Has anyone here ever stayed in a Japanese capsule hotel?...

[dave4shmups]

So I've been doing a lot of armchair world traveling with Booking.com's cool app. I looked in Tokyo, and the cheapest hotels, of course, are the capsule hotels. While I don't suffer from claustrophobia, I, like everyone else, tend to move when I'm asleep, and I would be concerned about getting injured in one of those capsules, or at least pulling a muscle really bad.

Perhaps there are cities close to Tokyo that have cheaper "regular" rooms? Looking through the lodging options in Tokyo, I didn't find anything like a European hostel, that has a standard bed, so I'm assuming that they just don't exist in Japan-but I could be wrong.

[sikraiken]

I stayed in a capsule hotel in Okinawa, Japan. I personally found it surprisingly comfortable. I'm 6'3" / 191cm. It was probably about two meters in length and about one meter in width. There was a pull down wooden slat thing to give you some privacy.



There are dorm and private hostel type places to stay in/near Tokyo that aren't capsules.
http://www.hostels.com/tokyo/japan

I can't make any recommendations since I've only stayed in normal hotels in Tokyo.

[zinger]

If I'm travelling alone in Japan I usually stay at capsule hotels, which has always been cheap and comfortable enough for me. The biggest problem for me is that there's not much room to keep your luggage (usually only a small locker), which can get annoying if you're staying for longer than just a few days (in which case I like to really settle down, make myself at home, spread out all my stuff in an appartment or at least a private room). If you're planning on visiting many different cities, spend most of your time awake exploring them (rather than your hotel facilities) I think capsule hotels are ideal. All the ones I've stayed at have had public baths too.

[dave4shmups]

Well that's all good news! I'm 6'1'' tall, so I think I'd be fine.

[boagman]

So because I'm the curious sort, I have to ask a couple of questions:

1. What do these places run per night?
2. What do you do if someone is a snorer (like me)? It would seem to be pretty disruptive to everyone else.
3. Are you expected to sleep fully clothed?

[GaijinPunch]

You can stay in an airbnb cheaper. I just did a quick weekend and my mates spare couches were all taken, so I needed a cheap place for two nights. I stayed in a spot that was more or less a gaijin house but I got a full room where I could open my suitcase, throw stuff around, stretch about, etc. It was walking distance from Komaba Toudaimae and Yoyogi Uehara (about 2km from Shibuya station). Maybe not ideal if you're intimidated by new terrain, but easy with Google Maps. Even w/ the fees it ran $96 USD for the two nights (each night after that was $38 I believe). The capsule hotel in Dogenzaka is like 4000 yen a night. Admittedly, you're right there and that might be worth something, but there were times I just wanted to escape, chill out, and more importantly stretch. Also: sharing a kitchen and shower with at most 8 other people, and none of them salarymen.

[boagman]

You can stay in an airbnb cheaper. I just did a quick weekend and my mates spare couches were all taken, so I needed a cheap place for two nights. I stayed in a spot that was more or less a gaijin house but I got a full room where I could open my suitcase, throw stuff around, stretch about, etc. It was walking distance from Komaba Toudaimae and Yoyogi Uehara (about 2km from Shibuya station). Maybe not ideal if you're intimidated by new terrain, but easy with Google Maps. Even w/ the fees it ran $96 USD for the two nights (each night after that was $38 I believe). The capsule hotel in Dogenzaka is like 4000 yen a night. Admittedly, you're right there and that might be worth something, but there were times I just wanted to escape, chill out, and more importantly stretch. Also: sharing a kitchen and shower with at most 8 other people, and none of them salarymen.

WOW!!! That's incredibly cheap, as I've heard that lodging (and everything else) in Japan is ridiculously high-priced. That's interesting to me.

[rancor]

I've heard that lodging (and everything else) in Japan is ridiculously high-priced.

Common held misconception. Softdrink just stayed with me for a few days, and he was shocked by how cheap everything actually was. I suppose that if you're staying in the touristy areas, you're gonna get burned - But I honestly think that many things here are cheaper than in my home country. And better quality too!

[ZacharyB]

But I honestly think that many things here are cheaper than in my home country. And better quality too!

That doesn't go for fruits and vegetables though, does it? Japan being an island nation...

[Khan]

I stayed in a capsule hotel twice in my 2 week stay back on 2014, once in 9hr capsule hotel in Kyoto which wasnt bad, however my second time was in 9hr in Narita the day before I had to fly back. The second time was pretty bad as the hotel was booked with some inconsiderate assholes, I think they were a mix south american and some europeans staying at that time and as I had very little sleep the night before i decided to crash at a sensible time (around 10pm) however most of the neighbours in the capsules consisting of said nationalities decided it would be a good idea to talk amongst themselves and play films on their laptops really loud.....needless to say I didnt sleep very well before I had to fly back :/

I shall be returning to Tokyo later this year but i doubt I'll do the capsule hotel thing again, infact ill stick to proper hotel rooms.

