Top 5 Best Capsule Hotels in Tokyo: Ultimate Guide for Solo Travelers 2025
Ricky Tapping
The Solo Explorer & Japan Travel Expert
Planning a solo trip to Tokyo and looking for unique, budget-friendly accommodation? Capsule hotels are the perfect solution! These iconic Japanese sleeping pods offer an authentic experience that combines affordability, convenience, and cutting-edge design. In this comprehensive guide, I'll share the best capsule hotels in Tokyo based on my personal experiences exploring Japan's incredible capital city.
What Are Capsule Hotels?
Capsule hotels are a uniquely Japanese accommodation concept featuring small, pod-like sleeping spaces stacked in rows. Each capsule typically measures about 2 meters long, 1 meter wide, and 1 meter high—just enough space for sleeping and storing your belongings. While compact, modern capsule hotels offer surprising comfort with amenities like WiFi, reading lights, power outlets, and even entertainment systems.
Why Choose Capsule Hotels?
- • Budget-friendly: £20-50 per night vs £80+ for hotels
- • Prime locations in central Tokyo neighborhoods
- • Authentic Japanese cultural experience
- • Perfect for solo travelers and short stays
- • Modern amenities and cleanliness
Top 5 Best Capsule Hotels in Tokyo
1. Nine Hours Shinjuku North – Minimalist Perfection
Nine Hours pioneered the modern capsule hotel concept with their sleek, minimalist design. Located in bustling Shinjuku, this hotel offers pristine white capsules with premium mattresses, individual climate control, and a sophisticated aesthetic that feels more like a design hotel than budget accommodation. The award-winning design by Fumie Shibata has set the standard for contemporary capsule hotels worldwide.
Standout Features:
- Award-winning minimalist design by renowned designer Fumie Shibata
- Premium shower facilities with luxury Aesop toiletries and spacious changing areas
- 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station with easy access to all major train lines
- Individual climate control and reading lights in each capsule
- Secure luggage storage with 24-hour access and locker facilities
Why I Love It:
The attention to detail is incredible. From the moment you step inside, you're immersed in a zen-like atmosphere. The capsules are spotlessly clean, surprisingly spacious, and the premium bedding ensures a great night's sleep. Perfect for design enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates minimalist aesthetics.
2. The Millennials Shibuya – Smart Pod Innovation
The Millennials takes capsule hotels into the future with smart pods that adjust to your preferred sleeping position at the touch of a button. Located in trendy Shibuya, this hotel attracts a young, international crowd and features a vibrant common area perfect for meeting fellow travelers. The social atmosphere combined with high-tech amenities makes it ideal for solo travelers looking to connect with others.
Standout Features:
- Smart pods with adjustable positions - sit up to work or recline to sleep
- Spacious co-working lounge with free coffee, perfect for digital nomads
- Regular social events and meetups organized for guests
- Located in the heart of Shibuya, 3 minutes from the famous crossing
- High-speed WiFi throughout and USB charging ports in every pod
Why I Love It:
The social vibe here is unmatched. I've met travelers from all over the world in the common area. The smart pods are genuinely innovative - being able to sit up comfortably to read or work is a game-changer. Plus, the location puts you right in the middle of Tokyo's most exciting neighborhood.
3. Shinbashi Urban Hotel – Modern Comfort in Business District
Shinbashi Urban Hotel offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional Japanese hospitality in Tokyo's vibrant Shinbashi business district. This contemporary hotel features well-designed capsules with premium amenities and a professional atmosphere. Located near Shinbashi Station, you'll have excellent access to Ginza, Tokyo Tower, and the waterfront areas, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Standout Features:
- Modern capsules with contemporary design and comfortable bedding
- Prime Shinbashi location with direct access to multiple train lines
- Walking distance to Ginza shopping district and Tokyo Tower
- Professional atmosphere perfect for business travelers and tourists
- Clean facilities with modern amenities and 24-hour reception
Why I Love It:
Shinbashi Urban Hotel strikes the perfect balance between professional comfort and accessibility. The location is fantastic - you're in the heart of Tokyo's business district but with easy access to major tourist attractions. The capsules are modern and well-maintained, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming. It's an excellent choice for travelers who want a reliable, comfortable stay in a central location.
4. Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku – Literary Paradise
Book and Bed Tokyo is a dream come true for book lovers - imagine sleeping among 5,000 carefully curated books in English and Japanese. This unique bookstore-hotel hybrid concept creates an incredibly cozy atmosphere where you can browse books until you drift off to sleep. The capsules are tucked between bookshelves, creating intimate reading nooks that feel like your own private library.
