SHIMBASHI KON HOTEL

For the last two days of my trip to Japan, I returned to Tokyo and booked a different capsule hotel this time. The Shinbashi KON Hotel is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from JR Shinbashi Station. Check-in is done via a self-service machine, which provides you with a password. It's available 24/7 and very introvert-friendly! The hotel has a total of 3 floors. B1 houses the lounge, laundry room, and showers, while floors 1 and 2 are dedicated to capsule rooms, which are co-ed. Starting with B1, the lounge has reading lights at every seat, plus a fridge, microwave, and sink for simple food preparation. The shower room has over 10 cubicles and 7-8 vanity areas, each equipped with a hairdryer. There's also an abundance of towels available at the entrance. Overall, it's very convenient and offers a good experience. Now, regarding the capsule rooms: each floor's restroom has 4 cubicles, one of which is for men only and contains only urinals. This design seems to maximize efficiency. The hotel's attention to detail is commendable. For instance, the co-ed restrooms are stocked with feminine hygiene products for emergencies, and earplugs are provided in every capsule. These are the strong points of this capsule hotel. However, compared to the other one I stayed at, its drawbacks are also quite noticeable. Firstly, there's no elevator, so climbing stairs repeatedly can be a pain, especially if you have a large suitcase. Secondly, the capsule facilities are quite basic, with just one light and one power outlet. The capsule height is a bit low; my long winter coat, which could hang freely in the other capsule hotel, couldn't here. Finally, each person only gets a very small locker, roughly big enough for a shoulder bag. Neither a backpack nor a suitcase will fit, so everyone's luggage ends up piled in the hallway.

This was my first time visiting Tokyo alone, and this is the accommodation I chose. If you're looking for a good balance of price and a bit of private space, I think it's a great value for money option. It's a 5-minute walk from Shimbashi Station, making it close to Ginza Station (about a 10-minute walk). The accessibility to areas around Ginza and Tokyo Station, as well as Akihabara, was particularly good. I also didn't find it too far or inconvenient when going to Shibuya, Harajuku, Omotesando, or Shinjuku! Of course, it takes some time, but it's manageable! Since it's a curtain-style entry rather than a lockable door, you do get your own private space, but it's a bit awkward to talk loudly or eat inside. However, there's a lounge on the basement level where you can have light conversations or eat. They have a microwave, a small fridge, hot water, and chopsticks! Check-in is at 3 PM sharp, and while I didn't try to leave my luggage before then, I did see some suitcases already placed there. The owner was very helpful and friendly, and it was nice that they spoke both English and Korean. If you want complete solitude, you should opt for a hotel. But if you're looking for decent value and a moderate amount of personal space, and the price is right for you, then this place would be perfect. I'm very satisfied! I think I'll use it again next time, too. Haha.

This dormitory is conveniently located near Shimbashi Station and offers individual sleeping pods, unlike typical bunk beds. Each pod has a curtain for privacy, so turning on your light won't disturb others. There's a lockable storage space under the bed for personal belongings. The lobby and showers are separate, ensuring a quiet night. You're required to change into indoor slippers upon entering, and the showers and restrooms are all spotlessly clean and well-maintained. Towels are freely available, and every spot has its own hairdryer. If you don't have too much luggage, this is an excellent value-for-money accommodation for a short stay of a day or two. As a side note, the famous Ebipotata, recommended by Sung Si-kyung, is right nearby.

Great location, clean, and quiet. It's a shame the showers are only on the ground floor and the staff aren't very helpful....

This guesthouse is tucked away in an alley near Shimbashi Station, making it incredibly close to the subway and surrounded by convenience stores – super convenient for getting around. During the day, it's pretty quiet, but come evening, there's a fantastic selection of izakayas and girl's bars. It's perfect for those who enjoy nightlife, and while generally safe for solo female travelers, it's always good to be a little mindful. The guesthouse has three above-ground floors with rooms and a basement floor with washrooms and a laundry room. There's also a smoking room on the first floor. I stayed in a mixed dorm on the second floor. There are plenty of beds, and each bed has its own small shoe cabinet and locker. The washrooms in the basement are quite spacious, with several vanity tables and large counters, and each spot even has a hairdryer. It was really pleasant and comfortable to get ready in the morning! The front desk is staffed during certain hours, but both check-in and check-out are self-service. I've stayed in many hostels, and this one offers a very good level of comfort. The only minor inconvenience was having to go down to the basement for the washrooms and needing to remember to bring the slippers provided in the room. Being a bit forgetful, I often found myself running back and forth between my second-floor room and the basement to grab things Q.Q But the location truly is incredibly convenient. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to stay very close to a subway station!