[sven666]

Www.hostelworld.com

even the cheapest hostels have a great quality in japan, especially if you ever been around the rest of asia or Europe and know what cheap hostels there can be like.

[GaijinPunch]

I've heard that lodging (and everything else) in Japan is ridiculously high-priced.

Common held misconception. Softdrink just stayed with me for a few days, and he was shocked by how cheap everything actually was. I suppose that if you're staying in the touristy areas, you're gonna get burned - But I honestly think that many things here are cheaper than in my home country. And better quality too!

The misconception is still a bit of a misconception. Japan has deflated for over 20 years, while the rest of the world has inflated. This has helped a lot in most areas, but there are still tons of things that will make tourists cringe: Taxis are still fucking ridiculous, as well as utility bills, moving costs (2 months rent, locator fees, maybe even key money, no light fixtures, appliances or even fucking drapes included, etc.), the train to the airport (although I'd say the Skyliner is getting down to livable territory), groceries in general, beer/alcohol at the bars (beers are small and drinks are weak, in general), and the ultimate LOL - owning a vehicle. Oh, and the ultimate ultimate LOL - having a kid. Hotels are kind of in the middle, but for a proper hotel it's hard to imagine anything under the 10,000 range in a good part of the city that's not a shit hole, and of course, the whole "charge per person not room" bullshit. This is where airbnb is making a huge dent in their market share, and is why the hotel lobby has been whining to the old boys club.

Where Japan actually excels and is more affordable than at least the states, is tobacco (oh boy), eating out (especially lunch), local trains, hard liquor from the booze shop (very little tax compared to the west), and a handful of other things. Japan is really good at nickel-and-diming the shit out of you, so while a lot of things seem cheap (like rent that hasn't moved in 20 years) when you add in all the other costs involved, it's still a joke compared to even pricier cities in other cuntries.

And better quality too!

This is the flip side. Japan has high quality stuff. Produce is the one I always use to illustrate. Kinokuniya's prices make my head spin, but the quality of their produce is leaves in Whole Foods and the like in the dust. For realz.

[dave4shmups]

Well, I just downloaded the Hostels.com app to my iPad, and there are a lot of great hostels in Tokyo! However, with a cheap hostel, even one that's well rated, I have worries about bringing back bed bugs. I don't know how much of a problem they are in Japan; they're a huge problem here in the United States-in areas both wealthy and poor.

[NTSC-J]

You won't get injured in a capsule, there are no bed bugs, and smartphones probably won't ruin your sleep.

[SuperDeadite]

Stayed in one right in Shinjuku once. It was right on the edge of Kabukicho, and it was pretty much all drunk businessmen in their 60's or older. By the time I checked in I just went straight to sleep, no real stories to tell. The bath was a sento though, so the old men were checking out the size of my junk. Might be a bit awkward for a n00b, but at this point, I rarely even notice those experiences anymore.

As for the cost of living. I have 2 kids and 2 cars. XD And as of last month, I now have PR, so time to go through the hellish cluster-fuck of buying a house lol.

[GaijinPunch]

As for the cost of living. I have 2 kids and 2 cars. XD And as of last month, I now have PR, so time to go through the hellish cluster-fuck of buying a house lol.

Let the teeth sucking begin!

(Congrats on PR!)

[SuperDeadite]

There is teeth sucking but only from the Japanese sheep employees. The actual owner and leader of the company is in his mid-40s and quite recognizes the superiority of western business practices. Just three dinner meetings with him was all it took for my former manager to get the "transfer treatment." It's mostly a property development firm, which makes getting a house a bit less of a pain in the ass then normally. Just no hope for a loan without PR, so had to wait until now.

[GaijinPunch]

There is teeth sucking but only from the Japanese sheep employees. The actual owner and leader of the company is in his mid-40s and quite recognizes the superiority of western business practices. Just three dinner meetings with him was all it took for my former manager to get the "transfer treatment." It's mostly a property development firm, which makes getting a house a bit less of a pain in the ass then normally. Just no hope for a loan without PR, so had to wait until now.

So glad I don't deal w/ that shit anymore. My old boss who grew up here in Chicago, but has lived in Tokyo a similar number of years to me was back in town. He was like, "I never considered Chicago a relaxing town... until now." Life just takes more effort there. At least you don't have to worry about getting car jacked.

[quash]

Taxis are still fucking ridiculous

No argument here.

as well as utility bills

Just electricity in my experience, though I've heard of some people getting charged obscene amounts for gas.

and the ultimate LOL - owning a vehicle.

