hang out and watch some TV with the other girls.
I will say the whole time I was there, it was on anime, so it made my personal TV in my capsule all the more appealing when I wanted to binge-watch some Netflix.
Nine Hours Suidobashi – Epic Capsule Hotels for Digital Nomads
If you are one of the lucky ones embracing the digital nomad lifestyle around the world, this capsule hotel in Tokyo is perfect for you. The common areas are full of single desks, group-style tables with outlets in the middle, and floor-to-ceiling windows to give you some epic city views as you type away.
The rooms are divided between males and females, and they are huge. Each room has over 20 capsules in it, but once you’re in your little safe space, you’ll never know. The capsules come with huge lockers outside of the room to store your bags, work gear, and whatever else you need to keep locked away.
The bathrooms are shared, but with each toilet in a sealed-off room and showers also individual, it makes it feel a little more comfortable when sharing with strangers.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Sleep analysis
- Multilingual staff
- Breakfast available
Staying at 9 hours Suidobashi comes with more perks than just a working desk and a big locker. It also comes with fresh pajamas, a sleeping mask, some slippers for walking around the hotel, and a sleep analysis if you want to learn when you coughed, talked, or made any other noises in the night.
Downstairs, you’ll find a coffee shop with some baked goods to start your morning before heading out to explore Japan at its finest. The hotel is located 400 meters from the subway, giving you easy access to all the different districts in Tokyo.
If it’s your first time in Japan, you’ll find a lot of museums, parks, and art centers, all within walking distance of the hotel.
Nine Hours Hamamatsucho – Best Capsule Hotel for Solo Travelers
This is an awesome capsule hotel for solo travelers in Japan. I couldn’t even count how many capsules were in the whole hotel, but it’s well over 50. Making this a great option for meeting other travelers and making new friends.
But besides the rows of capsules, the best thing about this hotel is the insane view from the top floor. Full of bar stools looking out over Tokyo Tower, this lounge is the perfect place to watch Tokyo light up at night and meet some other travelers.
The capsules themselves are nice and cozy and give you the privacy you need. You’ll find all the plug-ins you need to charge your devices and a personal air conditioning system to get out from the summer heat or keep you warm in winter.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Super Clean
- Multilingual staff
- Separate rooms for males and females
It’s one of the best locations if you arrive at the Haneda airport. You’ll only have to take the monorail and a short walk from the station. And if you’re planning on exploring Tokyo, this hotel is right next to Daimon Station Metro, which can get you anywhere in the city quickly.
Diving into the Japanese culture is a must when visiting, and luckily, the hotel is within walking distance of Shinbashi Shiogama Shrine.
The hotel staff were friendly and always willing to help. At the counter, they speak both English and Japanese. I even overheard some Spanish from one employee who was trying to make it easier for a traveler to understand directions. They’ll give you insider travel tips on where to get the best sushi or a nice cup of sake. Yum!
Nine Hours Ningyocho – Capsule Hotel for Large Groups in Tokyo
As you can see, there are a few different nine hours capsule hotels around Tokyo, and the brand has become one of the most popular choices in Japan. But each one brings a little bit of a different vibe.
The one in Ningyocho feels a bit smaller and more manageable when traveling with a big group. The hotel has a few different floors, making it easy for your group to end up all in the same room without anyone having to split up.
The common areas are perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or getting some work done. You’ll find plenty of solo travelers hanging out, looking out the windows, and watching the pedestrians go by. (It’s on the first floor, so you’re literally watching people walk by.)
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Big rooms with a lot of beds
- Multilingual staff
- Free toiletries
The capsule hotel is located in the Chuo Ward district in Tokyo, and many will refer to this area as the heart of Japan.
If you’re up for shopping, this is where you’ll find some of the highest-quality stores like Chanel, Prada, and Hermes. You’ll also find some of the best Japanese food, from Michelin-starred restaurants to street vendors selling delicious snacks.
But just because it’s near a rich district doesn’t mean it has to be expensive. Beds hover around the $40 mark, and with the Nyngyocho station being a 2-minute walk away, you’ll have access to the rest of Tokyo.
9 hours of sleep await you in Osaka too, at Nine Hours Shin-Osaka Station. If you’d like to experience a capsule hotel in Osaka, this one’s definitely for you.
