Downtown Inn Kyoto

The rooms weren’t bad, with a good mattress and pillow, and the price was cheap: we paid 31 USD for one night for two people. It might be fine for just one or two nights. Keep in mind there’s a charge of 200 tend per person per night. You have to go up one floor by stairs before you can use the elevator. The first impression on arrival wasn’t great: all the shoes are kept at reception, and the small area smells pretty bad.

This place is very new and a great price for a capsule, with free showers and drinks. You only pay rental fees for things like towels and toiletries. It isn’t really the classic Japanese capsule hotel experience, more of a bunking place for tourists, Japanese and otherwise. I did have a bad experience when an angry guest woke me up, banging the bell and storming around looking for service.

The people working here have all been really cool. The beds are fine, there’s a good view, and lots of places are within walking distance. You can work here during your stay, and they give you a free capsule and some other stuff, so email them before you arrive if you want to try it. My only complaint was that the rental bike was too small for me, though I’m apparently large here. It still got me around fine.

It was easy to find from Shijo subway station, and check-in was quick and straightforward. We arrived a little before 3, and luckily our beds were already ready. The inn has a capsule setup with removable walls between bunks, so you can share the space with a partner or friend. Everything has been newly remodeled and was clean. The mattresses are thicker and much more comfortable than a standard futon. The showers are roomy, with a changing area. Bikes and towels can be rented, and laundry is available for a small fee.