Japan is synonymous with eccentric things – one of them being the futuristic looking space saving Capsule Hotel. When I first heard about it years back I thought it would be claustrophobic and I wouldn’t be comfortable staying there. But still, I wanted to try it. After all, how can you judge a book by its cover? So after doing my online research, I booked Oak Hostel Cabin for my Autumn 2016 trip to Tokyo.
Here is my first-hand experience of staying at a Capsule Hotel in Tokyo for the very first time:
Table of Contents
WHY Oak Hostel Cabin?
- Location: A 10-minute walk from Kayabacho Metro Station, Oak Hostel Cabin is centrally located to city attractions like Asakusa, Akihabara, Shinjuku, making it an ideal place to stay in Tokyo
- Budget: Japan is an expensive country and this hostel doesn’t pinch too much in your pocket
- Reviews: It is one of the top rated hostels online. I hardly came across any negative reviews
- Staff: The multilingual staff was very courteous and answered all my queries patiently long before I stayed with them. They even helped me plan my city excursions
The famous Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa are just 20 minutes away from the capsule hotel
WHAT do you get?
- Capsule pod: The hostel had five floors out of which three were dedicated to 86 capsule pods – female dormitory, male dormitory and mixed dormitory. Each capsule was made of reinforced plastic and from inside it looked like an airplane’s cockpit. Capsules were stacked one on top of each other, which looked a little cramped from outside, but once I was inside, it did not feel small at all. I slept like a baby for the three days I was there. For privacy, there was a sliding curtain. The area was well lit and the capsule had its own charging port, air-conditioning, and music system. I was provided with a locker and luggage space in front of my capsule. Maintaining silence was a must.
Oak Hostel Cabin Mixed Dormitory Capsule, Tokyo, Japan
- Facilities: In a hostel price I got three star hotel facilities – Drinks vending machines, high speed Wi-Fi, locker, smoking area, furnished kitchen with everything one needs for cooking, bathrooms with hot and cold shower, washlet fitted toilets, basic toiletries, dryers, washing machine for laundry, cozy lounge area with comfortable seating, bike and Kimono rentals and assistance in planning city tours
Lounge Area of Oak Cabin Hostel, Tokyo
Common Kitchen Area, Oak Hostel cabin
Mixed Bathroom and Laundry Area, 5th Floor, Oak Hostel Cabin, Tokyo
- Others: 7*11, Lawson and restaurants were in the proximity so I could buy my food anytime.
HOW to book?
- You can book directly by visiting their website https://oakhostel.com/cabin/
- You can book through any third party website like Agoda, TripAdvisor or hostelworld.
- Things to note:
- Check-in time is 15:00 pm to 0:30 am and check out time is 6:00 am to 11:00 am. The hostel is very particular about the timings. So if you are going out then better check out early and keep your luggage in the storage area. Else you’ll be charged for an extra day
- Book in advance. Usually, it’s fully booked over the weekend
- You can either pay by credit card or in Japanese Yen
The lounge area of the capsule hotel – Oak Hostel Cabin, Tokyo
My first Experience of Staying at a Capsule Hotel in Tokyo was wonderful and I would recommend this quirky different style of living to anyone who likes to experiment.
Looking for more options? Do check out Where to stay in Tokyo.
Have you ever stayed at such a quirky place? I would love to hear from you.
Read More:
If you want to read some more really cool stories about Japan, don’t forget to read
When and where to see Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Offbeat Japan: Discovering the offbeat Autumn beauty of Hokkaido
Open Season is the best time to visit Japan
My first Experience of Staying at a Capsule Hotel in Tokyo
Get a peek into the forgotten side of Asakusa, Tokyo
A step-by-step guide for multi-visit Japan Visa
Have you been to Japan? I would love to know your thoughts.
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I have heard a lot about these capsule hotels of Japan. I would love to try it myself. I always look for bizzare and quirky during my travel. I am sure Japan has so many quirks to offer. I also loved your post on Japanese toilets. That was hilarious and information packed.