Book Inn, Niigata, Japan - A Different Kind of Capsule Hotel
Book Inn, Niigata
Last month when I was planning my Niigata trip I was scanning AirBnB for a place to stay when I cam across an interesting hotel. It was a unique take on a capsule hotel. The capsule were encased in bookshelves loaded with actually books. It was located right next to the train station so I decided to take a chance and booked it.
Fast forward it's Saturday morning and I am sitting here typing this blog in the lobby of the hotel. I have to say, this place is really awesome! I've never stayed in a capsule hotel before so I didn't really know what to expect. Considering this isn't the run of the mill capsule, maybe what I am going to describe will only pertain to this place so keep that in mind.
The capsule is about 6.5' long, just enough to sleep in. It's about 3' high, which is just barely high enough to sit in.
My only complaint about the capsules was I could hear people last night next to me and across from me. They do provide complimentary ear plugs so I will give those a try tonight.
The bed is your typical Japanese futon with a comforter. They keep the temperature at about the mid 70's so the futon isn't really needed. The pillow sucked. I think I folded it up about 4 times so I could get some support.
There is a small shelf with a light and outlet for your mobile phone or computer.
On to the kitchen at the end of the capsules. It's stocked with free coffee, a microwave and a sink. Just be a nice guest and clean your dishes.
There are 5 toilets, the nice kind that have the washlets and 3 showers. 4 sinks to freshen up at and even complimentary hair dryers for you to use.
The books. There are thousands both in Japanese and English. There is a whole section on finance, but unfortunately nothing on crypto. I think we should send them a few!
If you find a book or are looking to socialize there are large bench seats in the lobby you can sit at. They also have ample outlets here to power all your devices. Wifi is free and works, there is a vending machine and they sell Hawaiian beer at the counter!
Overall the experience was well worth it at $30 a night. I could have paid triple and got a room across the street at a real hotel, but the chance to sleep in a capsule finally, and a unique one at that, won out.
If you ever plan on visiting Niigata definitely give this place a look. The staff speak English and are talkative and it's proximity to the station is very convenient.
More information on the Book Inn can be found on Airbnb or a google search. They don't have a website yet as the owner just told me.
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I have seen some cool ones online here in Malaysia... haven't experienced any yet - like you, I sure would like to try one! :)
It's definitely something to try. I think it's even useful when in Japan and you miss your last train. You can just pay a fraction of a full hotel for a place to just rest for the night.
@rt395, a very unusual hotel. Besides You, there were still other customers? I wonder how he is in demand. This is similar to the European system of accommodation - hostel? Thank you for sharing with us Your visit to This capsules :) . I wish You good luck in the contest #culturevulture
Yes, there were about 10 Japanese guests each night and 1 other foreigner. The owner told me a lot of young people stay there who come into town for concerts and other events.
It is similar to a hostel, but more like a capsule hotel in Japan.
とてもおしゃれな雰囲気ですね〜〜！！
looks great and warm. and nice culturevulture article.
Uniquely Japanese. Yes, it was very warm up here in cold Niigata!
looks 👍 great.
I like the fact that the staff speaks English so it's convenient for foreign tourist since ppl like myself don't speak Japanese. I really like the interior and the "wood feel" of the bathroom. It does look really nice in the photographs, could see they mainly use blue, white, brown. really NEAT! Thumbs Up!!
The owner is actually Hawaiian Japanese so he is a native English speaker.
It has a "home" feel to it. Very welcoming and comfortable. I can't say enough positive things about my experience here.
It sure looks like an adventure. I didn't stay in a capsule hotel while I was in Japan. It was on my list as it's such a uniquely Japanese experience. I haven't seen them anywhere else in the world.
Well, I'm sure you did take in quite a few things while you were here. There is so much to see and do, even after 16+ years here on and off I am still discovering things, doing new things.
It was ok for a weekend trip, but I would stay in a hotel next time. I wanted to finally be able to say "I stayed in a capsule hotel".
I know there are some in another country, but I can't remember where off the top of my head. It's more novelty than necessity though.
That looks so cozy!
Ya, right behind a straight jacket. Actually it was totally fine. Great experience.