Standout Features:
- 5,000+ books to browse including travel guides, novels, and manga
- Capsules integrated into bookshelf design for unique aesthetic
- Cozy cafe serving specialty coffee and light meals throughout the day
- Instagram-worthy design that's become famous worldwide
- Central Shinjuku location near shopping and entertainment districts
Why I Love It:
This place is pure magic for bibliophiles. I spent hours browsing the collection and discovered amazing Japanese authors I'd never heard of. The atmosphere is incredibly relaxing, and falling asleep surrounded by books is a unique experience. It's also one of the most photogenic capsule hotels - your Instagram followers will love it!
5. Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuya – Women-Only Sanctuary
Nadeshiko Hotel is a women-only capsule hotel that goes above and beyond with spa facilities, beauty amenities, and a safe, comfortable environment designed specifically for female travelers. Located in vibrant Shibuya, this hotel offers peace of mind with enhanced security while providing luxurious touches like complimentary beauty products, hair styling tools, and even a small onsen bath.
Standout Features:
- Women-only facility with 24-hour security and key card access
- Onsen-style communal bath and individual shower rooms with premium amenities
- Complimentary beauty products including skincare, makeup removers, and hair care
- Hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons available in vanity area
- Quiet lounge area perfect for relaxation and meeting other female travelers
Why I Love It:
As a solo female traveler, Nadeshiko Hotel provides the perfect combination of safety and luxury. The onsen bath is incredibly relaxing after exploring Tokyo all day, and having access to quality beauty products means I can pack lighter. The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive - I've had great conversations with other women travelers here. It's more than just accommodation; it's a community.
What to Expect in a Capsule Hotel
Inside Your Capsule
Standard Amenities
- • Comfortable mattress and pillow
- • Reading light and power outlets
- • WiFi access
- • Privacy curtain or door
- • Small shelf for belongings
Shared Facilities
- • Clean shower rooms
- • Secure luggage storage
- • Common lounge area
- • Vending machines
- • Some have onsen baths
Tips for Staying in Capsule Hotels
Pack Light
Capsules have limited space. Bring only essentials and use luggage storage for larger bags.
Bring Earplugs
Capsules aren't soundproof. Earplugs ensure a good night's sleep despite nearby guests.
Check-in Early
Popular capsule hotels fill up quickly. Book in advance and check in early to secure your spot.
Capsule Hotel Etiquette
- Remove shoes at entrance:
Follow Japanese custom and use provided slippers
- Keep noise to minimum:
Respect other guests, especially late at night
- Shower before using onsen:
If the hotel has a bath, wash thoroughly first
- Use lockers for valuables:
Capsules aren't lockable, so secure important items
Frequently Asked Questions
Are capsule hotels safe for solo travelers?
Yes! Capsule hotels are very safe with 24-hour reception, security cameras, and secure luggage storage. Many offer women-only floors or facilities for added comfort. Nadeshiko Hotel is exclusively for women, providing extra peace of mind.
Can I stay in a capsule hotel if I'm claustrophobic?
It depends on severity. Modern capsules are more spacious than you might think, with ventilation and the ability to sit up. Consider trying First Cabin for significantly more space - their cabins are much larger than traditional capsules and feel more like small rooms.
Do capsule hotels provide toiletries?
Yes! All five hotels provide basic toiletries. Nine Hours offers luxury Aesop products, while Nadeshiko Hotel provides extensive beauty amenities including skincare and hair styling tools. Always check beforehand for specific items.
Which capsule hotel is best for meeting other travelers?
The Millennials Shibuya is perfect for socializing! They have a large co-working lounge and regularly organize social events. Book and Bed Tokyo also has a great communal atmosphere where book lovers naturally connect.
How much luggage can I bring?
All five hotels have luggage storage areas. A carry-on sized bag is ideal for inside the capsule. First Cabin offers the most space if you have larger bags, while the others provide secure storage lockers for bigger suitcases.
Ready to Experience Tokyo's Best Capsule Hotels?
Each of these five capsule hotels offers something unique - from Nine Hours' minimalist perfection to Nadeshiko's women-only sanctuary. Whether you prioritize design, social atmosphere, space, literary charm, or safety, there's a perfect capsule hotel waiting for you in Tokyo. Book early as these popular spots fill up quickly!