We create the capsule hotel as a symbol of “Cool Japan” and revolutionizing travel cultureFor Capsule Hotel

The world’s first capsule hotel, Capsule Inn Osaka, was opened in 1979 in the city of Osaka. Since then, lodging facilities with capsule or box shaped beds for sleeping have been known as “capsule hotels,” and they have become loved by numerous travelers over the last half century. In recent years they have been a featured component of Japanese culture in the Cool Japan campaign, and with increased attention from overseas, demand has soared. With the increased availability of affordable air travel, there are tourists looking for simple travel options, families wishing to go sightseeing, and young people wanting to put their money toward travel experiences. Every year there are more and more visitors coming to Japan. Clean and stylish capsule hotels provide a safe and affordable place to stay, and many of the guests become repeat customers.

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Capsule In Osaka (Renewed)

Capsule hotels are currently a huge business opportunity

Compared to traditional hotels, capsule hotels have a much larger capacity, creating the opportunity for a much higher profit. More and more companies are using their office buildings to start capsule hotels. Some existing hotels are even renovating some of their floors to allow them to enter the capsule hotel business.

Example of existing hotel renovation layout

15 rooms

Single rooms

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100 beds

Capsule beds

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Support for starting a capsule hotel business

Compared to traditional hotels, capsule hotels require much less manpower, and this makes a business easier to get up and running from an operational and human resources standpoint. Kotobuki has been creating sleep capsules for a half century, and over the years we have helped many companies enter the capsule hotel business.

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top : MyCUBE by MYSTAYS Asakusa Kuramae
bottom : a-STYLE SHINSAIBASHI

“Converting an existing building into a capsule hotel” is more popular than ever

There is an increasing number of existing buildings, places of business, storehouses, and more being repurposed to launch capsule hotel businesses. The only requirement is that the building is structurally sound enough to support it. As long as there is an entryway big enough for people to walk through, the capsule bed panels and supports can be carried in and assembled on the spot, so a capsule hotel can be started almost anywhere.

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Laws and regulations for operating a capsule hotel

A capsule hotel, which charges people in exchange for providing a place to stay, falls under “hotel business law.” Hotel businesses are separated into ryokan (traditional inns)/hotels, simple lodging, and boarding houses, and capsule hotels are considered “simple lodging.” Simple lodging operations are “lodging facilities constructed such that numerous people share common spaces and facilities, where people are charged in exchange for a place to stay, and that are not considered boarding houses” (Hotel Business Act Paragraph 2 Item 4). Because the specific rules vary depending on municipality, it is important to familiarize yourself with the local laws concerning hotels in the area around the capsule hotel. Other laws such as the Building Standards Act and the Fire Services Act are also relevant. * For hotels in Japan

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Photo : Hotel Matsuya

Kotobuki Works to Create What Our Customers Want

In order to create an attractive capsule hotel, it’s important for hotels to place elements within the capsule bed which make it pleasant for guests to spend time there, to change the layout of the beds, and to design the beds to match the space. Kotobuki can respond to the needs of its customers, helping them create the capsule hotel they dream of building.

Appeal to a wide range of patrons with various types of beds

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In order to bring in a wide range of patrons and to encourage repeat customers, the key is to have a range of different capsule beds available. By bringing in different types of capsule beds and carefully arranging them, it is possible to create a space that can cater to the needs of a wide range of clientele. By arranging various types of capsule beds near each other on the same floor, you can create a sense of excitement and anticipation as guests think, "Next time, maybe I’ll try out that type."

GLANSIT KYOTO KAWARAMACHI

The upper level bed opens to the side, creating a private room atmosphere between the capsule bed and the wall. By installing a desk, this creates an easy to use and wonderful space that is perfect for business travelers as well as tourists. The lower level bed is a Front entry bed that faces the walkway. Having different types of beds right above each other creates a striking visual contrast.

With a little consideration you can create a space that supports female clientele

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Left : Locker room
Middle : Makeup room
Right : Shower room

Traditionally capsule hotels have primarily been used by men, but right now the number of female patrons is rapidly increasing. By having strict security with separate floors for men and for women, or by having a capsule hotel that is just for women, even women who are traveling alone can feel safe when they stay. Floors or hotels that are just for women can make use of interior design and other options that are visually appealing to women. By using these types of techniques to appeal to what women want, there is a strong potential to gain repeat guests.

a-STYLE SHINSAIBASHI

Stepping outside of a normal capsule bed puts you in a shared space with other guests you do not know. For women who feel uncomfortable at the thought of running into somebody right after they wake up before putting on makeup, this bed includes shelving and a mirror, making it easy to get ready in the morning. Small considerations like this are important when it comes to attracting repeat guests.

A wide open space with big beds

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For those looking for a capsule hotel with a wide open feel, we suggest bed types and layouts with plenty of space. With additional customization, these accommodations can help guests overcome their preconceived notions of “cramped” spaces, providing a place where it is easy for anybody to stay.

MyCUBE by MYSTAYS Asakusa Kuramae ( left )

The space below these capsule beds is customized with locking storage areas. While the external dimensions are the same as for regular type beds, inside they are extra tall and offer ample space. Perfect for hotels that cater to tourists and other patrons with lots of luggage.

Capsule Hotel CUBE Hiroshima ( right )

By arranging side entry capsule beds above each other with their openings facing opposite directions, it is possible to create private rooms. Other amenities such as desks or lockers can also be added.

Capsule hotels are popular with foreign visitors to Japan

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Photo_Nacasa & Partners
Designed_Fumie Shibata
Identity and Signage_Hiromura Design OfficeInterior_Takaaki Nakamura

The number of foreign visitors coming to Japan continues to rise. With Japan being the birthplace of the capsule hotel, these hotels are receiving more and more attention as a unique type of lodging that can only be experienced in Japan. It is not just about the capsule beds, as capsule hotels with an overarching theme throughout are especially popular.

