Best Capsule Hostels in Kyoto
Best Capsule Hostels in Kyoto
⭐ Rating: 9.6 over more than 700 reviews
💲 Prices: from €28
What do guests say?
Guests love The Millennials Kyoto for its clean, modern design and comfortable, high-tech pods. The free beer hour is a social highlight, and the central location makes it convenient for exploring Kyoto. Many describe it as the best hostel experience.
The Millennials Kyoto offers a truly unique capsule hostel experience, blending futuristic technology with comfort and convenience. Each capsule-inspired smart pod is equipped with iPod controls, allowing guests to recline their beds and adjust their space to suit their needs. This modern touch, combined with privacy curtains and high-quality amenities like towels, slippers, and free coffee, makes for an elevated hostel stay in the heart of Kyoto.
Beyond the capsules, The Millennials Kyoto stands out with its impressive 300㎡ of common areas, where guests can work, relax, or socialise. Whether you’re cooking in the kitchen, enjoying a drink at the bar, or lounging in the play zone, the shared spaces foster a sense of community without compromising privacy. The 24-hour access to these facilities ensures you can enjoy the space at your leisure, making it ideal for both short and extended stays.
The hostel’s location in Kyoto is another highlight, offering easy access to key attractions while providing a cosy and functional environment to retreat to at the end of the day. With its smart technology, spacious communal areas, and comfortable capsules, The Millennials Kyoto redefines what it means to stay in a hostel.
Pros:
- Central location, easy access to attractions
- High-tech, comfortable pods
- Clean and modern facilities
- Social atmosphere with free beer hour
- Great common areas for work and relaxation
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Unique experience with iPod-controlled beds
Cons:
- Pods can get hot and lack ventilation
- Noise from other guests can be disruptive
⭐ Rating: 9.5 over more than 400 reviews
💲 Prices: from €26
What do guests say?
Guests love Ryokan Hostel Gion for its clean, comfortable capsule beds, peaceful location near Gion’s lively areas, and friendly, helpful staff. The hostel’s traditional design, convenient facilities, and cosy atmosphere make it a highly recommended stay for exploring Kyoto.
Ryokan Hostel Gion offers a unique capsule hostel experience in the heart of Kyoto’s iconic Gion district, making it one of the best options for travellers seeking a blend of tradition and modern comfort. With privacy curtains in every bed, guests can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep while still benefiting from the sociable hostel atmosphere. The traditional Machiya-style building adds to the authenticity of staying in Kyoto, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local culture.
The location is ideal for sightseeing, with famous landmarks such as Heian Shrine and the Kyoto International Manga Museum just a short walk away. The surrounding area is vibrant, filled with charming restaurants, unique shops, and cosy cafes, giving travellers a true sense of Kyoto life. The hostel is also well-equipped with modern conveniences, including rooms that feature electric kettles and even kitchenettes in select accommodations.
What truly sets Ryokan Hostel Gion apart is its excellent service. The bilingual staff, available 24/7, are helpful and attentive, providing guidance in English, Japanese, and Korean. The combination of privacy, comfort, and traditional atmosphere makes this hostel a top choice for those wanting a capsule-style stay in Kyoto while experiencing the essence of the city.
Pros:
- Clean and comfortable capsule beds
- Great location near Gion and Kyoto attractions
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Quiet and peaceful neighbourhood
- Complimentary towels provided
- Spacious rooms with privacy
- Good common areas for socialising
Cons:
- AC and automatic doors can be noisy
- No food on site, though convenience stores nearby
⭐ Rating: 9.3 over more than 200 reviews
💲 Prices: from €29
What do guests say?
Guests love Tsukimi Hotel for its clean, modern facilities, friendly and helpful staff, and prime location in Kyoto’s Gion district. The spacious pods provide comfort and privacy, while the rooftop lounge and common areas offer a great social atmosphere.
