Japanese cubicle hotel

After a very positive response to some of my words about the Japanese cubicle culture, I thought I would post a little about the Japanese cubicle or “capsule” hotels. These hotels are aimed at the Japanese business man stuck in town for the night and needing a cheap, convenient place to stay. They are inexpensive alternatives to something like a Motel 6. These photos are taken in the Asakusa hotel in Tokyo, and if you are interested in more information, the photographer’s website is here.

Apparently, these hotels are full of stacked cubicles or compartments for sleeping in. Each one is about 6 ft by 3 ft by 3 ft, with a TV, radio and other strange facilities. A little larger than a coffin. This particular hotel is on the edge of Tokyo’s red light district, but I’m sure that’s another story and Ryan McDonald, the photographer, probably has a good excuse all lined up. Check him out at yesicanusechopsticks.com

And Ryan, thanks for the use of the pictures.