Capsule hotels have come a long way since launching in Japan in the 70s.
When Tokyo Weekender first reported on them in 1981 and then again in 1998, they were still relatively unknown amongst tourists and intended for tired and tipsy salarymen (note: not women) who missed their last train home and needed a cheap place to crash. These days, the designer capsule trend has taken off, seeing décor improve, prices increase and a host of additional services and facilities added. Oh, and women are (sometimes) allowed too.
Now, turning the male-only tradition entirely on its head is Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuya, a brand-new designer capsule hotel that launched in Shibuya on April 1 and is for women only. It’s designed for travelers visiting Tokyo and boasts a stylish public bath featuring a traditional Mt. Fuji mural painted by one of the country’s last three remaining sento artists. What’s more, the steaming water is scented with traditional Japanese fragrances including yuzu and hinoki.
You’ll be given originally designed comfy yukata and tabi to wear, and you’ll bed down in one of 24 cocoon-shaped cabins after dining at the in-house izakaya serving seasonal washoku. You’ll also have the chance to try on one of the kimono offered at the gift shop and get your photo taken while dressed up.
They offer free wi-fi and nightly rates cost from ¥7,700 to ¥14,300. Guests must be 18 or older and bookings can be made via Cozy Japan or the Nadeshiko Hotel website.
–Annemarie Luck
Images: PR Times
