Certainly, I’m not the only one intrigued by the amazing and innovative idea of saving space and money by Japanese through the invention of capsule hotels.

Started in Osaka, Japan, in 1979 by Kisho Kurokawa, the capsule hotels are just 1.2m wide, 2m long, and 1m high. They are stacked vertically one above the other, or horizontally beside each other, and provides accommodation to a large number of people at once, that too at very cheap prices.

(Courtesy: Mostuniquehotels.com)

Out of Japan, these hotels are famous as Pod Hotels and are quite popular.

Following are some interesting facts about capsule hotels:

• With almost negligible privacy, these hotels consist of capsule-shaped beds, a shared bath called Sauna, and a locker section for luggage.

• The relatively expensive facilities also have TV and alarm clocks.

• Although the section of lockers is usually separated from the beds, some capsule rooms these days are giving the facility of lockers just beside or inside the room.

• Following the old Japanese custom, guests are supposed to leave their shoes at the entrance of the capsule hotel and wear hotel slippers instead.

• You can avail a capsule room in Japan is as less as 500 yen. The price goes up to 2000 yen, according to the facilities available.

• Although many capsule hotels are “men-only”, the changing times are seeing new hotels that provide accommodation to women also, with separate quarters.

• While the normal capsule rooms have the space enough only for sitting and sleeping, the more expensive ones may allow you to squat and even stand.