Anshin Oyada Luxury Capsule Hotel. Photo / Supplied
Eli Orzessek checks into Anshin Oyada Luxury Capsule Hotel, Tokyo.
Getting there: Very easy, thanks to Tokyo's excellent public transport system. I'd been staying in another suburb, so I made my way to Shinjuku Station and got on the Chuo Main Line to Ogikubo Station — which is in the west of Tokyo, about 15 minutes away. The hotel was a five-minute walk from the station.
Check-in experience: First I was told to take my shoes off — my bad. Staff were friendly, although there was a bit of a language barrier, as is common in Japan. I was given a swipe key on a wristband to wear during my stay that gave me access to the capsule dorms. My bag was stored near reception and was easy to access, and my shoes were kept in a small locker. Slippers are provided, as is a set of brown monk-like "room wear" to lounge about in.
Room: Well, it's not really a room — but it was a damn good capsule. I chose to sleep on the upper level, as I always have to go for the top bunk. Climbing up and down the ladder did, however, become a bit of a chore. It was quite spacious, enough room to sit up comfortably and get changed in. I went for a theatre room, which came with a 40-inch TV and a tablet to stream things from. The capsules don't have a lockable door, but a pull-down blind provides privacy and no one's going to steal from you here anyway.
Price: I paid around $65 a night — very reasonable.
What's so good about this place? They provide everything you could possibly need and the capsules are much more comfortable than you would imagine. It's also tattoo-friendly and many of these places aren't — a sign out the front even warns Japanese guests about it. It's great because you can use the artificial onsen (hot spring). And there are free massage chairs.
And the bad? It's men only, so if you're a woman you'll have to find a different capsule hotel. They're usually gender-segregated. Also the hotel is Bali-themed for some reason and when you're in the communal areas this traditional music plays constantly - it gets a bit grating after a while.
What's in the neighbourhood? Ogikubo is known for having lots of ramen shops and they are great. I also frequented a small video game arcade on the street and lost a bit of money on the claw machines.
Toiletries: The bathrooms have everything — and I mean everything. Cleanser, toner, moisturiser, shaving cream, aftershave, mouthwash, razors, toothbrushes, combs and so on. Down at the communal bathing area there are multiple shampoos and conditioners, as well as a whole bunch of designer colognes.
View this post on InstagramRoom wear at the capsule hotel
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Food and drink: The hotel offers free Japanese curry for breakfast — the best feed for a salaryman apparently — and at all times you can help yourself to miso soup and tea. There's bar beers, sake and spirits as well as tempura snacks.
The bed: Surprisingly comfortable — much better than the one in the cheap hotel I stayed in previously. They offer a choice of five types of pillow for different needs.
A room with a view? A view of the 40-inch TV.
Bathroom: On the capsule levels, there's are plenty of sinks with the aforementioned toiletries. The toilets are the classic Japanese high-tech variety, with bidet, warming seats and fake flushing noises to preserve your dignity.
If you're shy, this isn't the place for you. The showers and onsen are communal and you will have to get naked in front of others. No one's really looking though.
Free Wi-Fi? Yes and it was quite good.
Noise: A bit of snoring and walking in and out throughout the night/morning, but you'll be so tired from walking around it doesn't really matter.
Value for money: Probably the best-value stay I've ever had.
Perfect for: Solo travellers, dudes, salarymen.