Take a Look Inside Tokyo’s Newly Revamped Capsule Hotel - AFAR

"Reimagined by Schemata Architects under Jo Nagasaka, this eight-story capsule hotel in Ebisu blends a retro capsule-hotel vibe with a modern, minimalist aesthetic: 162 sleeping pods (43 in × 87 in × 43 in / 110 cm × 220 cm × 100 cm) feature refurbished interiors finished in raw plywood, fiber-reinforced plastic, and concrete floors. The redesign intentionally incorporates Finnish saunas on the first and seventh floors—imported from Finland and available between 1 p.m. and 10 a.m.—playing up the long-standing stereotype that older capsule hotels resemble saunas. Guests must check in and out daily; rates start at 4,900 yen (about US$45) per night, and a “Nap Plan” allows hourly use of pods, saunas, and the lounge for 1,500 yen (≈US$14) with each additional hour costing 500 yen (≈US$5). Practical conveniences include shower units stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and soap, while the overall offering positions the capsule model closer to boutique design lodging without sacrificing affordability and convenience." - Sarah Buder