Unusual Hotels in Tokyo where Imagination becomes Reality

Tokyo – the capital city of Japan, in its heart has always been a melting pot where tradition meets technology and innovation. Being the capital, Tokyo attracts more visitors than any other part of the country and the need for space is always high. So they came up with the idea of tiny hotel space called pods where people could rest. It’s convenient, cheap and easy to maintain all the while catering to the growing need for space to stay. Although pods have been around in Tokyo for quite some time, visitors do get a shock when they have a look at them for the first time at least. Apart from pods, Tokyo also has found a way to engage visitors and travellers by investing ideas into hotel concepts that has given way to some unusual hotels in Tokyo. Ranging from art-deco to traditional to unusual themes, almost all sort of sci-fi, weird, out of the box, anything is possible.

Here’s a list of 13 unusual hotels in Tokyo where imagination gave way to reality.

1. Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel

If you’re looking for a unique Japanese experience in the heart of the city the best way would be to end up in a pod hotel and there is no better than Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule hotel. The hotel has next to nothing to appeal to visitors other than the novelty of doing something very Japanese. The shared facilities, including a bath and sauna, are clean, and there are lockers for customers’ luggage. The hotel is for men only, expect a few drunken businessmen who have missed their last train home and are looking for somewhere cheap to stay. The pods are tiny at two square meters, but do have a television. A basic restaurant in the hotel also offers cheap snacks and light meals.

For more details click here!

2. Book and Bed Tokyo Ikebukuro

The name of this new unique boutique hotel is a dead giveaway for all the book lovers around the world. A bookstore themed hotel the Book and Bed Tokyo is the ultimate place for travelers who still love the feeling of a book in hand. Surrounded by over 3000 books, this amazing hotel was conceptualised by Makoto Tanijiri and Ai Yoshida. This place delivers on its promise of being the best place in Tokyo to sleep while reading a book. To sleep one can choose one of the two size compartments which are basically a private sleeping bay. The hotel does not offer any food options, however a stroll down the lane opens up to a wide array of eating joints.

For more details click here!

3. Andon Ryokan

The traditional Ryokan with a modern twist results in the brilliant Andon Ryokan. A modern, contemporary & affordable living, the Andon Ryokan is such a spectacular building that it won a prestigious architecture award. The facade is an amalgamation of glass and metal; by nightfall the outer walls are illuminated with the idea to resemble a traditional Japanese lantern. The rooms are spacious but intriguing, compartmentalized by industrial grade metal and glass. Amenities provided such as futons which unrolls and turns into a bed. An antique Japanese artifact alongside modern conceptual metal design lets a glimpse into the future where tradition meets innovation. Activities provided in the hotel such as tea ceremonies, flower-arranging, origami sessions are a big hit with both local and international guests.

For more details click here!

4. Asakusa Hotel & Capsule

One of the few establishments in Tokyo that offers standard rooms and pods for both men and women Asakusa Hotel & Capsule has made a name for itself. They pride themselves in guaranteeing safe and secure place for people to sleep peacefully. Being located in a part of Tokyo where after sun set it gets really quiet the Asakusa is unequivocally the safest for solo travelers as well. The facilities such as showers, internet, laundry, etc provided in the hotel are shared and can be found on the fourth floor. The rooms and pods are quite affordable for people looking to explore downtown Tokyo. The hotel does not provide any food options but snacks can be purchased and eaten in the common area.

For more details click here!

5. Oedo Onsen Monogatari

An unusual hotel Oedo Onsen Monogatari is located in the heart of Tokyo that resembles a traditional Japanese countryside hot spring resort. Spacious and plush rooms lie anywhere between futon-only to top-end rooms. Futon only rooms have access to shared hot springs which is located at the top of the hotel whereas the top end rooms catapults one to the height of luxury with open-air baths and saunas. Although it might not be a place where one can find regulars often but it is surely a place for first time visitors to Japan and provides an authentic traditional Japanese experience within the city. The shared foot baths which are available both indoors and outdoors can be accessed without being a guest at the hotel.

For more details click here!

6. Shukubo Komadori Sanso

A unique and unusual experience within the city of Tokyo can be experienced by staying at the Komadori Sanso which is a lodge that sits high on the mountains. Reaching this place can be quite a daunting task that involves a three hours of train journey (2 trains), a 20 minute bus ride, a 15 minute cable car ride and finally a 20 minute walk which is totally worth it. Traditionally a mountain shrine, surrounded by spectacular scenery and solitude the accommodation provided is very basic but is extremely peaceful. The lodge is perfect for relaxing, but the real deal is the waterfall endurance takigyo training offered by the shrine – guests learn to meditate as a waterfall thumps down on them. Food provided here is cooked on site and is basic. This place must be on the bucket list for people looking for ultimate peace and tranquility.

