On all my trips across Japan, I’ve always wanted to stay in one of those tiny yet cool looking capsule hostels that you see all over Tokyo. You know, those small pod-like sleeping spaces that are just big enough to fit a single bed and a couple of your belongings.
Luckily, after our family vacation in Tokyo, I had an extra day and some alone time to spend a night in a popular capsule hostel in Shinjuku.
UNPLAN SHINJUKU
5-3-15 Shinjuku Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Japan 160-0022
Email: inquiry_shinjuku@unplan.jp
Instagram: @unplan_shinjuku/
Facebook: UNPLAN Shinjuku
Website: https://unplan.jp/shinjuku
Check out low Unplan Shinjuku rates and availability from their website.
First Things First
Just a 5-minute walk away from the popular tourist area of Shinjuku, Unplan Shinjuku is a newly opened (2018) capsule hostel located at the heart of Tokyo.
It is a hip and modern capsule hostel that caters mostly to group backpackers and/or solo travelers.
Guests, mostly foreign backpackers, can opt to check-in by themselves at the front desk by simply entering their booking reference code.
Anyway, I did just that and was issued a unique code that I can only use to enter a specific floor and room.
Located on the ground floor are common spaces for social events or even movie viewing.
There is also a more private common room with tables where you can bring in snacks or eat meals.
And if you ever want to do laundry, there’s also a coin-operated wash & dry laundry on the same floor.
Room
I booked a 1-night stay at one of their mixed dormitories, but if you’re female and you feel uneasy, there is a dedicated floor for women only.
Security is pretty tight and you need to input your code in order to enter the floor and gain access to your room.
Since my floor is a “Mixed Dormitory Type” the shower room is shared by both men and women.
The toilets, however, are still separated for men and women.
Only the shampoo, bath soap and blow dryers are provided, which means that you have to bring your own or rent towels, toothbrush and slippers.
Surprisingly enough, the capsules are very spacious and comfortable than what I imagined.
It was easy for me to fit my backpack, luggage and my winter gear with some space to spare.
Not to mention, the bed and blankets were super comfortable and warm!
Dining
For lunch and dinner, I went down to the basement to check out this cozy underground restobar.
The place was lively and vibrant with lots of foreign and local guests socializing and drinking the night away.
For now, they only serve Western food so I went ahead and ordered their special burger and craft beer.
It was a welcome change since I have been eating Japanese food for almost a week.
After a few drinks and a couple of chitchats, I went up to the rooftop before I called it a night.
The Next Day
Breakfast is free for all checked-in guests with choices of sliced bread, eggs and yogurt.
After breakfast, I checked out early like what most backpackers do to maximize the day.
I rented an electric bike for Y500 to tour the city for 3 hours, the cheapest rental in the city as far as I know.
The cool part is that, even after checking out, you can still shower in the lobby and use their common spaces.
You can even leave your luggage inside their storage room if ever you want to take a stroll around the area.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I enjoyed my short but sweet stay at Unplan Shinjuku, and I really loved the atmosphere, stylish design, especially the colorful neon lights that mimic the nightlife of Shinjuku.
When I checked in, I was really surprised that the rooms looked small on the outside but were surprisingly comfy and spacious on the inside. I’m still amazed at how something so open like a hostel can feel so private and homey.
Capsule hostels like Shinjuku are perfect for groups of friends, backpackers and travelers who wish to save up on accommodation.
UNPLAN SHINJUKU
5-3-15 Shinjuku Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Japan 160-0022
Email: inquiry_shinjuku@unplan.jp
Instagram: @unplan_shinjuku/
Facebook: UNPLAN Shinjuku
Website: https://unplan.jp/shinjuku
Check out low Unplan Shinjuku rates and availability from Booking.com.
Live an Awesome Life,
NICO of Team Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: Our stay was courtesy of Unplan Shinjuku. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions and insights.