Kapuseru hoteru, or what the Japanese call capsule hotels, are rented out to budget travelers. Capsule hotels are often the choice of Japanese travelers who don’t prioritize high costs for lodging. Similar styles have also been adopted by travelers visiting Japan, a country known for its relatively high cost of living.
For every traveler, the cost of accommodation can reduce the travel budget. Especially for backpackers, spending must be effective and efficient throughout the trip. Usually for backpackers, the accommodation of choice is a 2-star hotel, as they are traveling all day and the hotel is just a place to spend the night.
Kapuseru hoteru is gaining popularity in the Land of the Rising Sun. Japan itself is the country that invented this accommodation model, as reported by Stuff. The world’s first capsule hotel was founded in Osaka and opened in 1979. The idea came from an architect named Kisho Kurokawa.
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Although the first capsule hotel was demolished last year, hundreds of replicas have been built across Japan. The target market for capsule hotels was original “workaholics” who missed their train home due to working too late or getting drunk. Capsule hotels are well aware of their guests’ needs, so they will provide guests with a package of amenities such as razors and toothbrushes. Capsule Hotel guests can also purchase new underwear, socks, and white shirts at the reception.
Capsule hotels are increasingly popular with European and American travelers who choose to stay there. For solo travelers, capsule hotels are a boon. But for couples visiting Japan who don’t mind sleeping separately, capsule hotels are also an option. In Japan, capsule hotels separate bedrooms and bathrooms by gender. However, some capsule hotels only accept male guests. Even so, choosing to stay in a capsule hotel will save you a lot of money.
The classic capsule hotel design is where you have to get out of bed to open the door. The room is just enough to lie down and stretch your legs on the mattress. Of course, this room can only accommodate one person. In some capsule hotels, it is designed like a sailor’s bed, with the room slightly wider than a human shoulder and the walls of your capsule abutting other capsules.
Capsule hotels usually have lockable cabinets or drawers to store your belongings. Your large bags will be placed on a shared luggage rack like those commonly found on trains.
If you decide to try capsule hotels in Japan, be sure to book early as they sell out quickly. Use Google Maps to see how close your chosen capsule hotel is to a metro station. Also,consider the neighborhood of the capsule hotel, preferably one with dining options nearby.
Source: CNN Indonesia
