Researched guide · Checked on Nov 10, 2026
Quick answer
A capsule hotel is a place where you sleep in a small private pod instead of a room. Toilets and showers are shared.
It is usually cheaper than a regular hotel, but prices change by date. Check the hotel’s own booking page.
Your bag goes in a locker. Large suitcases are normally left at reception.
Women-only capsule hotels exist in Tokyo, such as 9h nine hours woman Kanda and woman Shinjuku.
At 9h nine hours, check-in starts at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00. Other hotels have their own times.
What is a capsule hotel?
A capsule hotel is a Japanese hotel where you sleep in a compact pod instead of a room. A standard pod usually has a mattress, a pillow, power outlets and Wi-Fi, and sometimes a TV. A curtain or a small door gives you privacy, but the pod is not soundproof.
The first capsule hotel opened in 1979 in the Umeda area of Osaka. It was made for businessmen who missed the last train home. Today, many travelers use them, and newer hotels have stylish designs and English booking sites.
Toilets and showers are shared. Many hotels lend you loungewear (simple pajamas) and towels, and some have a lounge.
Capsule hotels suit solo travelers staying a night or two. For other types of places to stay, see our guide to accommodation in Japan.
How much does a capsule hotel cost in Tokyo?
A capsule hotel is usually cheaper than a regular hotel room, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). The exact price depends on the hotel, the day of the week and the season, so we do not list a fixed price here.
The best way to see today’s price is the hotel’s official booking page. For example, 9h nine hours lets you search by location and date on its own site.
Two things to know before you compare:
- You pay per person. One pod is for one person.
- Short-stay plans exist. Some hotels sell a few hours for a nap, or a shower only. At 9h nine hours, the nap plan starts from 15:00 and ends by 21:00 at the women-only locations.
For a full trip budget, see our Tokyo travel budget guide.
Capsule hotel or business hotel?
| Capsule hotel | Business hotel | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you sleep | A pod for one person | A private room |
| Bathroom | Shared | Usually in the room |
| Luggage | Locker; large bags at reception | In your room |
| Best for | Solo travelers, 1–2 nights | Couples, longer stays, more privacy |
If you travel as a couple or carry a big suitcase, a small hotel room is often easier. See our hotel picks in Shinjuku and other areas.
How to stay in a capsule hotel (step by step)
Staying in a capsule hotel is simple, but the routine is different from a normal hotel. Here is the flow at 9h nine hours, a capsule hotel chain with several Tokyo locations. Other hotels are similar, but check their rules.
- Check in: From 15:00. If you will arrive after midnight, 9h asks you to tell them in advance.
- Store your luggage: Put your bag in your locker. If it does not fit, staff can keep it at the front desk.
- Get ready: Free towels, loungewear, slippers and earplugs (ask for earplugs). Shampoo, conditioner and body soap are in the shower area. A toothbrush costs extra.
- Sleep: Close the roll screen of your pod. Keep your phone silent.
- Check out: By 11:00. Late check-out is not available.
- Cleaning time: The capsule area closes from 11:00 to 15:00 for cleaning, so you must go out or wait in the lounge.
The 9h location at Narita Airport has earlier times: check-in from 14:00 and check-out by 10:00.
Etiquette and rules
- Keep quiet. Use headphones for music or video.
- Be careful with alarms. Set your phone to vibrate. Some pods have a light that wakes you gently.
- No strong-smelling food. Many hotels ban food inside the pods.
- No photos of other guests. Turn off the shutter sound.
- Do not leave valuables in the pod. Use your locker.
- Tattoos: Rules differ by hotel. Check before you book if you plan to use a shared bath.
Each hotel explains its own rules at check-in.
Capsule hotels for women in Tokyo
Yes, women can stay in capsule hotels. Capsule hotels used to be for men only, but now there are mixed hotels with separate floors or rooms, and women-only hotels.
| Hotel | Where | Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9h nine hours woman Kanda | Kanda | 1 min walk from the East exit of JR Kanda Station | Women only. Stay and nap plans. Breakfast option |
| 9h nine hours woman Shinjuku | Shinjuku | 2 min walk from exit C8 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station; 9 min from Shinjuku Station | Women only. Lounge. Sleep checkup plan |
At other 9h locations, women can use women-only areas, except at men-only locations. Source: 9h nine hours official site.
For more on traveling alone, see our solo travel guide and Is Tokyo safe to visit?
Where to find capsule hotels in Tokyo
Capsule hotels are usually near train stations in big cities. In Tokyo, the 9h nine hours booking page lists these locations:
- Shinjuku: woman Shinjuku (women only) and Shinjuku-North
- Kanda: woman Kanda (women only), one stop from Tokyo Station
- Akasaka, Suidobashi, Hamamatsucho and Ningyocho
- Shinagawa: “Shinagawa station for men” (men only)
- Narita Airport: with earlier check-in and check-out times (see above)
There are other brands too. For example, The Millennials Shibuya has “Smart Pods” with a 120 cm wide bed, a 4F lounge with breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30, and free coffee and cocoa 24 hours. It is a step up from a basic capsule.
Area guides: Shinjuku · Shibuya · Asakusa
Tips for your first capsule hotel stay
- Pack light. A backpack or small carry-on is easiest to fit in a locker.
- Plan your day around cleaning time. You may not be able to rest in your pod in the middle of the day.
- Tell the hotel if you arrive late. Some hotels, like 9h, ask for notice after midnight.
- Bring or borrow earplugs. Pods are not soundproof.
- Charge your phone in the pod. 9h pods have a power outlet and a USB port.
- Need to wash clothes? See our coin laundry guide.
FAQ
Are capsule hotels in Tokyo safe?
Many travelers stay in them. Your bag goes in a locker, and large suitcases stay at reception. Do not leave valuables in your pod, because a curtain or screen is not a lock. If you prefer, choose a women-only hotel or a women-only floor.
Can women stay in capsule hotels in Tokyo?
Yes. Some hotels are women-only, such as 9h nine hours woman Kanda and woman Shinjuku, and many mixed hotels have women-only floors or areas. A few hotels are still for men only, so check before you book.
How much does a capsule hotel cost in Tokyo?
It is usually cheaper than a regular hotel, but the price changes by date and hotel. Check the hotel’s official booking page for the night you need. You pay per person.
What time is check-in and check-out?
It depends on the hotel. At 9h nine hours in Tokyo, check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00, and the capsule area is closed for cleaning from 11:00 to 15:00.
Can couples stay in a capsule hotel?
Each person gets their own pod, and many hotels separate men and women. If you want to stay together, a small hotel room is a better choice.
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Sources
Information checked November 10, 2026. Times, plans and rules can change, so check each hotel’s official site before you book.
