Sauna & Capsule Hotel Rumor Plaza (Male Only) - Sky Open-air bath

The washer and dryer setup got more convenient this year, 2025, with two sets added, which helps on a long trip. The location is handy for visiting many famous temples, and there’s a free Japanese-style breakfast buffet if you’re staying in a capsule. Don’t skip it, it’s a big plus.

I tried the daytime bath and a 50-minute massage. Compared with Osaka and other spots, the massage was definitely cheaper. It’s an all-men’s spa and sauna combined with a capsule hotel, and there’s also a lounge with sofas and comics. The restaurant has lots of choices at affordable prices.

The stay was awful from the start. After we checked in and settled into our pods, we went out for the day. When we came back, a stranger was in my brother’s pod with all his things inside, and the man was getting ready to sleep there. We tried to alert staff, but the language barrier made it difficult. Once we managed to explain, staff came over, though the man still insisted the capsule was his. After he was moved to his own pod, we noticed my brother’s belongings were missing. The man said he hadn’t seen them, and the hotel staff brushed it off. They also initially refused to change the bedding, which worried us because we didn’t know the man or his hygiene habits. They eventually changed it, but it was a major hassle for my exhausted brother after a week and a half of travel in Japan. Staff took another two hours to find and return his things. The shower rooms were filthy too. There was black mold around the tub and shower walls, a clogged tub with a mass of white material stopping the water from draining, and dusty, unsanitary floors in the changing area. The luggage situation was another problem. We were expected to leave all our bags on the lobby floor, with no lockers or luggage locks, just an elastic band and tag. Guests also ignored the sleeping-area rules, bringing luggage in and making lots of noise while rummaging through it. Others talked loudly on the phone and filled the area with a strong cologne smell. The upstairs relaxation room didn’t feel relaxing either. Several people were asleep in the chairs, snoring loudly and taking over the space. I asked why they weren’t sent to their pods so others could use the room, but when I told staff about it, they just laughed at me. I asked to speak with a manager and never got to. This was about as unsatisfactory as a stay can get. It felt like the only difference from prison was being able to leave during the day. Avoid it.

The narrow locker room was inconvenient. My backpack fit, but my carry-on didn’t, so I had to leave it at the counter. Still, I’d come back, and if it hadn’t been fully booked I would have stayed here for my whole time in Kyoto. The bed and pillow were comfortable, and the room temperature suited me. They provided eye masks, earplugs, and the basic hotel amenities. I especially liked unwinding in the public bath and sauna, including the open-air bath. Breakfast was another perk, and getting that kind of hotel treatment at this price was wonderful.