THE CAPSULE HOTEL I CAN'T WAIT TO RETURN TO

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS HOTEL IS CURRENTLY CLOSED
Please note that children 12 and younger are unable to stay at this hotel.

Capsule hotels are almost always a fun gimmick and a bit of a “check” to cross off the list of wacky Japan things to do.
I ordinarily liken it to having a snooze in a phone box but this capsule/ pod hotel was a completely different experience!

The capsule/ pod hotel is called Hotel Zen Tokyo and once I arrived I can understand why they have chosen that name.
It feels slightly more like you’re checking into a spa, than a hotel.

I can’t recommend this hotel enough.
I did NOT expect it to be this comfortable!

They are completely English-friendly but the neighborhood is a real taste of real Japanese surburbia. This is definitely not something that you will get to experience if you’re in the middle of Shinjuku or Shibuya.

If you love beautiful modern design, you’ll enjoy exploring the way this hotel has been made and styled.
Even the reception desk is sleek and lovely.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS HOTEL IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

After I check in, I lay down for a minute before I meant to go to dinner and I fell asleep! There is just something about that comfy, comfy bed, the lighting and the quiet.
Unlike many other capsule hotels in Tokyo, each capsule has a curtain for privacy.

So why does it feel so luxurious for a capsule hotel?
Firstly, it is soooo new and clean. This is definitely NOT a hostel (nor is it giving off a hostel vibe.)
Secondly, the linen is high quality. It feels comfortable and special.
Thirdly, unlike most capsule hotels, the pods aren’t stacked on top of one another. the ceilings are high so it there is no reason to feel claustrophobic.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS HOTEL IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

I stayed in a superior pod with Tatami on a female only floor.
I actually only saw one of the other women once at the entrance. She was a new graduate who had come to Tokyo for a job interview and was getting all dolled up accordingly.
I loved having my own space ( and it was a lot bigger than I expected. I definitely did not feel cramped.)

There was a basic toiletry kit and towel waiting for me on my bed and there were two sets or power points and a lamp with a dimmer.

There is also free wifi.
There is a tiny little mirror on the wall too so, technically, you could put on makeup in your little pod if you wanted to.

The pod also has a little locker for valuables.

So what is the deal with a capsule hotel?
It’s an affordable way to stay in your own little room/space.
You stay in a little room on your own ( which does seem like a pity to not be able to snuggle with someone because the beds are so comfy! But its for single use only.)
You can book with a partner or friend but they will be sleeping in their own pod.
This hotel has mixed floors but you can request a women’s only floor if you prefer ( as I was travelling alone, this is what I did.) Only those on your floor are able to access that particular room with their card key.
This capsule hotel does not allow children younger than 12.
If your child is 13 or over they can stay but there is some paperwork to fill out.
Your pod is for sleeping so you’re not able to drink alcohol or eat while in your own capsule space.
If you stay for more than 1 night you’ll need to remember that it is not possible to stay in the bed during the daytime. The pods will be cleaned between 10am – 3pm.

At this hotel there are shower rooms with full amenities, a kitchenette with a microwave and kettle, a communal study/work space and a laundry with an iron.

How easy is the hotel to find?
It was so easy to find. I just took the subway to Ningyocho Station and took the elevator at exit A6 and it was right there!

How to get to and from the airport?
If coming from Narita, take the Airport Limousine Bus to Tokyo City Air Terminal

From there is it 5 minutes walk to the hotel. If you have a lot of luggage you could also take a cab from the bus stop and it will cost around 900 yen.

How easy is it to get around?
Very easy. Ningyocho Station is on the Hibiya line and the Toei Asakusa Line.
So what else is on the Hibiya line? Some of the most well known spots are Ueno, Akihabara, Tsukiji, Ginza, Roppongi, Ebisu, Naka-Meguro.
So what else is on the Asakusa line? Some of the most well known spots are Nihombashi and Asakusa.
How can I connect back to a JR line? Closest JR Station is JR Akihabara which is 3 mins on the subway and then 5 minutes walk. You could take a cab directly to the station for around 900 yen.

And what’s the area like?
Ningyocho is an old part of town and feels like the real Japan. Parts of it reminded me of the country town I lived for in a year when I was in high school. There are shops that have been making food or selling traditional wares and souvenirs for hundreds of years, but there are also more modern chain restaurants and Starbucks and convenience stores etc.
It’s a fantastic area to just allow your self to get “lost” in at night.

Are there convenience stores and restaurants near by?
Yes. The convenience stores are right around the corner.
There is a 24 hour sushi restaurant around the corner and ramen places less than 2 minutes walk away and an Indian restaurant called Ankitto that is open for dinner.
There is also an Irish style pub in the same street as the hotel that serves pizza and tex-mex style food.
Other chain restaurants close by are: Yadai Fuji Soba ( soba noodles and tempura served on rice), Cocoichi Curry ( Japanese curry), Yoshinoya ( Marinated Beef on Rice), Matsuya ( Marinated Meat on Rife.)
Cafes close by include: Doutor, St Marc Cafe, Starbucks, Excelsior, Cafe De Crie,
Supermarkets close by are Maruetsu Petit (120 metres away), Peacock Store Tornare Nihonbashi Hamacho (600 metres away,) Seijo Ishii ( 700 metres away)
There is also a Karaoke chain *Big Echo less than 3 minutes walk from the hotel.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS HOTEL IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

Does the hotel have a bar/ restaurant?
Yes and I went ! It is as modern and chilled as the hotel. The food is like high end tapas. It was really yummy.

My advice on what to bring/pack:

The hotel staff are happy to store large suitcases if they have the space. If you can help it, I would try and store a large suitcase at the front desk and then have a smaller bag with pjs, makeup, a book, a computer with headphones, phone chargers etc. This can either be kept in the locker outside the pod rooms.
Like I mention in my Preparing for Japan post, I recommend wearing easy on and off shoes.
There is no need to pack toiletries or towels. These are all provided. Hairdryers are also available in the shower rooms.
If you are watching your budget you could bring convenience stores or supermarket food to heat up and eat in the downstairs kitchen set-up. There is a microwave and a kettle.
Be sure to bring headphones for your phone as the idea is to be nice and quiet. If you needed to chat or take a work call there its a common area on the kitchen, laundry, bathroom floor.