Tsukimi Hotel is one of the best capsule hotels in Kyoto, offering a modern, minimalist experience perfect for travellers seeking comfort and convenience. Located in the heart of Gion, it provides easy access to Kyoto’s top attractions, such as Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. The hotel’s clean, sleek design ensures a serene atmosphere, ideal for resting after a day of exploration.
What sets Tsukimi Hotel apart is the attention to detail in its amenities. The custom Serta mattresses are wider and taller than typical Japanese capsules, ensuring a superior sleep experience. In addition, the Mirable shower heads offer a rejuvenating touch, leaving guests feeling refreshed. The spacious lounge and common kitchen create an inviting space for guests to relax and exchange stories with fellow travellers.
The thoughtful facilities and prime location make Tsukimi Hotel stand out as an exceptional capsule hotel. Whether you’re using the rooftop laundry or enjoying the vibrant Gion neighbourhood, everything is within reach. The hotel strikes a perfect balance between practicality and comfort, making it a top choice for travellers looking to enjoy Kyoto’s beauty while staying in a stylish, modern environment.
Pros:
- Super clean and modern facilities
- Spacious and comfortable pods
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Great location in the heart of Gion, near major sights
- Rooftop lounge with a chill social atmosphere
- Free amenities like shampoo, conditioner, towels
- Ideal for both short and long stays
Cons:
- Limited storage space for luggage
- Busy periods may lead to clutter
⭐ Rating: 9.4 over more than 70 reviews
💲 Prices: from €25
What do guests say?
Guests love Wise Owl Hostels Kyoto for its friendly staff, cosy capsule beds with privacy curtains, and excellent location near train stations and bus stops. The facilities are clean and well-maintained, making it a great value stay for solo travellers.
Wise Owl Hostels Kyoto is one of the best capsule hostels in the city, offering a unique and enriching experience for travellers looking to explore Kyoto to the fullest. Located near major attractions like Sanjusangen-do Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, the hostel provides easy access to cultural landmarks while maintaining a modern and comfortable environment for guests.
The capsule beds are designed for both privacy and comfort, each surrounded by wooden boards, equipped with reading lights, USB ports, and electric taps. Whether you’re staying in the 20-bed mixed dorm or the 6-bed female dorm, you’ll enjoy personal space and thoughtful amenities such as safety deposit boxes and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The hostel’s clean and well-maintained shared bathrooms, complete with bidets and hairdryers, further enhance the experience.
What makes Wise Owl Hostels stand out is its emphasis on creating a balance between relaxation and exploration. After a day of sightseeing, the on-site bar offers a social space to unwind and meet fellow travellers. The hostel’s philosophy of encouraging guests to experience the city to the fullest ensures that your stay will be both comfortable and memorable, making it one of Kyoto’s top capsule hostels.
Pros:
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Excellent location near major train and bus stations
- Clean and cosy pod-style beds with privacy curtains
- Well-maintained shower and laundry facilities
- Quiet atmosphere, great for solo travellers
- Affordable, good value for money
Cons:
- Showers located on a different floor from some rooms
- Kitchen is basic, not suitable for heavy cooking
⭐ Rating: 9.6 over more than 1,200 reviews
💲 Prices: from €28
What do guests say?
Guests love Gion Ryokan Q-beh for its excellent location in the Gion area, close to temples and Kyoto’s cultural spots. The traditional ryokan atmosphere, friendly staff, and spacious capsule-style bunks with privacy make it a comfortable and authentic experience.
Gion Ryokan Q-beh is an excellent choice for travellers looking for a traditional yet comfortable capsule hostel experience in the historic Gion district of Kyoto. Set amidst the serene streets where maiko (apprentice geishas) stroll, the hostel offers a peaceful retreat just minutes away from famous temples and shrines. The location combines the charm of Kyoto’s cultural heritage with easy access to iconic sites, making it ideal for exploring the city on foot.
