You are going to Japan. Or, you are not but planning? For me, Tokyo is one of those must-visit places. Known for its quirks and unique innovations, Tokyo is a city that leaves anyone in wonder and amazement. The one thing that really stood out for me during my time in Japan was how much it exceeded my expectations. A city full of juxtapositions from ultra-modern views to traditional temples, Tokyo was full of surprises. I was expecting the unfamiliar but I knew I had romanticised the trip so much in my head, that I felt sure that it won’t necessarily meet those standards - oh how I was wrong!
Tokyo is beautiful, unique, weird, surreal, overwhelming and so much more. On Instagram (@ensemblemagazineuk) I asked you in a poll which city you would like me to share more about in this Travel & Food segment, and the most popular choice was Tokyo! So, I share with you the first of the #Japantravel series. To begin with, I wanted to share with you the ultimate unique stay in Tokyo. Better than any 5* star hotel or quirky Airbnb stay you can find. This is a must-try (even if it’s for one night) I would recommend it to anyone, regardless of your budget. Add this to your travel itinerary and/or bucket list!
Tokyo’s Capsule Hotel
There are many capsule hotel options in Tokyo. We went for the 9hr chain that is ultra-modern, sleek, and minimalist. We particularly liked this choice because it looked like what I imagined the capsule experience to be. The whole vibe was so futuristic and modernised, that we ended up staying here for the entire time we were in the city (5 nights). The entire experience was comfortable and we settled right in. The sleeping pods were spacious and super quiet, so you can expect to have the sleep of your dreams.
Find out more here: http://ninehoursshinjukunorth.hotelsoftokyo.com/en/
What's It Like?
When you enter you are greeted in a beautiful, no-frills reception area with ceiling-to-floor windows overlooking the city. The location we went for was in North Shinjuku. We found ourselves to be well situated and accessible to all local tourist attractions. Most places were roughly 3-5 stops away on the subway. Our first reactions to this place were of awe, as we only paid about £45 a night! We felt that this hotel is not primarily for tourists, you will see students or young professionals who have come to the city staying here. Therefore, we would say if you are looking for a non-touristic Japanese experience, then this capsule hotel may be the one for you. Behind the reception, there were vast spaces for people to quietly work. Whilst we weren’t there to work or study, we automatically felt this need to be productive. The atmosphere was just right for it.
Is it for everyone?
No. To be honest, not everyone will find comfort here. Yet regardless of this, I still believe that it is a unique experience and if you want to do Japan right, you have to be open to new experiences and just say yes!
Suppose you are travelling with family or a partner. In that case, it might be tricky as you are individual sleeping pods, the sleeping areas are divided by gender (so on different floors) and is extremely quiet so not the best place to be chatting at 3 am. However, if you are able to, I would recommend booking this place for one night at least - just for the experience!
I went to Japan with a friend, and it worked perfectly for us. We were able to spend long days together, and rest quietly in solitude. I know if I were to go to Japan again with someone different I would book at one of these capsule hotels for sure to show them this experience (at such affordable prices!).
What are your thoughts? Is this for you?
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