Sleeping Pods At Tokyo Airport: A Comfortable Option?

Travellers passing through Tokyo's airports can take advantage of sleeping pods, hotels, and other amenities. Tokyo has two major airports, Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND), both of which offer various options for travellers needing a place to rest. Narita International Airport features the Nine Hours Capsule Hotel, located at Terminal 2, which offers sleeping pods for approximately $50, as well as day rooms and nearby hotels with free shuttle services. Haneda Airport also has a variety of options, including the First Cabin Haneda, a capsule hotel with compact cabin-style accommodations and direct access to Terminal 1. Terminal 3 of Haneda Airport houses the Royal Park Hotel, which offers both short-term and overnight rates, and a budget capsule hotel can be found landside in Terminal 1.

Capsule pod hotels at Tokyo Narita Airport

Tokyo's Narita International Airport features the Nine Hours Capsule Hotel, a pod hotel inside the airport. The hotel has 24-hour reception and check-in, and is located at Terminal 2, on the multi-story Car Park P2, B1F. The pods can be booked by the hour (1,500 yen for the first hour and 500 yen per additional hour) from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with overnight stays also available. Each pod has two nooks for storing belongings, and the hotel provides amenities such as towels and nightgowns. The hotel also has rows of toilets, sinks, and showers, which are free for capsule guests.

While the experience of staying in a capsule pod at the Narita Airport was not described as restful by some, it is considered convenient, especially for travellers with early flights. The concept of capsule hotels originated in Japan, and they are often described as a cross between a hotel and a hostel, offering limited space but some privacy.

Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) is divided into three terminals (1, 2, and 3), and the availability of certain facilities and services may vary depending on the terminal. For example, Terminal 3 has several lie-flat couches, and day rooms are available for rent by the hour on the airside of Terminals 1 and 2.

For travellers looking for alternative accommodation options, nearby hotels offer free shuttle services. Websites like Tripadvisor provide lists of hotels near the airport, which can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating, and popularity.

Sleeping in Tokyo Haneda Airport

Sleeping in airports can be a challenge, but Tokyo Haneda Airport offers a variety of options for travellers looking to get some rest. The airport is open 24 hours a day and has three terminals: Terminals 1 and 2 for domestic flights, and Terminal 3 for international flights. If you're planning to sleep in the airport, here are some things to keep in mind:

Where to Sleep:

Tokyo Haneda Airport offers a range of sleeping options, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some choices:

• Benches and Seats: All terminals have plenty of couches, benches, and seats without armrests. You can also find carpeted areas if you prefer to stretch out.
• Restaurants: Some travellers report finding peace and quiet in restaurants that have closed for the night.
• Lounges: The airport has several lounges, but they do not have designated sleep or rest areas. However, you can purchase lounge access, which provides amenities like beverages and Wi-Fi.

Hotels in the Airport:

If you're looking for more privacy and comfort, there are a few hotels located within the airport complex:

• Royal Park Hotel The Haneda: This hotel is directly connected to Terminal 3 in the departure lobby. It offers comfortable rooms, a transit floor accessible within the secure area of the terminal, and Refresh Rooms with a TV, sofa, and shower (no beds). Rates include free access to the Transit Lounge with drinks, food, and magazines.
• First Cabin Tokyo Haneda: This is a budget capsule hotel with rooms resembling airplane cabins. It is located in Terminal 1 and offers short-term stays.
• Transit Hotel: If you have a layover in the international terminal, there is a transit hotel offering both short-term and overnight rates.

Nearby Hotels:

If you don't mind staying outside the airport, there are several nearby hotels that offer free airport shuttle services:

• Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda: Located within walking distance of Terminal 3, this hotel offers day rooms for uninterrupted sleep.
• Nine Hours Narita Airport: This capsule hotel is located near the airport and offers 24/7 reception and check-in, making it ideal for early morning flights.
• Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu: This hotel is connected to Domestic Terminal 2 and offers accommodation for overnight stays.
• The Hilton Tokyo Haneda Airport: This hotel is located near the airport and provides a shuttle service. It offers amenities like a restaurant, bar, and fitness centre.

Capsule pod hotel experience

Capsule pod hotels are a cross between a hotel and a hostel. They originated in Japan and are designed for travellers who want a fuss-free and convenient stay. While they don't offer much space, they do provide guests with a bit of privacy.

