Japan is already known for its high accommodation prices, especially in major cities. This means that accommodation costs can significantly impact your travel budget. During my recent trip to Japan, I decided to try some budget-friendly hotels. I ended up staying at three different places: First Cabin Kyoto Karasuma, Khaosan Tokyo Origami, and Nui. First Cabin Kyoto Karasuma is a capsule hotel located near Kyoto Station. It offers a unique and affordable accommodation experience. The capsules are small but comfortable, and the shared facilities are clean and modern. Khaosan Tokyo Origami is a hostel located in the Asakusa district. It offers a social and vibrant atmosphere, with a variety of room options to choose from. Nui is a capsule hotel located in the Shibuya district. It offers a stylish and modern accommodation experience, with comfortable capsules and a variety of amenities. All three hotels offer a great value for money, and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a budget-friendly accommodation option in Japan.

This is a compact hotel, or perhaps a capsule hotel, as it offers a variety of room types. The overall design concept evokes the atmosphere of an airplane, specifically a first-class cabin. The hotel has branches in major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, and is expanding to other locations throughout Japan. This time, I chose to stay at the Kyoto branch to see what it was like.


The front of the building resembles a typical row of shophouses. Upon entering, an elevator takes you to the upper floors.

The first section serves as a reception area, featuring a minimalist counter and a small lounge area for dining.

The rooms are available in First Class and Business Class options.

The first type is Business Class, which is like a capsule where you can just lie down and sleep. It measures 2.5 square meters.

My accommodation was First Class, with a private space and a desk for working. The room size was 4.4 square meters.

Upon check-in, guests receive a key card to access their designated room. The rooms are clearly divided into male and female zones.

The room was dark and quiet, each room with curtains drawn.


The first room I stayed in was right next to the corridor. It was so quiet that I didn't dare to make any noise. The room was tidy and beautiful. The bed was larger than 3.5 feet, which is a bit bigger than the beds we have at home. It was comfortable to sleep in, as befits a First Class room. Towels and pajamas were provided.


The room offers Wi-Fi access and a TV with headphones provided. Guests can choose from a selection of Japanese TV channels. Bedside controls allow for convenient room management. USB charging ports are available for guest use.


The bed has a lockable drawer for secure storage of valuables.

One thing to be aware of in this accommodation is the lack of soundproofing between rooms. This is especially noticeable in the quiet hours, when even minor sounds can be easily heard. Even the slightest movement of the curtains or the opening and closing of a bag can be clearly audible.

The sleep was comfortable, except that it was a bit cold when I went and they turned on the heater quite strong, which made me feel a bit hot. If it had been cooler, it would have been perfect.

The funny thing is that because I snore so loudly, I woke up in the morning to find a piece of paper slipped under my door! I thought a girl had come to flirt with me, but it was written in Japanese, which I can't read. However, I'm pretty sure it wasn't a compliment.

From what I can gather, the gist of the message is that the speaker's snoring is loud and disruptive. However, the translation is incomplete and lacks context. To provide a more accurate and meaningful translation, I would need additional information about the situation and the intended audience.

The experience left me feeling slightly embarrassed. I realized how painful it can be to be reprimanded in a society that doesn't resort to direct insults like we do back home. I'd rather be called out and scolded directly so we can get it over with. Haha... I felt a little stressed the next night when I was going to sleep at another capsule hotel. I wondered if I would be scolded again... But I had already booked it, so I had to go. At least I only booked one night here. With that thought, I packed my things, checked out, and continued my travels.

For more information, please visit the website >> First Cabin

9 Hours: 24 Hours in a Day, 9 Hours is Enough Here

This concise phrase emphasizes the efficiency and time-saving nature of the location or service being advertised. It suggests that users can accomplish their goals or enjoy the experience within a mere 9 hours, despite having a full 24-hour day at their disposal.

The hotel is located next to First Cabin. After checking out early in the morning, I quickly dragged my suitcase away with a little embarrassment. I walked in the cold air for about 600 meters and arrived at the hotel. It is located >> here.

Situated in a prime location, the property boasts convenient access to a Family Mart for daily necessities, as well as being within walking distance of the train station and bus stops.


This hotel has been on my radar for a while now, ever since I saw it on the retaildesign website. Back then, it didn't even have a name, but its minimalist aesthetic, with its stark white color scheme, caught my eye.

Upon arrival, guests are provided with an iPad for check-in. A card is issued to unlock lockers for storing belongings on the upper floor, and a key is given for shoe storage in cabinets corresponding to room numbers. The 9h clock, which serves as both a conceptual representation of the hotel and its logo, is a notable feature.


The next area is the Lounge, where you can eat, work, open your bag, store your belongings, and so on. Do everything here because the space upstairs will be small and private. Everything will be white with black graphic stickers as markers. It's a simple and beautiful atmosphere.

