An expert analysis based on customer reviews and knowledge of Kyoto
Introduction
Capsule hotels in Japan are a unique experience, providing the perfect balance between convenience, comfort, and value for money. What was once a niche solution to affordable yet comfortable short-term accommodation, has evolved into a a highly successful and growing industry.
We've carefully selected this list to ensure we only include capsule hotels that are conveniently located for sightseeing in Kyoto. On top of this, we've thoroughly analysed the customer reviews, ensuring a high standard and excluding mitigating factors that might influence the average customer review score. So rest assured, this is not one of those generic top 10 lists commonly found on other websites ;)
The only filters I've personally applied are:
- A minimum average review rating of 8 out of 10
- A minimum of 100 reviews on Booking.com
- Locations must be convenient, within walking distance of popular attractions and train stations
Our listing for each place has a convenient summary including the:
Description
Price Range
Highlights
Review Score
Review Example
The 10 Best Capsule Hotels In Kyoto
(Sorted by customer review score)
Honourable Mention
1. The Millennials Kyoto
Perfect location. Free beer. Your own movie projector. Sociable common areas. Work and study spaces. High-tech and modern features. Rentable polaroid cameras. What more could you ask for? The Millennials Kyoto is truly a unique and amazing capsule hotel, and a shining example of how extraordinary Japanese hospitality can be. The design and intentions go above and beyond in every way, while still maintaining a nice and humble price.
• Highlights:
─ Free beer every evening and rentable Polaroid cameras
─ Amazing high-tech facilities and various accommodation types
─ Social atmosphere and beautifully designed spaces
• Price Range: $50 - $100 per night
• Review Score: 8.9 ★ (2200+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"I loved staying at the Millennials! The location is fantastic - central, easy access, vibey, the capsule was super comfy, clean, high-quality linen, the showers and toilets were nice, spacious, it was great to have access to a laundry room, and the best is that as a solo traveller, this setup gives me the choice to socialise with fellow travellers."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. The Tsukimi Hotel
The Tsukimi Hotel is a lovely capsule hotel with a strong focus on design and location. The capsule rooms are super comfortable and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. There's some social space for hanging out and all the facilities are spotless. It's impossible to beat this price in this location, perfect for both solo travellers and groups of friends.
• Highlights:
─ The best price you'll find in this area, amazing value in an amazing location
─ Within a 7-minute walk to Kiyomizudera and Kodaiji Temple
─ Comfy capsules providing a cozy form of privacy
• Price Range: $50 - $80 per night
• Review Score: 8.9 ★ (900+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"I loved this hostel! It’s so clean and comfortable, very spacious as well. The staff is soooo kind and helpful. The location is perfect. I was able to sleep in when I needed to, which was wonderful. They have free coffee/tea and a kitchen available for guests. The rooftop also has the best view!"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3. The Glansit Kyoto
The Glansit capsule hotel is perfectly located in downtown Kyoto, in a narrow laneway along Pontocho Alley. The vibe in this area is the perfect combination of traditional Kyoto and modern-day Japan, with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs right on your doorstep. It still maintains a peaceful and quiet atmosphere thanks to its position along a narrow laneway, so you'll be able to get plenty of sleep.
• Highlights:
─ Super convenient location in downtown Kyoto, next to Pontocho Alley
─ Really comfortable beds with a nice amount of privacy
─ Free drinks in the lounge area and great shower facilities
• Price Range: $30 - $80 per night
• Review Score: 8.7 ★ (700+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"This is the best hostel I have ever stayed at. The location is excellent, everything is nearby, including a metro station just a short walk away. There are plenty of food places around, making it incredibly convenient. The staff is friendly, and the capsules are spotless. There’s also a lovely terrace on the rooftop, and the hostel provides free hot drinks to enjoy and all the amenities you need for skincare."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
4. The First Cabin, Nijo Castle
The First Cabin capsule hotels are located all over Japan and are renowned for offering a first-class experience. Much like an airline, they have 3 levels of comfort: Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class. The different classes refer to the amount of space and features you have in each pod. All the First Cabin hotels feature separate floors for men and women, a large public bath (sento) and shower facilities, communal spaces for work and eating, and a range of free amenities including drinks and snacks. If you're nervous about trying a capsule hotel and want the extra space and a luxurious level of customer service, the First Cabin hotels are the perfect option.
• Highlights:
─ A wide range of capsule options and first-class facilities
─ Amazing sento (public bath), awesome amenities, and communal spaces
─ Located right next to Nijo Castle
• Price Range: $40 - $80 per night
• Review Score: 8.6 ★ (1200+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"What an amazing experience! The capsule itself was big, comfortable, and clean; but the hotel facilities were really what stood out. To the free snacks and coffee in the lobby, to the shelves with manga, to the amazing open-air onsen that played piano versions of Ghibli songs, this truly was one of the best hotels of my whole trip in Japan. Excellent value for money and excellent location."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
Honourable Mention
The Sauna & Capsule Hotel Rumor Plaza
The Sauna & Capsule Hotel Rumor Plaza is a male-only hotel that specialises in providing an amazing spa and sauna facility along with comfortable capsule rooms. The location is super convenient, on the main street in Gion and within easy walking distance to downtown, Higashiyama, and Pontocho Alley. It's the only capsule hotel on this list that provides a fully equipped dry sauna plus an open-air sento bath. It's super popular and constantly receives glowing reviews.
• Highlights:
─ Fully equipped sauna and open-air bath
─ High-tech pods and comfy beds
─ Great location on the main street in Gion
• Price Range: $40 - $70 per night
• Review Score: 8.6 ★ (1100+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"If I could rate it 20/10 I would. Usually not a fan of capsule hotels but this one is surprisingly comfy. Stayed here for the sauna. Did not expect it to be so big and a commercial 3-level super sento. Sauna is open 24hrs. They have all the toiletries you need and more. Once you understand how things work this place is magic. Staff are all very nice. Breakfast spread is great (only Japanese food tho). I will return to Kyoto just for this place. Location is centred in gion."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