The Nine Hours Capsule Hotel at Tokyo's Narita International Airport is located at Terminal 2, on the multi-story Car Park P2, B1F. Each pod has two nooks for storing belongings, a pillow, and a blanket. The hotel also provides guests with towels and nightgowns. The capsules can be booked by the hour, with the first hour costing 1,500 yen and 500 yen for each additional hour. Overnight stays are also available, with options for basic packages or breakfast plans.

While the experience may not be restful due to factors like noise and bright lights, it is convenient for travellers with early flights. It is also a unique experience for those who want to try the quintessential Japanese capsule pod hotel.

Outside of the airport setting, capsule pod hotels like The POD Boutique Capsule Hotel in Singapore offer a similar experience. The pods have single beds, a small desk, a chair, a personal locker, a power socket, a reading light, and privacy shades. The hotel provides self-service check-in and check-out kiosks, as well as laundry facilities, to enhance the convenience of the guest experience.

Other hotels near Tokyo airports

Tokyo's Narita International Airport features the Nine Hours Capsule Hotel, which offers travellers a quintessential Japanese experience. While the capsule pods may not offer a restful night's sleep, they are convenient for travellers with early flights. The hotel has 24-hour check-in and reception, and capsules can be booked by the hour or for overnight stays.

For those seeking a more traditional hotel experience near Tokyo's airports, there are several options:

• Hotel JAL City Haneda Tokyo West Wing: Located just a 10-minute train ride from Haneda Airport on the Keikyu Airport Line, this hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms.
• Tmark City Hotel Tokyo Omori: This hotel is conveniently located just a minute's walk away from Omorikaigan Station and a short distance from Haneda Airport. It features simple and modern rooms in a quiet area, perfect for resting.
• Kawasaki King Skyfront Tokyu REI Hotel: This hotel is situated in Kawasaki, a 10-minute train ride from Haneda Airport. It offers a shared lounge and free WiFi, along with free late check-out.
• Hotel Vista Kamata: Located near the Kamata train station, this hotel is a convenient option for those travelling to and from Haneda Airport. It offers spacious rooms with all the necessary amenities and is a great choice for long-term stays.
• The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda: This hotel is directly accessible from the International Terminal of Haneda Airport, making it an excellent choice for those with early morning flights.
• Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu Haneda Airport Terminal 2: Located at Haneda Airport's Terminal 2, this hotel provides modern air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi access.
• Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Haneda: This 4-star hotel is strategically located just 2.3 miles from Omori Hachiman Shrine and a short distance from Haneda Airport. It features impressive facilities, including wooden floors in each room, and English-speaking staff.

History of capsule pod hotels

Capsule pod hotels, also known as pod hotels in the Western world, originated in Osaka, Japan, in 1979. The first capsule hotel was the Capsule Inn Osaka, located in the Umeda district of Osaka, Japan, and designed by Kisho Kurokawa. Since then, the concept has spread to various other territories, including Belgium, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea, and the United States.

Capsule hotels are unique and compact hotel experiences that provide cheap, basic overnight accommodation for guests who do not require or cannot afford larger, more expensive rooms offered by conventional hotels. The guest rooms are small, bed-sized chambers with sufficient height for a guest to crawl in and sit up on the bed. These capsules are typically about six to seven feet long and three feet high. They are often stacked side-by-side, two units high, with steps or ladders providing access to the second-level rooms, similar to bunk beds.

The idea behind capsule hotels is to provide travellers with just enough space to feel comfortable and get a good night's rest without the extra frills that take up space and cost more money. Capsule hotels are typically located in busy transportation hubs such as airports and train stations, making them convenient for travellers with early flights or long layovers. They are also ideal for solo travellers who want their own space without paying for an entire room.

Capsule hotels vary in size, with some having as few as 50 capsules while others have up to 700. They primarily cater to men, with some hotels offering separate sections or floors for male and female guests. Amenities within the capsules typically include a small television, air conditioning, an electronic console, and power sockets. Like hostels, many amenities are communally shared, including toilets, showers, wireless internet, and dining rooms. In Japan, capsule hotels may also have communal baths and saunas.

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