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by this. The prices of cars out here are ridiculously low if you're just looking for a commuter. Even as someone who wanted a sports car, I managed to snag a good condition 2000 MR-S for ~$5000 which is under the going rate in the US. Insurance is cheaper here on average than in the US and shaken is only bi-annual (and not a whole lot anyways).

Registration can hurt if you have a larger car, but for the most part you'll be paying no more than ~$250, which, coincidentally, is the same as what it would have cost me in my home state of California to register a vehicle in my name.

What does unequivocally suck is gas prices. Tolls and road tax can be a pain too, though at least out here I can see where that money goes. I can daily drive a car with full racing suspension (meaning all rubber is replaced with spherical bushings) without feeling like my car's going to fall apart.

This is the flip side. Japan has high quality stuff. Produce is the one I always use to illustrate. Kinokuniya's prices make my head spin, but the quality of their produce is leaves in Whole Foods and the like in the dust. For realz.

I haven't been terribly impressed by the produce here on average, though I am fortunate enough to have a decent produce stand at the bottom of the hill from my house, so I haven't had to venture out much for it. I've heard good things about Kinokuniya but haven't been to one yet.

[quash]

Anyways, OP, the real broke gaijin tech is to bum in whatever net cafe is having a promotional rate that day. You might end up sleeping on a reclining chair, but if you luck out and get a flat room you can spread out some.

Assuming you're traveling alone and are a light packer, it may just be the cheapest way to stay.

[dave4shmups]

Well, I did find out some very helpful info about taking my anti-anxiety medications into Japan whenever I visit. They have restrictions on bringing in psychotropic medications. I initially emailed the Japanese Consulate here in Denver, CO and they referred me to a branch of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. I emailed them all of the medications that I take, using the non-generic names. They got back to me and said that as long as I don't bring in more then one month's worth of the medications, I don't have to apply for a permit. I also don't need to bring in a note from my doctor.

[GaijinPunch]

Just electricity in my experience, though I've heard of some people getting charged obscene amounts for gas.

There's really nothing else... I guess water, but that is cheap. It is a fucking island after all.

and the ultimate LOL - owning a vehicle.

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by this. The prices of cars out here are ridiculously low if you're just looking for a commuter. Even as someone who wanted a sports car, I managed to snag a good condition 2000 MR-S for ~$5000 which is under the going rate in the US. Insurance is cheaper here on average than in the US and shaken is only bi-annual (and not a whole lot anyways).

Buying a used car is cheap. Owning a car (used or not) in Tokyo, is not. Very not. If you live in the city you need to bank on upwards of 100,000 a month once you throw in shaken, insurance, gas, parking and tolls. Out in the boondocks (even out of the 23 wards), it's likely cheaper, but if you live in the city it's close to as expensive as a waifu. To quote a friend of mine, "I take taxis EVERYWHERE, and it's still cheaper than owning a car".

I haven't been terribly impressed by the produce here on average

You're buying the wrong stuff then.

[rancor]

Buying a used car is cheap. Owning a car (used or not) in Tokyo, is not. Very not. If you live in the city you need to bank on upwards of 100,000 a month once you throw in shaken, insurance, gas, parking and tolls.

I'm not sure where you heard this - but as you know, I live in Tokyo and have two cars. You're not even close. lol. 1. You don't pay yearly shaken on a new car - only every 3 years, and it only gets expensive if you cant pass smog check. 2. Insurance is no worse than USA. Gas isn't that bad either - especially on the little Suzuki that gets seemingly 70 miles to the gallon. Parking is free at home. Tolls? I suppose, if you're zooming around on the highway everywhere - but I'm not.

The real kick in the balls is getting a drivers license. >$5000 once you're through with everything.

[SuperDeadite]

Well for us gaijin, a license isn't so bad. As an American I had to take the test and it was annoying, but I passed on my 2nd attempt and it was only ￥2,000 each time.

I drive a 2.4L, so I pay ￥45,000 yearly on emissions taxes and shaken is about ￥100,000 every 2 years. Bullshit, but insurance is way lower then what I'd be paying back home. Gas is pricey, but any reputable company will pay your commute costs. Getting an ETC for the high-way will save you quite a bit on vacation road-trips though.

The biggest trap most Japanese car owners fall into is being ignorant and falling for the lies of dirty mechanics. Back when I was single in my old 16 year old Pajero Mini, I simply went to the gas-station to have my winter tires put on. The mechanic then went on this rant how my muffler was bad and wouldn't pass shaken. Even though my car did pass shaken just 2 months prior. And at my next shaken after that 2 years later? The muffler passed. LOL.