For more details click here!

7. Shinjuku Granbell Hotel

Shinjuku Granbell Hotel was conceptualized and designed to promote up-coming artists from Asia. The ultimate combination of style with creativity can be seen all over the place. The rooms are contemporary and feature decor designed by popular designers and creative artisans. The hotel also hosts an art lounge that exhibits and showcases the work of up-coming artists from all over Asia. The rooftop bar and terrace stays open until the early hours so guests can count on it for late night drinks, casual bites and some amazing views.

For more details click here!

8. I Cafe Akiba Place

Ever since the economic recession after the insolvency of Lehman Brothers, many people were left unemployed. The last straw before being homeless was round the clock internet cafe that could be found near any train station. The I-Cafe Akiba Place provides customers with a small booth that includes a reclining chair and a computer with internet access and manga comics at a very nominal cost. Shared shower facilities are also available and discount are offered to people who stay for more than a couple of hours. The I-Cafe Akiba Place has all the facilities one would need for the most comfortable and cheapest night’s stay in Tokyo. Snacks can be bought from the store nearby and stay sorted.

For more details click here!

9. Tokyo Disneyland Hotel

Since its opening in early 1980s, the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel is inspired by the art-deco of old Hollywood with its surreal Palm Garden Pool and amazing detailing. The rooms with Minnie’s bow-shaped pillows and polka dot bedspreads follow the Disney theme to the T. It offers all the expected amenities for the price, but the real selling point in Japan are the theme rooms, which young adults crave. Peter Pan, Snow White and Alice are among the Disney character rooms guests can stay in. Lucky guests may also get to see a Japanese couple tying the knot in the company of Mickey Mouse. The ever-growing restaurants of Disney World can be found here as well in Chef Mickey’s that serves some delectable food.

For more details click here! Other resorts and Tokyo Disney hotels here.

10. Kangaroo Hotel

If you are looking for a cheap, quirky and laid back budget hotel in Tokyo that is hugely popular with tourists then look no further than the Kangaroo Hotel. Catering to all sort of tourists from families to couples to solo backpackers, they survive due to their popularity as with the rock bottom prices they offer it’s almost impossible to stay in business in Tokyo. The interiors of the hotel is quite quirky with an eclectic mix of old and new world. A few rooms are decked up in traditional Japanese style i.e. with futons and tatami mates; the other rooms can be quite a contrast with trendy exposed concrete walls and white furniture. Located in the neighbourhood of Sanya, every room has TVs, fridges and free internet but bathrooms and showers are shared to keep the cost down.

For more details click here!

11. Hotel Meguro Emperor

Couples or ‘Love hotels’ where guests can stay through the night or just for a few hours during the day are very common throughout Japan. They range from the fantastical to the surprisingly tasteful and they are often very discreet – many don’t even have a front desk. One of Tokyo’s most famous love hotels, Hotel Meguro Emperor opened in 1973 and at the time was the Cadillac of love hotels. Designed by the famous architect Yasuhisa Kurosaka, it was a monument to 1970s kitsch, and its fairy tale castle exterior became something of a tourist attraction. The hotel is still going strong today and inside you’ll find 30 themed rooms some containing gondolas, playground slides and a huge variety of novelty beds.

For more details click here!

12. Khaosan Tokyo Samurai Guesthouse

The Khaosan Tokyo Samurai guesthouse is a popular modern hostel located very close to Bakurocho station. A perfect example of a good value for money accommodation is a rarity in an expensive city like Tokyo but they surely do not dissapoint. With a very happy and positive vibe the hostel is filled with funky decor and hosts regular parties which makes it lively and popular among travelers. The cabin rooms are small but designed in an innovative way that has a  very cozy feeling. Facilities such as bathrooms and showers are shared to keep the overall cost down. However, upgrading to a deluxe cabin at this hotel gives you a little extra personal space. There are vending machines on site that is stocked everyday.

For more details click here!

13. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

A short walk from Shinjuku train station, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is a modern high-rise hotel that houses a quirky Godzilla statue. Beautiful, bright, compact rooms feature flat-screen TVs, desks and free Wi-Fi along with seating areas with sofas. The hotel boasts of having the best and scenic city view. Being a contemporary hotel there’s room service available. The hotel has a casual Italian restaurant, as well as a coffee shop with a terrace.

For more details click here!

NOTE: This post contains some affiliate links at no added cost to you so what are you waiting for? Book your stay in one of these unusual hotels in Tokyo NOW!