If everything is bigger in America (and bigger still in Texas), then certainly some things are smaller in Japan. Japan is famous for its capsule hotels (also called pot hotels). These are any types of hotels developed in Japan featuring small bed-sized rooms. There are various pros and cons of staying in these capsule hotels.
In most of America, there is plenty of space, but Japan is densely populated and space is very limited and expensive. So to economies on both space and expense, the Japanese designed capsule hotels to provide cheap, basic overnight accommodation. They are tailored to those who cannot afford or do not need larger more expensive rooms.
What A Capsule Room and Hotel Is Like
Capsule rooms are around the length and width of a single bed and have enough space for the guest to crawl in and sit up on the bed. The walls are normally made of fiberglass or plastic, but can also be made of metal or wood.
- Size: The Length And Width Of a Single Bed
- Capsule Inn Osaka: The First Capsule Hotel In The World, Openned In 1979
Amenities inside are basic (but they are there). Normally it includes a small TV, air conditioning, a power outlet, mirror, and electronic console. The capsules are side by side and on top. There are steps or ladders providing access to the second-level rooms (much like bunk beds). There are also doors or curtains that one can close for privacy.
- Locking: The Doors Do Not Lock As Per Japanese Law
- Includes: TV, Power Outlet, Airconditioning
- Amenities: Bathrooms and Showers Are Shared
While the amenities inside the "room" mirror more a tiny conventional hotel room. Outside is more like a hostel. There's no space for a toilet or shower in the capsule! These amenities are communally shared with guests sharing the bathrooms, showers, and dining rooms. With a Japanese touch, the capsule hotel may have a communal bath and sauna. Some hotels also over a lounge - one may need somewhere with a bit more room!
- Number: From 50 to 700 Capsules In A Hotel
Capsule hotels range in size, some can have as few as 50 capsules while other may have as many as 700 (these often mostly cater to men). Some hotels have separate sections for male and female guests. Luggage and valuables are normally stored away in lockers. Often one's clothes and shoes are exchanged for a yukata (a Japanese robe) and slippers on entry. Tokyo has a number of unique capsule hotels and other hotels worth staying at.
Capsules Vs Hostels
Today the concept has grown outside of Japan and is to be found in other Asian countries like China, Hong Kong, and Indonesia - one can even see them in some airports in China. In the airports, each capsule is a complete unit and they have been piled on the airport floor. But capsule ideas can be found further afield as well in places like Iceland and Belgium.
- Spread: To Iceland And Belgium (probably more Hostel-like)
At some point, capsule hotels begin to resemble hostels. In essence they are comparable to placing bunkbeds side by side, enclosing each bed, and accessing the bed though the front inside of the side. Then end result is as though a hotel and a dormitory with bunk beds had a baby. Indeed they are popular with Western backpackers looking for hostel accommodation in Japan.
- Price: ¥2000–4000 (USD 18–37)
While foreigners may be drawn to them because of a perceived Japanese exoticness about them. The main benefit is their low price. They normally go for ¥2000–4000 (USD 18–37) per night (Japan is an expensive country).
The Japanese Society And Clientele
Japanese society is different from Western culture. Many of the capsule hotels have been used by Japanese salarymen who stayed out late after work, or have missed the last train to return home.
- Karoshi: Japanese Word Meaning "Overwork death"
- Gwarosa: Korean Word Meaning "Death By Overwork"
- Overtime: Japanese Often Work Long Hours Overtime
- Commute Times: In Toyoto The Commute Times Are Often Long
In Japan people frequently work long hours and overtime may take on a different meaning there. Employees should always be at work before their boss and leave after their boss. In Japanese, they have a word "Karoshi" with directly translates as "Overwork death" (in Korean they say "gwarosa" or "death by overwork."
So for many Japanese salarymen, they may get off work at 10 pm or 11 pm and have to be at work again at 8 am or 9 am in the morning. Their home may be an hour or so commute. A capsule hotel just to sleep close by makes sense.