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!

In Japan, these capsule hotels offer a cheap place to get a night’s sleep – as long as you don’t mind sleeping in this:

A bit like an MRI machine, right? Well, an enterprising owner decided to make their hotel a bit more inviting – with books!

Yep, grab a book and a bed! 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.
As you know, micro-hotels aren’t new, but a disturbing new trend has me feeling even more claustrophobic: check out this “nano apartment!”
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:
Yes, the price of rent has gone up so much that some enterprising building owners are offering apartments like this one:

That’s the entire place!
See more inside and find out how much this will cost you – just click here:
Let me know if you’ve ever stayed at a “capsule hotel!”
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Thanks so much for reading!
Categories: Exotic Travel, Funny Pictures, Japan, Pop Culture, Real Estate, Tokyo!, Travel, Travel Adventures, Travel Memoir




Hi John, I could not bear to sleep in a capsule. TC tried it once in the airport. I know this is for to high prices and over population but I really don’t like the idea.
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I wouldn’t do it but surprising how popular t is there, mostly for people who stay out too late and miss the last midnight subway home.
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Well, that makes sense
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This is right up my alley!
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How delightful!
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That is CRAZY!!!
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Sure is, but it’s Japan! Thanks for the note always great to hear from you!
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I just read a great middle grade book about a homeless kid who secretly begins spending the night at a huge library.
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That sounds like a story with a strong social message.
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I don’t think I could do the traditional japanese capsule, but these seem like something I could do, with the books, beers, lounge. I’d try to think of it as a sleeper car on a train maybe –
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Oh, have known about the Japanese capsule hotels for ages – have understood but not been particularly attracted YET just love the look of these library ones – as long as no loud voices were allowed I would just love the idea!
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A room surrounded by books looked pretty inviting, until you see the size! I guess I do have a bit of claustrophobia! 😉 🙂
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Agree that the “capsule” might be a bit too much for a whole night!
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I could happily sleep in the bookshop capsule (with all those lovely books) but those that look like a coffin – no thanks. BUT, where’s the toilet? Don’t like sharing the bathroom!! Also getting out of the capsule would be a bit tricky if you were in a hurry!!
Mary :))
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All GREAT points! A communal “dormitory style” bathroom offers privacy but you may have to wait based on how many others are “capsuling” for the night! Thanks for the note!
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I’m such a strange sort. I admit it. Books, beer, and a tiny bed sound appealing to me. I could make that work. What doesn’t? Having to share a bathroom! Ha ha, I’m messed up.
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Yes, it would be a unique experience if you understand all the limitations that come with it – I know many do NOT want to sleep in a capsule!
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A good idea for bookworms, but I would find that tiny space too restrictive. Only in Japan!
Shared on Twitter, John. Best wishes, Pete.
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Oh my, that’s totally not for me!
Chris
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Yes, it’s a unique way to sleep and I’m not a big fan of the capsule!
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Now this is a great idea…..as long as there is a wide variety I could sleep . chuq
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Yes we’d do it for a unique night out! Thanks for the note!
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This is so cool. But, no matter how much I love books, I couldn’t sleep in such a confined space!
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A “capsule” is not for sleeping in, that I agree with!
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