The capsule hotel was invented in the 1970's. It was created for the office worker who missed the last train home and needed cheap overnight accommodations. Today, capsule hotels are still used by the office worker, but by the budget traveler in Japan, also. The hotels are located all over Japan.
Enter the capsule hotel and remove shoes. There is a shoe locker for them. Put on slippers and approach the front desk. Check in and receive a key. Afterwards, go off to the assigned capsule and crawl in.
The hotel rooms(capsules) are small, four by eight feet. The capsules line the walls of the sleeping areas, one atop of another. Use the ladder or mounted steps to reach the assigned area.
A mattress with pillow and blanket are in the capsule. There are built-in amenities. The capsule includes a television, radio and alarm clock. Buttons on a console operate everything, including the lights. Pull across the curtain at the capsule’s entrance for privacy.
There is a lounge with a television and vending machines. A bathing area is on the capsule hotel's premises.
The capsule hotel is not for the claustrophobic. Yet, for the traveler in Japan seeking something different, it is an interesting and inexpensive sleeping experience.
Invest in a passport holder. I prefer the kind which is waterproof and worn as belt around the waist. It is worn under your clothes and not seen by others. There is a zipper compartment divided for passport, money and credit cards. It is so comfortable the wearer can sleep with it around the waist.
The type which hang about the neck invites troubles and who wants someone pulling on a strong cord around the neck. Remember to carry the amount of money needed for the day’s activities in your pocket and the rest placed safely away.
UnderCover Passport Money Case at Amazon.com
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