I visited Osaka this past weekend. Took the shink there, at just a little over ichi man yen for a round trip ticket, it’s well worth it.
Osaka is about a 45 minute ride west, a hop skip and a jump really, and once you arrive, though you’re still in Japan, it is quite literally ‘another world’—more people, more GREGARIOUS people, and Shinsaibashi puts Sakae to shame in terms of the selection of clubs, bars, restaurants, and nightspots one can hang out.
Hang out I did. Though, I must admit, i’m not as young as I used to be, (is anyone?)–so by 1 or 2 am, i’d had my fill of walking around and club-hopping, and, as i’d not secured any place to stay for the night, I asked a few Osaka street cops to steer me in the direction of the nearest capsule hotel, which they obliged.
If you’ve never spent any time in a capsule hotel in Japan, they are a unique experience.
Lots of people seem to have the idea capsule hotels are uncomfortable, crowded, cramped, etc, but i’d beg to differ, and I don’t like begging. Every time i’ve spent a night in a capsule hotel, i’ve enjoyed a comfortable, quiet, relaxed evening, surrounded by lots of men walking around in robes searching for those same things.
It’s simple to enter a capsule hotel. Walk up to the front desk, show your “gaijin card”, and within minutes you’re on your way to your ‘room’, which is exactly what it sounds like, a small slender ‘capsule’ designed for nothing more than sleep. Inside the capsule, there’s a tv mounted on the ‘ceiling’, which is usually just a few feet above your bed, there’s a radio/alarm clock/lighting apparatus, there’s a blanket and a pillow, there’s a porthole blowing cool air, and there’s you.
I hate to say this, because it sounds much more morbid than it is, but sleeping in a capsule resembles sleeping in a coffin, it’s tight, dark, and without much wiggle room, but there is ample space for you to SLEEP, and that is the raison d’etre for the existence of these hotels.
Most capsule hotels offer a ‘sento’, indoor bath, food service, computer access, lockers, smoking areas, and of course, your capsule. My favorite part of the experience is the sento, it’s madd relaxing, taking a nude dip in the hot water surrounded by tired looking men doing the same. There’s an unspoken sense of “i’m tired but i like it here” running throughout the hotel–and a shared sense of camaraderie. Plus, there aren’t any women around to distract from the need for relaxation, whether that is a plus or a minus, well, that’s your call.
Best thing about it is it’s cost effective. At around 3 thousand yen for a one night stay, 10 am check out, good night’s sleep plus a hot bath, I think it’s one of the best deals going.
If you’re looking for luxury, bells and whistles, room service, or a balcony, the capsule hotel experience might not suit you, but if all you’re after is a safe clean place to take a shower and get a good night’s rest on a budget, then I highly recommend the capsule hotel experience. It’s uniquely Japanese, and a wonderful way to get in touch with yourself.
Good Night. Sleep tight!
tdh