[GaijinPunch]

I'm not sure where you heard this - but as you know, I live in Tokyo and have two cars. You're not even close. lol. 1. You don't pay yearly shaken on a new car - only every 3 years, and it only gets expensive if you cant pass smog check. 2. Insurance is no worse than USA. Gas isn't that bad either - especially on the little Suzuki that gets seemingly 70 miles to the gallon. Parking is free at home. Tolls? I suppose, if you're zooming around on the highway everywhere - but I'm not.

I've never lived in a place that had parking for less than 40,000 a month (if it had it at all). Admittedly, if you have a house with a parking space that knocks a HUGE chunk out of it. How many people can say that? Less than 10% of friends of mine could say they do that... I realize some wards are better than others... Katsushika-ku is basically an old folks home, and cheap houses are abundant. I've only met one person that's lived there though: a 75 year old man. For us urbanites, this is a major cost. Maybe prices have come down a bit... I doubt it though.

What do you spend in parking when you actually take it somewhere? You know, the actual cost of the car? Some department stores will validate if you buy something, but I've gone out w/ friends to a bar, and just to go have a few drinks you're looking at like 1200 yen an hour. That adds up quickly if you're not lugging your mates around to split it. Get too drunk and leave it over night? There's a cool 1-man note gone.

Well for us gaijin

What do you pay for parking at home?

[rancor]

What do you spend in parking when you actually take it somewhere? You know, the actual cost of the car?

I honestly don't think I've paid for parking in 2017. I did leave it at Narita airport for 3 weeks earlier this month, but that only cost me 7k, and I got a free car wash out of it. Admittedly, I don't drive deep into the city much. I work in Chiba (free parking), and I only take the car shopping when we're going out for big stuff (Costco in Saitama, or trawling countryside Hard-Offs). I take my bike to the supermarket, and we've got that home delivery thing going as well. Going out drinking? I walk.
I dunno.. I don't really see having a car (or two) as that big of a drain here in Tokyo. Maybe I'm just in a unique situation.

[GaijinPunch]

Maybe I'm just in a unique situation.

I'm sure there's ways to do it right... but the few friends of mine that drive quite a bit (live/work/play all in Tokyo) it is them constantly shelling out dough. One guy has his mom's car as she can't drive it any more, but has the parking spot. The other people I know that LOVE their fucking rides were ex-military that would drive in from Machida/Hachioji etc., park at work on Friday, and then take it out Friday night. I think they said they were around 10,000 yen into the night before the first drink. Stupid. One of those guys told me "having a car here is freedom" he'd drive around looking for the cheapest parking which was somewhere around 2500 yen... and couldn't drink that much b/c he had to drive home for an hour. Fuck that...

[quash]

The biggest trap most Japanese car owners fall into is being ignorant and falling for the lies of dirty mechanics. Back when I was single in my old 16 year old Pajero Mini, I simply went to the gas-station to have my winter tires put on. The mechanic then went on this rant how my muffler was bad and wouldn't pass shaken. Even though my car did pass shaken just 2 months prior. And at my next shaken after that 2 years later? The muffler passed. LOL.

Thankfully, I have a good mechanic, though he takes his sweet time on things. I have heard about this kind of thing, but if you know beforehand what is and isn't allowed you can shut it down real fast.

The other people I know that LOVE their fucking rides were ex-military that would drive in from Machida/Hachioji etc., park at work on Friday, and then take it out Friday night. I think they said they were around 10,000 yen into the night before the first drink. Stupid. One of those guys told me "having a car here is freedom" he'd drive around looking for the cheapest parking which was somewhere around 2500 yen... and couldn't drink that much b/c he had to drive home for an hour. Fuck that...

Gotta find the cheap parking areas if you're gonna go to Tokyo, that's for sure. One of the lots next to Mikado is my go-to anytime I drive to Tokyo. Last time I was there it was 200 yen an hour.

Most of my driving is either within Yokohama or elsewhere in the prefecture, so I don't have to worry about that so much. I also have a parking spot on the property of the house I rent, so that's nice.

You're buying the wrong stuff then.

I was hoping Ito Yokado could be my one stop, but the produce there really isn't anything to write home about. Can't beat the salmon, though.

[GaijinPunch]

Gotta find the cheap parking areas if you're gonna go to Tokyo, that's for sure. One of the lots next to Mikado is my go-to anytime I drive to Tokyo. Last time I was there it was 200 yen an hour.

Well, lucky for you car owners it seems you the standard thing to do w/ a 25+ year old home is to knock it down and make a 4 car parking lot.

I was hoping Ito Yokado could be my one stop, but the produce there really isn't anything to write home about. Can't beat the salmon, though.

Try a department store, and pay up a bit. Don't bother w/ things like mikans, apples or bananas. They're nice but the high dollar stuff isn't what makes you jizz in your pants. The seedless grapes, nashi if you're into that (I'm not) and most of all, the honeydew melons. Holy shit...

[dave4shmups]

Does Japan have a national health care system?