Stay in a CAPSULE HOTEL, Japan

Japan offers many unique experiences for travellers but staying in a Japanese capsule hotel is one experience not to be missed. Capsule Hotels comprise of individual blocks with just enough room to sleep and some include a tv inside. The capsules are stacked side by side in rows normally with one unit on top of the other. You use steps to get to the top (bunk) capsule. Your luggage is stored in a separate locker. The capsule is sealed with a door or a curtain and bathroom facilities are normally shared.

Capsule hotels are favoured by business men and some are actually male only, but others just have separate floors for men and women. So check out our pick of top capsule hotels in Japan below.

1. Capsule Hotels in Tokyo - Asakusa Area
Capsule Hotel Asakusa River Side is only a few minutes walk from the Askausa subway station. It has 140 capsules with the male and female capsules located on separate floors. This Tokyo capsule hotel in Askausa is located overlooking the Sumida river and close to the famous Buddhist Senso-ji temple. Beside the temple there's a small carnival called Hanayashiki with rides and games. So there will be plenty to keep you occupied nearby.

2. Capsule Hotels in Tokyo - Shinjuku Area
This MALE ONLY capsule hotel Green-Plaza-Shinjuku is located in the lively district of Shinjuku with 630 capsules. It's only 5 minutes walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit and subway Shinjuku Station. Make sure you don't miss the roof-top open-air hot tub and onsen hot spring bath.

3. Capsule Hotels in Kyoto
The Nine Hours Kyoto Teramachi is a brand new modern capsule hotel in Kyoto just opened in December 2009. The capsule hotel's philosophy is included in it’s name “Nine Hours”: 1hour to shower, 7hours sleep, 1hour rest. This capsule hotel in Kyoto has separate male and female floors. It’s centrally located only 2 minutes walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station or about 10 minutes by taxi from JR Kyoto Station.

4. Capsule Hotels in Osaka
Capsule Hotel Asahi Plaza Shinsaibashi is centrally located in Shinsaibashi, Osaka and is Osaka's biggest Capsule hotel with 441 rooms. It has separate areas for male and female guests. Avail of the free sauna and baths before you snuggle up in your capsule which open until 9pm. Food and drink are available after check-in in the lounge on the second floor until midnight.

5. Capsule Hotels in Kobe
Capsule Hotel Kobe Sannomiya is another male only capsule hotel in Kobe. It's within walking distance to shopping malls and the top sightseeing spots. It has 104 capsule rooms over 2 floors. This capsule hotel has a large communal bathing area and sauna. There is no restaurant but you can bring in your own food and eat it in the lounge.
Source: hostelworld.com