The hostel itself offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese ryokan elements with modern amenities. Guests can choose between cosy capsule-style dorms and traditional tatami mat rooms, ensuring privacy and comfort. Each capsule space is well-designed with personal lights, power outlets, and storage, while the communal areas, such as the Japanese tatami living room and garden observation room, provide relaxing spaces to unwind and meet fellow travellers.
With free Wi-Fi, coin-operated laundry, and luggage storage facilities, Gion Ryokan Q-beh provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay. The hostel’s traditional atmosphere, combined with its modern conveniences, creates an authentic and peaceful Kyoto experience. It’s perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in the city’s culture while enjoying the privacy and affordability of a capsule hostel.
Pros:
- Prime location in Gion, close to key attractions
- Traditional ryokan atmosphere
- Spacious capsule-style bunks with privacy
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Clean common areas and showers
- Tatami rooms for relaxing
- Lovely garden views
- Well-equipped kitchen
Cons:
- Some guests find beds hard
- Not highly social for solo travellers
⭐ Rating: 9.6 over more than 50 reviews
💲 Prices: from €27
What do guests say?
Guests love Hostel Niniroom for its friendly and helpful staff, cosy atmosphere, and great location near markets and train stations. The hostel is clean and offers a relaxing environment, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.
Hostel Niniroom offers a unique and welcoming capsule hostel experience in Kyoto, blending modern design with a warm, homely atmosphere. Housed in a beautifully renovated former printing office, this hostel is designed to feel like “a friend’s room in Kyoto,” offering travellers a cosy, relaxed stay. Its charming mix of traditional and contemporary design is complemented by shared facilities such as clean, well-maintained showers and toilets, available on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The first-floor lounge serves as a café and bar, making it easy to unwind and meet fellow guests.
The location of Hostel Niniroom is a significant advantage. Situated in a local area just a short walk from the nearest train station, it offers easy access to Kyoto’s top attractions. The hostel also provides bike rentals, ideal for exploring the city’s cultural and historic sites. Its proximity to Kyoto Station and major sights ensures convenience, while the quiet, local neighbourhood provides a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing.
With comfortable capsule-style beds, friendly staff, and thoughtful amenities such as complimentary toiletries and luggage storage, Hostel Niniroom is a great choice for travellers seeking an affordable, stylish, and home-like experience in Kyoto.
Pros:
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Great location near markets and train stations
- Clean and cosy atmosphere
- Bicycle rental available for easy city exploration
- Shared kitchen and lounge area for socialising
- Private rooms available for more comfort
- Earplugs provided for light sleepers
Cons:
- Noise can carry between rooms due to thin walls
- Shared dorms can feel cramped
⭐ Rating: 9.3 over more than 300 reviews
💲 Prices: from €23
What do guests say?
Guests love R.Star Hostel Kyoto for its cleanliness, spacious dorm rooms with privacy curtains, and well-maintained bathrooms. The location, while a bit far from the metro, is convenient for exploring Kyoto. Friendly staff and great common areas enhance the experience.
R.Star Hostel Kyoto offers a comfortable and convenient experience for travellers seeking a capsule-style stay in the heart of Kyoto. Just a 15-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station and a short 4-minute walk from Gojo Station, it provides easy access to key attractions like Nishiki Market and Gion. The location is also perfect for exploring local restaurants, supermarkets, and nearby convenience stores.
The hostel’s dormitories feature semi-double bunk beds equipped with privacy curtains, ensuring a peaceful and private stay. Each guest also benefits from personal lockers, making it a safe and secure option for backpackers or solo travellers. The shared bathrooms are well-maintained and accessible to all dorm guests, while the spacious common room invites guests to relax, socialise, and enjoy a new way of travelling.
R.Star Hostel stands out for its balance of privacy and social opportunities. It’s ideal for those who enjoy exploring cities on foot, with all the essentials nearby. Whether you’re planning to immerse yourself in the cultural highlights of Kyoto or take day trips to nearby cities like Osaka or Tokyo, this hostel offers a practical and stylish base for your adventures.
