Nothing screams Japanese culture quite like a capsule hotel.
Basic and affordable, these pod-like accommodations are a budget traveler’s best friend when lodging in Japan.
And what better place to stay in a capsule hotel than Japan’s cultural capital?
Here are the best capsule hotels in Kyoto.
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1. 9 Hours Kyoto
Located just 25 minutes on foot from Kyoto Imperial Palace, 9 Hours Kyoto is one of the most popular capsule hotels in Japan’s cultural capital.
The hotel’s name is inspired by the length of your stay (9 hours).
Designed for brief stopovers, the 125-room capsule hotel attracts an unusual mix of business travelers, sightseers, and revelers.
9 Hours Kyoto is truly one of the best capsule hotels in Japan’s cultural capital.
More photos on planetofhotels.com
What we like
- Clean, futuristic pods with a Sci-Fi feel
- Flexible and affordable accommodation options
- Centrally located just 5 minutes from the Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station
- Offers bicycle rentals for a convenient way to get around the city
- Separate floors for men and women
- Clean lounge with free Wi-Fi
What we don’t like
- No kitchen
- No TV inside the pod
- Mandatory check-out every day, even if you are staying multiple nights
- Pretty basic communal bathroom facilities
2. The Millennials Kyoto
As the name suggests, The Millennials Kyoto is catered to the needs of an overall younger clientele.
This stylish, remarkably roomy capsule hotel is conveniently located near the subway station and the shopping district.
As one of the best capsule hotels in Japan’s cultural capital, the pods are virtually full-sized beds with minimalistic décor.
Guests at The Millennials Kyoto enjoy a spacious lounge area, soft, comfortable mattresses, and free breakfast.
More photos on booking.com
What we like
- Spacious pods, typically larger than your average capsule
- Free coffee in the morning
- Offers a coworking space next to the lounge — ideal for digital nomads
- Easy for friends to book adjacent pods
What we don’t like
- Laundry is very expensive to do here — do it somewhere else if you can
- Gender-segregated, so you can’t stay as a couple
- It can get a bit noisy in the common area and the corridors
3. First Cabin Kyoto Arashiyama
If you are looking for a luxurious experience at capsule hotel rates, look no further than First Cabin Kyoto Arashiyama.
This pod hotel offers world-class hospitality services and amenities that will make you feel like you are in a luxury hotel.
You’ll get free Wi-Fi in the lounge area, laundry facilities, and a snack bar/deli, which makes First Cabin one of the best capsule hotels in Japan’s cultural capital.
You can enjoy drinks at the hotel’s lounge bar.
More photos on hotels.com
What we like
- Convenient location, just a two-minute walk to Arashiyama Station and an eight-minute walk to the Saga-Arashiyama Station
- The hotel has a designated smoking area
- Flat-screen TV in every pod
- You can exchange currency on site
- Clean and spacious pods
- Large, clean, and well-decorated lounge area
- There’s a hot spring spa on site
- You don’t have to pay extra for essentials such as toothbrushes and razors
What we don’t like
- You have to pay more for luxury amenities and services, such as the larger pods
- Daily check-in and check-out for multiple nights stay
- Smaller pod options (economy) may feel a little claustrophobic
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4. Glansit Kyoto Kawaramachi
Glansit Kyoto Kawaramachi is a contemporary capsule hotel at the heart of the bustling metropolis.
It’s close to the shopping street in Kyoto and only a few minutes walk to the subway station.
Guests enjoy free amenities and high-quality services. But that’s not the best part about staying at this capsule hotel.
If you visit Kyoto during spring, this hotel is only a short walk to enjoy cherry blossoms along the river.
More photos on agoda.com
What we like
- Convenient location at the heart of the city
- Spotlessly clean and comfy capsules
- Comfortable lounge area with free high-speed Wi-Fi
- Flat-screen TV in every pod
- Not gender segregated hence ideal for couples
- In-house coffee machine with flavored syrups
What we don’t like
- No breakfast in the house; what you get is a voucher to a nearby shop
- Noise from the lounge area and neighboring pods
- Little privacy for guests, especially the couples
5. Maja Hotel Kyoto
Maja Hotel Kyoto is another gem of a capsule hotel in Japan’s cultural capital.
The facilities and amenities are clean and relatively luxurious, featuring a Scandinavian design.
Amenities include free toiletries, a hair dryer, and a microwave.
Regarding location, Maja Hotel is a short distance from tourist attractions such as Samurai Kembu Kyoto and Kyoto International Manga Museum.
You can explore everything the city has to offer at your convenience.
More photos on booking.com
What we like
- On-site restaurant for meals and hot beverages
- Daily continental breakfast to kick start your day — available for a fee at 8:00 am
- Clean, well-maintained amenities and capsules
- Premium bedding and air conditioning
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi to keep you connected
- Convenient location
- Safety deposit box and luggage storage
What we don’t like
- No 24-hour front desk, which can be frustrating should you need assistance at night
- After-hours check-in is not available
- No designated smoking area
6. Tsukimi Hotel
Another top-rated capsule hotel in Kyoto is Tsukimi Hotel.
Tsukimi Hotel is known for providing stylish and comfortable lodging experiences in Kyoto.
This pod hotel is in the Gion neighborhood, at the city’s heart.
Bars, restaurants, and cafes surround the capsule hotel in every direction.
The mattresses are taller and wider compared to what you find in a typical Japanese capsule hotel.
The pods are clean and feature a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a minimalist design.
More photos on booking.com
What we like
- Perfectly located near sightseeing spots and shopping streets
- Spacious lounge area for guests to relax and hang out
- Shared kitchen space
- Washing machine and dryer on the rooftop
- There’s a designated smoking zone on the second floor
- A small breakfast is offered daily
What we don’t like
- Reception closes at midnight, so no check-in after that
- You have to check in every day, even if you are staying multiple nights
7. Anshin Oyado Premium Resort Kyoto
If you are looking for premium capsule hotel accommodation to make your trip to Kyoto more memorable, try Anshin Oyado Premium Resort.
The best part about this capsule hotel is the hot spring bath and sauna.
The hotel is conveniently located near major attractions, shopping streets, and transport hubs.
While Japanese capsule hotels are typically designed for people on the move, guests can lounge in an open space when looking for a break from Kyoto’s hustle and bustle.
More photos on booking.com
What we like
- They serve a delicious Asian breakfast every morning
- There’s a bar where you can enjoy drinks in your free time
- 24-hour front desk where you can get assistance at any time
- Flat-screen TV in every capsule
- Capsules are air-conditioned
- Free Wi-Fi to stay connected
- Hot bath and sauna
What we don’t like
- The premium amenities cost extra
- Not ideal for budget travelers or anyone looking to cut costs during their travels
Conclusion
After a whole day of exploring Japan’s cultural capital, you’ll need a comfortable retreat. Capsule hotels are the ideal accommodation option for budget travelers.
Sitting alongside traditional city houses in harmonious contrast, these modern, futuristic pod hotels are an eye-opening experience for anyone visiting Kyoto.
