May 22, 2020
Best Capsule Hotels in Kansai
An experience every visitor to Japan needs to have is a stay in a capsule hotel. These budget accommodation options provide you with a cubicle rather than a full-size room. Although they tend to be basic, they can be very comfortable and often provide you with everything you need, including a power outlet to charge your phone and perhaps even a personal TV. There are also some luxury capsule hotels that offer additional facilities.
First Cabin Midosuji Namba
The name First Cabin comes from the fact that this hotel gives you the experience of staying in the first class cabin on an airplane. For instance, the sleeping pods have curtains instead of doors. The pods are actually larger than those of most capsule hotels — they even have floor space. If you’re on a tight budget, though, you can stay in a business class room, which is more like a traditional pod.
Address: 4-2-1 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0076 (map link)
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 10:00 a.m.
Tsukimi Hotel
The best thing about Tsukimi Hotel is its location — right in the heart of Gyon, which is surrounded by temples, shrines, and other attractions. It stands out from other hotels in the area for its great price and extreme cleanliness. The pods all come with blackout curtains, earplugs, a sleeping mask, and a privacy screen to add to the comfort of your stay.
Address: 21 Tsukimicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0829 (map link)
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 10:00 a.m.
Kobe Sauna & Spa
An example of a luxury capsule hotel is Kobe Sauna & Spa. There are separate floors for men and women, each with a sauna and natural hot spring onsen. Other relaxation services are available for an additional charge. Guests to the capsule hotel receive a free breakfast buffet from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and unlimited tea and coffee until 11:45 a.m.
Address: 2-2-10 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe 650-0011 (map link)
Check in: 12:00 p.m.
Check out: 12:00 p.m.
Y’s Cabin Osaka Namba
Another capsule hotel with a spa is Y’s Cabin. It has a communal onsen and sauna (although only for men). A selling point for taller clients is that the beds are larger than at some other capsule hotels.
Address: 2-2-9 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0071 (map link)
Check in: 4:00 p.m.
Check out: 10:00 a.m.
Guesthouse Haru Kitamachi
One of the few capsule hotels in Nara is Guesthouse Haru Kitamachi. It combines a stay at a Japanese guesthouse with the experience of sleeping in a pod. The capsule hotel has all the facilities you need for a short stay, including WiFi, air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
Address: 1-2 Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8211 (map link)
Check in: 4:00 p.m.
Check out: 9:00 a.m.
It’s unlikely you’ll want to sleep more than one night in a pod, but capsule hotels are excellent if you’re city hopping or ever find yourself without accommodation. The above are all ideal options for exploring Kansai without breaking the bank.
Justin Hanus editor
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