An expert analysis based on customer reviews and knowledge of Japan
The Millennials Capsule Hotel
Introduction
Capsule hotels in Japan are a unique experience, providing the perfect balance between convenience, comfort, and value for money. But like many things in Japan, some places have gone above and beyond to create hotels that offer something more than just accommodation, with a focus on creative design, luxurious comforts, or subtle novelties.
So to help narrow down all the options, we've compiled this list of the coolest capsule hotels in Japan based on our expert knowledge combined with a thorough analysis of customer reviews. We've also filtered this list to ensure it only includes hotels that are conveniently located for sightseeing in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka.
The price range for these capsule hotels all hover around $50-100 USD per person.
The Best Capsule Hotels In Japan
1. The Millennials
The Millennials are some of the most sought-after capsule hotels in Japan, can you imagine combining the vibe and culture of a hostel with the facilities of an upmarket hotel? This is the perfect way to describe The Millennials, conveniently located in Tokyo, Kyoto, & Fukuoka. They offer free beer, social common areas, work and study spaces, and high-tech modern facilities. They even offer rentable Polaroid cameras. The Millennials are truly unique and amazing capsule hotels, and a shining example of how extraordinary Japanese hospitality can be.
• Highlights:
─  Located in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Fukuoka
─  Perfect for people who want a capsule experience with a trendy hostel vibe
─  Amazing high-tech facilities and various accommodation types
─  Social atmosphere and beautifully designed spaces
Review Quote:
"I loved staying at the Millennials! The location is fantastic - central, easy access, vibey, the capsule was super comfy, clean, high quality linen, the showers and toilets were nice, spacious, it was great to have access to a laundry room, and the best is that as a solo traveller, this setup gives me the choice to socialise with fellow travellers."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. First Cabin
The First Cabin capsule hotels are located all over Japan and are renowned for offering a first-class experience, and are often referred to as the best capsule hotels in Japan. Much like an airline, they have 3 levels of comfort: Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class. The different classes mostly refer to the amount of space and features you have in each pod. All the First Cabin hotels feature separate floors for men and women, a large public bath (sento) and shower facilities, communal spaces for work and eating, and a range of free amenities. If you're nervous about trying a capsule hotel and want the extra space and luxurious level of customer service, the First Cabin hotels are the perfect option.
• Highlights:
─  Located in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
─  Perfect for people who want to try a capsule hotel but are worried about the space
─  Amazing sento (public bath) facilities, awesome amenities, and communal spaces
─  High-end experience with 3 levels of comfort: Premium Economy, Business, and First Class
Review Quote:
This was my first time staying at a capsule hotel and it was WONDERFUL! Staff were friendly and helpful. The hotel was very clean and orderly. It had a restful, quiet energy suitable for recharging from busy days of sightseeing. I have claustrophobia so I booked the business class capsule and it felt cosy and welcoming. The spa facilities were well stocked with supplies and the public bath was lovely (I have a couple small tattoos and was allowed to use the facility). Complementary coffee, tea and snacks in the lounge completed the experience."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3. The Book And Bed
Want to feel like you're living inside some kind of fairy tale? The Book And Bed has become famous for invoking this feeling with its incredible design and decor. Your bed is literally part of the bookshelf. Along with the beds, you'll find various couches and chairs all seamlessly integrated with the books and decor. The design of the hostel has become its own unique attraction and also features a lovely cafe that offers free breakfast to all hostel guests. They have two super convenient locations, one in Tokyo in the heart of Shinjuku, and the other in Osaka.
• Highlights:
─  Located in Tokyo and Osaka
─  Perfect for people who want a themed hotel experience
─  Very convenient locations in the heart of Shinjuku and Osaka
─ Both hostels feature a lovely cafe offering free breakfast to all guests
Review Quote:
"It was such a gorgeous, unique place to stay! The staff were so kind and wonderful, they helped me out so much when I had some passport trouble, and I was so surprised at the amenities provided for the price ~ they even had complimentary skincare products. The café also had some really cool drinks and treats (made with bamboo charcoal!), and it was super conveniently located, only a five or ten minute walk from Shinjuku Station, right near Godzilla and the Cat Billboard. Wonderful stay!"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
4. The Glansit
The Glansit capsule hotels are perfectly located in both Tokyo and Kyoto. The Tokyo location is in the heart of Akihabara and the Kyoto location is in the downtown area with easy access to everything you could ask for. On top of the prime locations, the Glansit hotels offer classy, high-tech facilities and high-quality amenities at a really competitive price. The capsules give you heaps of privacy and the staff are kind and helpful, both of these properties consistently receive high reviews from travellers.
• Highlights:
─  Conveniently located in downtown Kyoto and Akihabara in Tokyo
─  Perfect for people who want great value-for-money and prime locations
─  Free drinks in a super comfortable lounge area
─ The Kyoto location features bathtubs and a rooftop terrace
Review Quote:
"Prime location, stunning modern facilities, clean, value for money, and professional staff. I stayed in the superior capsule room and I was grateful for the extra space. The facilities are cleaned regularly. I loved the beautiful ceramic bathtub in the men's bathroom. Plenty of bath towels and disposable toiletries for use, as well as a hairdryer and washing machine available. There's a lovely rooftop space. Amazing hotel."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
5. 9h Nine Hours - Narita Airport
The 9h Nine Hours is the epitome of the futuristic capsule hotel that Japan has become famous for. They have multiple locations around Japan, but by far the most popular is the one at Narita Airport. It's perfect for layovers or getting some rest while balancing your schedule around inconvenient flight times. The beds are comfy, the facilities are high-tech, and the design creates an interesting and unique experience.
• Highlights:
─  Located in Tokyo and Osaka (temporarily closed)
─  Perfect for Narita Airport layovers or inconvenient flight times
─  High-tech pods and comfy beds
─ Great value and unique design
Review Quote:
"This property exceeded my expectations. Easy to find in Narita airport, there are clear signs. Very helpful staff, they provide everything you need: towels, pyjamas, slippers, toothbrush. The place is super clean, showers have enough space and have all shower gels and shampoos. Capsules do not make noise so I slept very well. This is best place for a layover in Narita"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
