Ιαπωνική τρέλα σε μια χώρα που δεν έχει… χώρο!
Τα Capsule hotels εμφανίστηκαν για πρώτη φορά το 1979 στην Osaka με το “Capsule Hotel In Osaka” του αρχιτέκτονα Kisho Kurokawa και το Nakagin Capsule Tower. Η δομή ετοιμάστηκε το 1972 με μικρά, σαν διαστημικά οχήματα δωμάτια…
Με κόστος US$30 με $50 τη νύχτα δίνουν high-speed internet και τα βασικά.
Αρχική ιδέα των 1960s, τα “capsule” (“kapuseru” λη カプセル) είναι η πιο τρελή ιδέα διαμονής που έχει εμφανιστεί και το Kotaku μας ετοίμασε και οδηγό:
When visiting a capsule hotel, there are some things to be aware of. One is that many capsule hotels are men only. They are traditionally geared towards businessmen. However, there are capsule hotels with women only floors. Some of the newest (and nicest) capsule hotels are aimed at both male and female guests.
Different capsule hotels have different rules, but as this Japanese site notes, there are some basic rules:
• Take off your shoes
Generally speaking, most Capsule Hotels have shoe lockers near the front desk. If you see a rack or cubbyhole of slippers when you enter, take off your shoes, put on the slippers, and carry your shoes to the locker. When you check in, you might have to give the shoe locker key to the front desk clerk.
• Your Key
After checking in, you’ll usually get another key. It’s usually attached to a wristband. This is a locker key in the changing room that you can use to store your belongings and clothes in. It should have the same number as your capsule. Do lock your valuables. While Japan is “safe”, there is crime. Keep that in mind.
• Capsule Hotel Wear
In the capsule hotel, guests are usually given a gown, a robe or even sweats. Change into the robe (or whatever). Unlike at a business hotel, it’s not considered gauche to walk around in your robe.
• Using the Bath or Sauna
Many capsule hotels put a lot of effort into their bathing facilities, giving guests a sentou (銭湯) or communal bathing experience. So, yes, you’ll be bathing with strangers. Capsule hotels are segregated by gender, so if you are a man, you’ll be bathing with men. Likewise, females bathe with females.
A note on bathing in Japan: Wash your body and hair before you get in the bath. There will be a washing area with faucets. Also, if you have tattoos, you will either need to cover them with bandages or not take a bath. Tattoos are typically prohibited due to their organized crime connotations in Japan.
• Post Bath
After your bath, you might want a beer or something to drink. Capsule hotels usually have snack bars; tell the staff your capsule number (on your key), and food and drink will be charged to your bill. Some hotels have reclining chairs with TVs, while some even have manga or newspapers you can check out. There might be smoking sections, if you smoke, but don’t smoke in the capsule.
• In the Capsule
Each capsule usually has a shutter or blinds that you can close. The walls are thin, so be a courteous neighbor!
• Checkout
Typically, checkout at capsule hotels is at 10am. But do confirm when you check-in. Before you check out, be sure to change back into to your clothes and take the key to the front desk.
Below are some interesting, and unique, capsule hotels from across Japan.
