If you are in Japan then you should have experience of Capsule hotels. It’s one of the best-known and uniquely designed for solo travelers. Capsule Hotel was first introduced in Osaka city in 1979. At the time it was designed for business trips and overtime workers, but these days solo travelers both international and domestic tourists are also feeling comfortable using it. Most travelers prefer a single night, but you can extend as much as you can.

These hotels are quite popular mostly in crowded cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Sendai, and so on. Capsule hotels are quite cheap usually they charge between 2000 to 5000 Japanese yen according to the location and nearest train station. Capsule Hotel accepts both male and female guests and has separate wards for both males and females. Which makes it quite safe especially for international female solo travelers.

Short description of bed pod

Capsule hotels are normally 1.2 meters wide, two meters long, and roughly one meter high. Which are arranged in rows, double-stacked. You have to put your all belongings in a locker which is provided by the receptionist while making entry. They also provide all the towels, slippers, nightdresses, and toothbrushes you should not worry about it but some hotels will take extra charge while some hotels give a free service. Inside the bed-sized pod, you can see power outlets for charging your gadget, an adjustable light, and ac switch.

My experience in Capsule hotel

I went to a 9-hour capsule hotel located in Sendai. Most of the rules are quite the same in capsule hotels all around Japan. So after checking registration, I got a key to my locker and bag of towels, one pair of slippers, toothbrush which was included in the price (some hotels may charge you extra). After receiving I went to the second floor where the male ward was located. Then putting all my bag and unnecessary stuff in my locker and went for a shower. It is a step-by-step process which is hotel rules as you can also see image below but it is not so mandatory. Then I went to my pod.

I have been to many capsule hotels. 9hours of Sendai have plus points because on the ground floor, there was seven eleven combine. Where I can buy ramen and onigiri any time I want. And they have more than enough toilet and shower room so you don’t have to wait.

Capsule hotels mostly provide sharing toilets, showers, laundry, ovens, and hot water to eat cup ramen and have coffee which is combined for all guests. Not all but some capsule hotels also share dining room and a small book library which I miss in 9-hour

Pros of using capsule hotel

• Cheap and affordable
• Easy to make friend
• Quite and peace
• Can enjoy private time (every second counts)

Cons using capsule hotel

• You don’t have the guts to fart loud.
• You have to share a toilet, shower room
• Sometimes the loud sound of mobile from the next pod can annoy you.