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View on Osprey View on REIOther Capsule Hotels in Tokyo
Here is a curated selection of my personal favorite capsule hotels in Tokyo, guaranteed to enhance your stay in the city!
CITAN Hostel
One of my favorite hotel stays in Tokyo was at CITAN. It’s the perfect place to meet other travelers and have an all-out good time. With a terrace for you to enjoy some cocktails on and a restaurant and cafe downstairs, you’ll find yourself feeling right at home here.
However, this didn’t make my top 5 list because the dorms are your typical dorm-style rooms, no more fancy gadgets to enclose you in your own little space.
But unlike the other capsule hotels in Tokyo, CITAN offers private rooms for you to either have all to yourself or to share. And while I love capsule hotels, after weeks of traveling, being able to throw your shit around and repack without nosy nelly watching you is an actual dream.
CITAN has a prime location for days of exploring Tokyo’s coolest spots, just a one-minute walk from the Bakuroyokoyama Metro Station. This makes it super easy to get around and see all the sights without wasting time navigating public transportation. And if you just want to explore the neighborhood, the Jisshi Park and Monument of Armor Tribute Site are all within walking distance.
Nui. HOSTEL & BAR LOUNGE
I had never considered renting a bicycle and riding around Tokyo until I stayed at Nui. HOSTEL & BAR LOUNGE. They offer bike rentals for guests, and it was such a fun and unique way to explore the city. And with so much green space and Japanese parks, it was just the breath of fresh air I needed.
Plus, the hostel’s prime location near Asakusa Station made it convenient to hop on and off the bikes and use the metro to get to further destinations.
And because the hostel has a cafe and bar to hang out at, it was easy to make friends and have a few other solo travelers join along. This hotel really has a way of bringing people together. And don’t get me started on the rooftop; at night, it’s all lit up and gives you some of the most stunning views of the city.
The hotel offers a variety of different rooms, from dorm rooms that feature curtains to close you off from the rest of the room to private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Unlike a lot of the other Tokyo Capsule hotels, this hotel has a warmer, less industrial feel to it. With lots of wooden accents and modern design, it feels more like a trendy boutique hotel than a hostel in Japan.
Grids Tokyo Ueno Hotel&Hostel
Traveling with your family or a group of friends has never been easier. At Grids Tokyo Ueno, you can book a family-size room that comes with two single beds and two bunk beds. No need to worry about splitting up into different rooms or trying to figure out which capsule your sister is in and accidentally knocking on some random girl’s bed… oops.
Japan and efficiency go hand in hand and let me tell you, it’s on full display at Grids. With loads of convenient storage (in places I would have never thought of), you’ll never feel cramped or disorganized.
This hotel also has its own cafe and bar on-site, so you can start your morning with a cup of joe and finish the day with sake bombs (I actually don’t know if that’s a traditional thing or if we made that up abroad, kind of like fried sushi), Grids has got you covered.
But what sets this hotel apart from other capsule hotels in Tokyo is its location. Upon arrival, you might be like me and think, damn this is far from the main entrance of Ueno station, BUT it’s actually super close to the Iraya Gate exit.
The exit leads you through an indoor corridor to the hotel. So regardless if you want to visit the famous Ueno Park or take a quick train ride to popular destinations like Shibuya or Shinjuku, Grids Tokyo Ueno is an excellent home base.
FAQ about Capsule Hotel in Tokyo
Here are some questions backpackers ask about capsule hotels in Tokyo.
Travel Safety Tips for Tokyo
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Final Thoughts on Capsule Hotel in Tokyo
When I first booked my flight to Tokyo, I had a little bit of a meltdown. I’ve traveled 6 of the 7 continents, but for some reason, I was worried about making friends or not knowing where to stay. But the Capsule Hotels really made my time in Tokyo better than I could have imagined.
I felt safe and had plenty of room for my oversized backpack, and all of the common areas made it easy to meet other travelers as well as locals who were just there for the night.
Whether you’re traveling alone looking for a budget-friendly stay or your whole group wants to stay together while also having privacy. The Capsule hotels in Tokyo are the perfect home base for exploring the city.
If you’re still not quite sure which option is best for you, I’d go for the best-value capsule hotel in Tokyo: Nine Hours Suidobashi. You’re in a prime location with loads of Tokyo’s most popular landmarks close by. It’s bloody great bang for your buck.
Photo: @audyscala
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
