Capsule Hotel 310

There’s a communal onsen with a sauna, shower area, and hot tubs, but you need to be fully naked, following Japanese tradition. It’s an all-male place, and they provide two towels and pajamas each day, with free razors and toothbrushes in designated spots. Service was great and they were very accommodating. There’s an in-house “restaurant,” though I didn’t try it since there’s better food just outside. Check carefully that you booked the capsule hotel option and not the shared-space package. I missed that distinction and wound up sleeping in a bright room with a bunch of snoring uncles and grandpas. My mistake. Bring earplugs and an eye mask.

At 3,500 yen a night, it’s a cheap, men-only place. The shared sleeping plan puts lots of people together in a nap room. It has an ancient Roman style, and the lobby and public baths are roomy and clean. The big baths have large tubs and saunas. For basic sleeping, there are rest rooms on the third floor and nap rooms on the fourth, with pillows and blankets provided.

The pods get stuffy because there’s no ventilation. Most guests seem to be Japanese solo travelers, so it doesn’t feel set up for families or groups. Still, the baths and other facilities are great and well kept, and it’s a cozy place to stay. Only one staff member speaks English, but they know how to use Google Translate. They can also find a room for you even when you’re in a pinch.

I spent a week in Tokyo after coming from New York and stayed here for the whole trip. I wanted to try a Japanese capsule hotel, and it turned out much better than I expected. I worried I’d feel claustrophobic, but I was fine. I’m about 6 ft tall, and could half-sit inside the capsule with plenty of headroom. The spa is old, but immaculately clean and well maintained, with all the hygiene amenities. The staff were exceptionally kind and helpful. It cost around $32 US for a capsule and 24-hour spa access, which surprised me. The subway station is a three-minute walk away, making it easy to travel anywhere in Japan. I was lucky to find the place and really enjoyed it. I don’t usually write reviews, but the experience left such a good impression that I wanted to share it. Definitely a place to visit and stay.