Cabin & Capsule Hotel J-SHIP Osaka Namba ( top )

This modern take on traditional Japanese design is perfect for international tourists, and it also calls to mind a strong sense of familiarity for Japanese patrons. Guests are welcomed in by a design based on traditional Japanese woodworking. Adhering to the concept of the hotel, the exterior panels for the capsule beds have also been customized with wood grain textures.

9h ninehours Shinjuku-North ( bottom )

With locations across Japan, ninehours uses custom made capsule beds with a circular look, creating a stylish design that is very unique. The futuristic space is designed to excite foreign visitors, and it is thought to have contributed to the surge in popularity of capsule hotels.

A resort style capsule hotel for long term stay

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Left : Hanger rack
Middle : Mirror, Safety box
Right : Night panel

With urban style capsule hotels, the goal is to offer a safe and simple place to stay, but with capsule hotels in resort areas, it is important to use additional techniques to create a place where patrons can stay for a long time without growing bored. These box shaped spaces are perfect for giving patrons the feeling of being out of their daily routine.

THE LODGE MOIWA

This capsule hotel is located at the base of the ski slope in Niseko, Hokkaido, which is a popular destination for skiers from all over the world. Guests can change the interior design of their capsule bed to suit their mood for the day, as the LED illuminated color of their space can be changed by flicking a switch in their bed. In addition, we have installed equipment for long-term residents such as a clothes rack, mirror and safety box.

Testimonial

We want to offer facilities that provide a safe and comfortable stay while remaining as affordable as possible.
By CVS Bay Area Inc.

  • What was your experience like starting a capsule hotel business?
    Our company began in 1981 as franchise management business for convenience stores, and we entered the hotel business in November of 2009. Currently, there are more people than ever visiting the Tokyo area for business, but as of now the supply side is unable to meet that demand. We felt strongly that we did not want to let this opportunity slip by, so we began planning a hotel in a price range lower than that of existing business hotels. We wanted to offer safe and comfortable lodging at the lowest price possible to meet this demand, and after conducting research, we decided on the capsule beds from Kotobuki. These wonderful products are excellent in terms of sound proofing, durability, and temperature resistance, and they offer ample livability.
  • How many guests do you have?
    Our first location was the Tokyo Ginza BAY HOTEL, which opened in Chuo Ward, Tokyo in July of 2015. With a concept based on modern Japanese design, it features shared spaces with a relaxed feel, changing rooms, and more. Because we are able to offer affordable pricing, it has become popular with more than just business travelers, also attracting tourists and female guests. In the first month it was open, it had already surpassed 60% capacity. Because of the location, on weekdays there are a large number of business travelers, while on weekends we see an increase in tourists, and the remainder is made up of visitors from other countries. In terms of a breakdown, business travelers account for 60%, while tourists and foreign visitors each account for 20%.
  • What feedback have you received from guests?
    Because we are able to offer affordable pricing, it has become popular with more than just business travelers, also attracting tourists and female guests. A guest who recently stayed at our Tokyo Nihonbashi BAY HOTEL said, “My bed was on the second level, but it was easy to climb in, it had a relaxing atmosphere, and there was plenty of space.” Even international visitors over 180cm tall have been delighted at having plenty of space to stretch out. We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our guests, and that has given us confidence in this business.
Interview: March, 2019
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2 top : Nihonbashi Muromachi BAY HOTEL Middle : CVS BAY HOTEL AnnexBottom : Tokyo Nihonbashi BAY HOTEL

Product Series

By selecting the perfect sleep capsule to match the space and goal, a high level of sleep becomes possible.

Blends Well into Any Space with Its Modern Design
GS-CUBE Series

This is a capsule bed. It has a robust structure because it is made of aluminum-extruded materials. At the same time, it is also easy to assemble.
*Patent pending
*Design registered

Creates an attractive space with a design which blends well into existing facilities

The wood-based design is modern and calming. It is well-received by men and women of all ages. It blends well into existing spaces. The gentle wood grain produces a relaxing space.
The panels are assembled. This makes them easy to install and maintain. Accordingly, this capsule bed can easily be installed in existing rooms.

A ladder designed to be easy to ascend and descend

The ladder is mounted at an inclined angle to make it easier to place your feet on it. The handrails extend all the way to the top. This design makes it easier to ascend and descend.
There is a mini-deck at the top step of the ladder. This will assist you when you are ascending and descending. Its area is larger than the other steps. This space allows you to adjust your posture when ascending and descending. You can enter the capsule from the ladder with peace of mind because of this mini-deck.
In addition, although the ladder is mounted to the side of the entrance in the conventional product, it is mounted directly in front of the entrance in the GS-CUBE. This realizes smooth and stable ascent and descent.

The sleeping space where you can relax realizes a private space

The interior is spacious. It is a clean design with little unevenness. The storage spaces installed above the pillow are a convenient size. You can place 500 ml PET bottles, smartphones or similar in them.
A ventilation fan is equipped to the top of the storage compartment.
The mattress is a high-performance type with excellent breathability. It will help give you good-quality sleep.
In addition, you can also add a back pad inside the capsule bed as an option. The thick pad supports your posture when you are sitting. Therefore, you can relax comfortably without your back hurting even when leaning against the wall.
The walls are made of highly soundproof panels. (*This is a comparison with our other products.)
Reducing sound leakage to adjacent rooms maintains privacy for each person. This supports a comfortable rest.

イメージ画像Option: Back Pad

Decorative panels you can choose to match your interior

You can choose decorative panels other than the standard as an option.

We can consult about products. At first feel free to contact us.

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