Capsule Inn Hamamatsucho

The location was the only good part. The whole place smelled like urine, the AC never worked, and the staff were incredibly rude, especially the owner. They seemed to look for any excuse to charge extra, even for showering. We’d booked four nights but left after the second. As we were going, the owner followed us outside, shouting and swearing at us. The worst stay we had anywhere in Asia.

The price and location are good, and for one night it’s probably fine. I was glad I’d only booked that long. For a longer stay, I wouldn’t recommend it: facilities are old and not especially clean, every room had a bad smell, and there wasn’t enough space for luggage. They gave me one small towel and wouldn’t replace it if I needed another. Even the locker setup still runs on handwritten notes. The rest is something to think twice about.

If you’re stuck with nowhere else to go at the last minute, this might work, but I’d rather spend the money at a 24-hour onsen and leave clean and relaxed. For 30 to 40 USD, the location is great, but those are basically the only selling points. I can suggest places that are a little cheaper and right on the subway line too. The capsule itself is dated and cramped, with almost no cushion. With the privacy screen closed it gets nearly pitch black. Mine had a TV, but I hit my head on it while trying to find a light. There were three switches for the TV, light, and air, and none worked, so I used my phone flashlight. At least the single outlet worked, which mattered because my batteries were drained. You hear everything, including people using the bathroom, showering, and running the hair dryer. The bathroom is quite a sight, and there are three pairs of pink clogs by it that I couldn’t figure out. A sign says not to wear the bathroom shoes onto the carpet by the shower. You don’t get earplugs or slippers. Check-in is done in a ledger by hand and takes longer. It starts at 5pm and ends at midnight, and they make clear you can’t check in if you miss the cutoff. The late start is odd, though there are storage lockers all over, so it’s manageable without large luggage. There is an elevator, at least. The front desk person was friendly enough, but made it VERY clear he didn’t speak English. He gave me a robe that only came down to my thigh, without asking my size, along with a small 12×12 washcloth and a toothbrush. You take your shoes off and put them in a locker, then the staff keep your key until checkout, so don’t expect to leave if you have an overnight emergency. On the female-only floor, I was told I could access only the 3rd floor. The English was clear on that. I’d skip it if possible. I ended up here because a booking went wrong and I had nowhere to stay between travels. You live and learn.

For me, this was the worst capsule hotel I’ve stayed at, and it wasn’t worth it. The location and price are the only positives, though you get what you pay for. I was assigned the top floor, which was incredibly hot and had no AC. As a 6’3 white man, I found the bathroom and locker room/spa area VERY small, old, and crusty. I had to force my backpack into the tiny locker. They only provided a small hand towel and lounge wear. The reception area was covered in handwritten Japanese signs, and the receptionist only spoke Japanese. That was fine, since she was very nice and helpful, and check-in and checkout were easy.