Yes, That’s A Bed Amid The Books!
Check out that photo above: that’s a REAL hotel bed nestled in a bookshelf – because this Japanese “Capsule Hotel” is in a bookstore!
See those blue squares on the shelves in the photo above? Those are the bedrooms! A “capsule hotel” literally is a bunk the size of a coffin – enough room to slide in and sleep!
As SoraNews24 reported, this capsule hotel in Kyoto is stocked with 5,000 books for guests to read, along with a bar stocked with local beers, and yes, those are individual capsule bunks inside the shelves to sleep in.
This “capsule hotel and bookstore” is located in Kyoto’s famous Gion district, and it offers both English and Japanese-language books for visitors to enjoy.
These “Standard Bookshelf Bunks” are 86.6 inches x 43.3 inches – that’s right, just over 7 feet long and 3-1/2 feet high, so perhaps not good for those who are claustrophobic! There are 18 of these capsule beds.
As you can see, they don’t expect you to spend much time in the bed, because there are shared lounges that line the walls – you get free Wi-Fi and the use of shared showers and bathrooms as well. Make sure to bring your own towels, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, toothbrushes and toothpaste!
Each bunk has luggage space under the bed, along with a personal lamp, power outlet, hanger and private curtain.
SoraNews24 originally had this story in 2016 – can’t believe I missed this unique way to spend the night in a bookstore!
See their entire story here:
https://soranews24.com/2016/11/28/sleep-in-a-bookshelf-at-the-new-bookstore-themed-hostel-in-kyoto/
As you know, micro-hotels aren’t new, but a disturbing new trend has been toward “nano apartments!”
Yes, you are looking down at a new apartment – in its entirety! It’s the size of a normal PARKING SPACE!
You can see my story about these microscopically small apartments by clicking here:
Let me know if you’ve ever stayed at a “capsule hotel!”
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Thanks so much for reading!
Categories: Books / Media, Exotic Travel, Japan, Pop Culture, Real Estate, Travel, Travel Adventures, Travel Memoir, Uncategorized
This looks like Heaven if it weren’t for the size! I’d for sure feel claustrophobic..
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That’s the tradeoff! Very inexpensive but it’s called a “capsule” hotel for a reason! Thanks for commenting!
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Looks quite cool!
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Lovely idea, the capsule hotel in a bookstore. What a wonderful holiday it would be. I’ve heard of the nano apartment. With space being at a premium in places like Japan and with more people moving to cities, it was inevitable that it would happen. Tiny houses are also a trend worth following, although I much prefer the idea of a tiny house than a nano apartment.
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Thanks for commenting! I agree a tiny house at least feels more like a home than a micro apartment which looks like a box!
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How cool is that? You can sleep overnight at Shakespeare & Company in Paris too.
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Is that right? I didn’t know that!
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Here is some info. I am tempted. https://shakespeareandcompany.com/38/About%20Tumbleweeds
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I love this! And the last line “and—most importantly—we have no intention of closing our doors.” Bravo!
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It is indeed a very interesting idea! Maybe it would be fun to try one night 🙂
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On my own, I would sleep (or read happily) in a micro room full of books. I’d be tempted not to sleep much because part of the fun would be consuming something from as many books as possible. Another strange find John.
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Thanks for commenting, I agree it would be a fun night exploring all of those bookshelves!
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I haven’t been keen on micro hotels or capsule apartments, but this is something I’d try!😁
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Might be a unique experience for a night, right?
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Absolutely!
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Awesome! Book me a room! ACH, sorry, my current ID won’t even let me go to the airport, let alone fly. That’s a Kentucky issue. I’ve never stayed in one of these, though I did once sleep in a locker at a greyhound station. about 2 ft high, and about 20 inches deep. I was so small back then, I still had room for my pack. One of my runaway from abusive foster parents things. Haven’t tried a micro-home,yet, but I am watching the trend. One of our local churches built one ( a unibuilt shed re-vamped) for a homeless vet in the area. right now, it sits in the church parking lot until they can find someone to donate a little piece of land for him.
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Thanks for commenting, that Greyhound story sounds horrible, sorry to hear that…these “capsule hotels” are very popular and inexpensive in Japan…you give up space for price! Thanks for reading!
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Actually, it really wasn’t that bad. I’ve slept in worse places.
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And I complain about our cramped living space. We live in a mansion in comparison.
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Indeed Colline! These are for the “youthful” traveler and I am glad to be past this part of my life!
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A good idea for young travellers on a budget. Maybe a bit too ‘micro’ for me though. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Yes Pete, these “capsule hotels” are their version of a youth hostel…both of which I am well beyond!
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Well, John, other than hotels in London that are actually capsule hotels, but don’t say so [wink], I have never slept in a capsule hotel. The idea of sleeping in a library with all of Stephen King’s books is a bit creepy.
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HA! I know what you mean about “capsule” hotels because I stayed in a place in New York once – the room was so small you had to go outside to change your mind!
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Haha, John, you have a marvelous way with words. You must write some more prompts. You should try Sue Vincent’s.
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What a cool hotel! I’ve stayed at a capsule hotel in Manila, Philippines. It was a fun experience sleeping in a super tiny room… worth the experience, but not for an extended stay, that’s for sure.
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It’s unique for sure, but you know, having done it, that its for short stays to be sure – they are very popular in Japan…thanks for commenting, I appreciate it!
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What a novel idea…no pun intended…:)
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HA! Indeed! Capsule Hotels are very popular there, and they are very inexpensive…to me they are much better for younger travelers than a hostel, which is like an open bunkhouse – thanks as always for commenting!
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Yes I would agree far better 🙂
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