5 capsule hotels in Shinjuku, and what to know before your first stay

Five good-value capsule hotels in and around Shinjuku, Tokyo, with what to expect on your first stay, how to handle large luggage, and options with women-only floors.

Shinjuku is a popular base in Tokyo, with the JR Yamanote Line, several subway lines and airport buses. Business hotels here can be expensive, however, and they fill up in busy periods. If you'd rather spend your budget on food and shopping, a capsule hotel in Shinjuku is a very Japanese way to save money. Modern capsule hotels are far from the dark, cramped image many people have, and some have good baths and women-only floors.

5 things to know before your first stay

First-timers often wonder about noise, large suitcases and shared showers. These five points will help you know what to expect.

1. Sleeping space and shared facilities

Modern capsules are stacked in two levels, each with a reading light, a socket or USB charger, and often ventilation or a TV. Hotels have shared showers or large baths, and usually provide shampoo, body wash, a toothbrush and towels, so you can travel light.

2. Noise and sleep

Capsules usually have a curtain or blind rather than a door that locks, so you can hear footsteps and other guests turning over at night. If you're a light sleeper, bring good earplugs and an eye mask.

3. Large suitcases

You'll have a locker, which usually fits a backpack or cabin bag. For suitcases of about 28 inches or more, most hotels have a secure luggage area or front-desk storage, but check before you book.

4. Etiquette

Move quietly in the sleeping area, keep your phone on silent, and don't take calls in your capsule. Don't eat or have sugary drinks inside your capsule. Use the shared lounge for meals and snacks.

5. Security

Many popular capsule hotels have separate floors for men and women, and you'll need a key card for the lift or floor. This helps women travelling alone to feel comfortable, but check how each hotel arranges this, and use your locker for valuables.

1. For men: Anshin Oyado Shinjuku Ekimae

This men-only hotel is one of the more comfortable capsule stays. It has a warm Bali-resort look, with an artificial hot spring bath and a hot sauna in the basement, which are welcome after a day of walking. Shared areas offer free bread at breakfast, curry rice late in the evening, unlimited soft drinks and massage chairs.

• Highlights: artificial hot spring bath, sauna, free drinks all day, free breakfast and evening curry, massage chairs
• Address: 4-2-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Getting there: about 2 minutes' walk from the southeast exit of JR Shinjuku Station
• Price: from about US$42 a night (October 2026)

2. For women: The Global Hotel Tokyo

Next to Shin-Okubo Station, one stop from Shinjuku, this hotel has a separate women's floor with its own access control. It's bright and simple, and the dressing area has DHC skincare and SALONIA hair dryers and straighteners, which makes getting ready easier. It's popular with young women travelling alone.

• Highlights: women's floor with access control, SALONIA hair tools, DHC skincare, a green courtyard terrace
• Address: 1-8-17 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Getting there: about 30 seconds' walk from JR Shin-Okubo Station, and about 8 minutes on foot to Kabukicho
• Price: from about US$32 a night (October 2026)

3. For women: 9h Nine Hours Woman Shinjuku

This women-only branch of the well-known 9h chain is built around the idea of one hour to wash, seven hours to sleep and one hour to get ready. The building is white and minimalist, and the capsules look like something from a science-fiction film. Sensors can track your heart rate and sleep cycle, and you get a sleep report when you check out.

• Highlights: women-only building, specially designed pillow and mattress, a sleep report on check-out
• Address: 2-13-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Getting there: about 2 minutes' walk from Exit C5 of Shinjuku-sanchome subway station
• Price: from about US$35 a night (October 2026)

4. For the tightest budget: Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel

If location and price matter most, this hotel in the middle of Kabukicho is popular with backpackers and experienced solo travellers. Lively bars and a big discount store are right downstairs, so expect a busy, noisy area at night. The men's floors have a large bath, and rates were among the lowest in Shinjuku.

• Highlights: central Kabukicho location, low prices, large bath and sauna for men, 24-hour front desk
• Address: Toyo Building 3F, 1-2-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Getting there: about 5 minutes' walk from the east exit of JR Shinjuku Station
• Price: from about US$22 a night (October 2026)

5. Aircraft cabin style: First Cabin Ichigaya

If you're worried about a low ceiling, First Cabin is designed like an aircraft cabin. In its First Class rooms, adults can stand up to change, and there's a side table, a 32-inch TV and a large single bed. It's only 6 minutes from Shinjuku by JR, and it's a good choice if you'd like more privacy and comfort.

• Highlights: aircraft-style cabins, room to stand, a side table for work, large baths
• Address: TKP Ichigaya Building, 8 Ichigaya Hachimancho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Getting there: about 2 minutes' walk from JR Ichigaya Station, then 6 minutes to Shinjuku on the Chuo-Sobu Line
• Price: from about US$38 a night (October 2026)

Capsule hotel etiquette

1. Keep it quiet: don't talk loudly in the sleeping area, wear headphones for videos, and avoid rustling plastic bags.

2. Set your alarm to vibrate: avoid loud alarms in your capsule. A smart band, or a phone on vibrate beside your pillow, works well.

3. Eat in the lounge: don't have instant noodles or strong-smelling food in your capsule.

4. Daily cleaning: some traditional hotels ask longer-stay guests to leave their capsules during cleaning, around 10am to 3pm. You can usually leave your bags locked in a locker.

Which one should you choose?

Capsule hotels in Shinjuku offer a central location at a lower price. Men who want large baths, women who care about security and beauty facilities, and backpackers on a tight budget can all find something suitable here. Book early if you're travelling in a busy period.