However, due to its white color, it is difficult to maintain its pristine appearance. It is understandable that the actual product may show some wear and tear in areas of frequent use.

We then took the elevator to the guest room floors on the upper levels. The building has a total of 9 floors, with floors 2-5 designated for female guests and floors 6-9 for male guests. The 9th floor houses the restrooms.

Upon arriving at the 9th floor, we were instructed to store our belongings in lockers before proceeding to our rooms, as luggage storage was not permitted in the rooms. Using the provided QR code, we unlocked our designated lockers, revealing a neatly prepared set of pajamas, towels, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. The experience evoked a sense of entering a spaceship in a science fiction film, where the protagonist is required to change into a uniform identical to that of the other passengers. The sight of everyone clad in similar attire, navigating the space, perfectly captured the essence of that cinematic trope.

While the design of the object or its appearance alone may not fully convey its purpose, the user's interaction with it, such as using a QR code to open a cabinet, can provide a deeper understanding of the design concept.

After changing clothes, the diver returned to their designated area.


The eighth floor houses our guest rooms, each with a simple door. Two small bathrooms are located on the left side before entering the room. The bathrooms are compact and utilize space-saving fixtures, yet maintain the high-tech standards expected in Japan.


Upon entering the room, one is transported to a futuristic spacecraft-like environment. The dimly lit space features individual sleeping pods made of white fiberglass. Each pod contains a simple mattress, a single pillow, and a control panel at the headrest. Conveniently, the pods are equipped with power outlets and various charging options. A notable feature is the "Sleep Ambience" system, which gradually dims the lights within the pod, lulling occupants into a peaceful slumber. Conversely, upon waking, the lights gradually brighten, gently rousing individuals without the need for disruptive alarms. This thoughtful design ensures a peaceful and undisturbed sleep experience, as guests awaken at their own pace, eliminating the potential for noise-induced disturbances.

Initially, I was worried that it would be cramped and uncomfortable. However, when I actually slept in it, "it was incredibly comfortable." Of all the nights I spent in Japan, this was the night I slept the most soundly. It's unbelievable.


After spending nine hours experiencing this place, checking out felt like stepping off a starship and returning to the present world, which is a place we both enjoy. If we have the opportunity to come again, we will definitely do so. It is simple, affordable, and suitable for solo travelers or couples who do not need a space to socialize. Go out and socialize as much as you want, then come back to the accommodation, change clothes, shower, sleep, wake up, brush your teeth, shower, and then continue your journey.

The website is completely blank. >> 9h



Back to being a student again at The Dorm Hostel

The hostel looks very interesting. At first glance, I wanted to book it right away and try it out. Plus, the Agoda review scores are quite high, so I'm curious to know what's so good about it.


The location is excellent, being in close proximity to the Shinsaibashi shopping district. It is just a short walk away. >> Here

The hostel's popularity among young travelers is due to its separate areas for men and women, providing a comfortable and secure environment.

At first glance, the books on the shelves appeared to be props or old, discarded books arranged for aesthetic purposes. However, upon closer inspection, it became evident that the books were of exceptional quality and highly appealing. The diverse selection spanned a wide range of categories, including music, art, photography, architecture, fashion, and philosophy, evoking the ambiance of a well-stocked library. The central table in the room provided a conducive atmosphere for reading or working. After several days of sightseeing, it became necessary to dedicate some time to clearing pending tasks.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.


The book also includes design ideas, making it a delightful resource.



Another highlight is the availability of a hot and cold water dispenser, ice machine, and coffee maker, providing refreshments to keep you energized throughout the night. The restrooms are conveniently located nearby.


The bathrooms and showers are separated into individual stalls, with shared sinks for both men and women. Soap, shampoo, and lotion are provided. The white space is clean and bright, and while it doesn't need to be decorated like the common areas, it should prioritize cleanliness and safety for users.

The bedroom had a similar atmosphere to the other rooms, with dim lighting and dark colors. However, it was not as dark as the other rooms. The sleeping area was divided into two sections, with simple plywood furniture used to create two bunk beds.


The headboard of the bed features a lamp with an integrated smoke detector for safety purposes. Additionally, a small lockable drawer with an information label is provided.


At the far end of the bed is a locker area with a clothes rack and a basket of slippers for changing.

The room features a stylish workspace with a window that is actually a screen displaying a constant image. This ensures a consistent atmosphere regardless of the time of day.


The Dorm Hostel is a place that lives up to its high ratings. Its simplicity provides a level of satisfaction that is hard to find elsewhere. If I ever find myself on a solo trip to Osaka again, I will definitely be staying here.

The website is visually appealing. Check it out here: The Dorm

The comfort of this type of hotel may not be as good as a standard hotel, but sometimes changing your behavior while traveling can be a fun new experience. It's like being a teenager again. If you like it, try staying there.

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The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

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