The Fifth Element – aka, lodging Tokyo style

So what is the smallest room you’ve ever stayed in? That crappy dorm in college? The sleeper car on a train? Or what about that closet that was your first apartment? Well I guarantee that they were down right palatial compared to where I’m bunking down in Tokyo right now. I’m staying in a place called The Capsule Inn in central Tokyo and it is by far the most unique place I have ever stayed – and I’ve stayed in a lot of places! The Capsule Inn looks more like the sleeping pods out of a science fiction movie or perhaps a high-tech morgue. You check in downstairs and then proceed up to the second floor where you put all of your stuff into a locker. You put on your complimentary robe and then head up into the elevator again to one of the 5 floors of rooms. On your floor there is a room with about 20 capsule units, two layers high. Each ‘room’ is 1 meter wide, x 1 meter high x 2 meters long. I’m not a big guy, but I’m squashed into this thing! But it isn’t just a bed – oh no there’s more. In the capsule there is a TV, radio, shelf, mirror, wifi, alarm clock and light. It’s like the best couch cushion fort in history. Perhaps the best part, beyond the utter bazaarness is the price – at 4000 yen (or about $35 US) it’s the cheapest place in town by a long shot! Have a look at these pics and the video for a personalized tour. And next time you're in Tokyo be sure to stay here for the night – travel is all about unique experiences and this hotel is most definitely one of those!

http://www.capsuleinn.com/

More to come from Japan – stay tuned!
Scott