Pros:
- Clean and well-organised
- Spacious dorm rooms with privacy curtains
- Comfortable beds and great facilities
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Close to restaurants, supermarkets, and a convenience store
- Good kitchen facilities and common areas
- Privacy curtains in dorm rooms
- Lockers provided for personal belongings
Cons:
- Location is not very close to metro stations
- Not the most social atmosphere
- Can hear noise from other guests in dorm rooms
What are Capsule Hostels in Kyoto Like?
Capsule hostels in Kyoto offer a unique blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern minimalism. While there are a few capsule hotels, most accommodations are capsule hostels, which provide privacy within shared dormitory settings. These hostels often feature capsule-style sleeping pods with privacy curtains, creating a personal space for each guest. The design is practical, clean, and space-efficient, making it perfect for solo travellers or those looking for an affordable yet comfortable stay in the heart of the city.
Why Choose a Capsule Hostel in Kyoto?
Choosing a capsule hostel in Kyoto offers an ideal balance of affordability, comfort, and privacy. These hostels provide a budget-friendly way to experience the city while ensuring a restful stay with cosy pods that offer privacy curtains. They are typically located in central areas, making it easy to explore Kyoto’s famous cultural landmarks and neighbourhoods. With a welcoming atmosphere and often well-maintained facilities, capsule hostels are perfect for those who want to save money while still enjoying a unique, modern stay.
What to Expect in a Capsule Hostel in Kyoto?
In a capsule hostel in Kyoto, you can expect comfortable and private sleeping arrangements within a shared dormitory. The capsules or pods come equipped with privacy curtains, individual reading lights, and charging ports. Most hostels offer common spaces like kitchens and lounges, where you can meet fellow travellers. Cleanliness is a priority, with shared bathrooms and facilities well-maintained. These hostels blend modern design with traditional Japanese touches, offering a relaxing and unique environment for travellers looking to experience the city’s culture on a budget.
Benefits of Staying in a Capsule Hostel
Staying in a capsule hostel provides a unique and practical travel experience, especially in a city like Kyoto. Here are some key benefits to consider:
- Affordability: Capsule hostels are budget-friendly without sacrificing comfort.
- Privacy: Individual pods with curtains give you personal space, even in shared dorms.
- Convenient Locations: Many capsule hostels are centrally located, close to major attractions.
- Modern Amenities: Often feature Wi-Fi, charging ports, and clean, well-maintained facilities.
- Social Opportunities: Common areas provide a chance to meet fellow travellers in a relaxed environment.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Stay in a Capsule Hostel
To fully enjoy your capsule hostel experience, here are some useful tips:
- Pack Light: Space in the pods is limited, so minimal luggage is ideal.
- Bring Earplugs and Eye Mask: For maximum comfort in a shared space, these items can help with noise and light.
- Use the Common Areas: Take advantage of the shared spaces to relax, socialise, and get local tips from other guests.
- Respect Quiet Hours: Be mindful of others by keeping noise levels down, especially at night.
- Secure Valuables: Use the lockers provided to keep your belongings safe.
FAQs about Capsule Hostels in Kyoto
Are capsule hostels in Kyoto safe?
Yes, capsule hostels in Kyoto are generally very safe. Most provide individual lockers for securing valuables, and the city itself has a low crime rate.
How much does it cost to stay in a capsule hostel in Kyoto?
Prices for capsule hostels in Kyoto typically range from €20 to €40 per night, depending on location, amenities, and time of year.
Can I stay long-term in a capsule hostel in Kyoto?
While capsule hostels are ideal for short-term stays, some travellers do stay for longer periods. However, the compact size of the pods and shared facilities may not be ideal for extended stays.
Is it easy to socialise in a capsule hostel?
Yes, capsule hostels often have communal areas where guests can meet and socialise. However, the level of interaction varies depending on the hostel’s atmosphere.
Are capsule hostels suitable for solo travellers?
Yes, capsule hostels are a great option for solo travellers due to their budget-friendly nature and the opportunity to meet other travellers in shared spaces.