There’s something undeniably bizarre about capsule hotels: Rows upon rows of strangers sleeping in individual booths, each one fronted by a large transparent window through which other strangers can watch them. Yet the concept has become so popular in Japan that it’s now quite ordinary for business or budget travelers to spend a night in one these tiny sleeping spaces. If you can’t beat them, join them!
9h | nine hours, Kyoto
Nine Hours Kyoto is Japan’s most modern capsule hotel: a one-of-a-kind establishment with sleek interiors and monochrome décor. The hotel discriminates by gender, with separate floors and elevators for men and women. Guests are welcome to stay for up to 24 hours, and every capsule is equipped with a “Sleep Ambient Control System” to aid the efficient falling asleep and waking up processes.
(Main image: © Michael Francis/flickr) Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guide to Tokyo cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
