First Cabin TKP Ichigaya — Hotel in Tokyo

I stayed there for 2 nights due to a flight transfer. I arrived at night around 8ish, the 24hrs grocery store was still running next to the capsule, so it was very convenient. Note that the receptionists weren't fluent in English, Google translate required for most of the conversation. I booked this place through the hotel app, so the name appeared on my reservation with my middle name which wasn't registered in my passport. I couldn't change it due to the booking being done by how I registered in the app. I honestly didn't have any problem so far when I traveled the world as long as the last name is matching with the passport and my reservation # is matching with my credit card #, however this time, the receptionist required to copy my passport due to a different first name. I guess I have no choice if I need to avoid all the hassles of language barrier & late night changing to another hotel...although I feel that this is quite privacy intrusive from such request. The room was comfy and feeling peace of ease on cleanness. The guest was warned about the noise level in the sleeping areas, however I still heard the repacking noise from luggages, girls talking on the first night and cell phone wake up alarm on the next day morning. Seemed no one cares as long as you have ear plugs on, I guess it depends on your luck of the day. The staff said guests may get to ask to move out if got reported by violating the rule, but I couldn't see anyone being reported during the night and all noise and sounds kept as it was. This is very frustrating. The washroom for women is located at the basement down 2 floors, so it was quite a walk if you need to access the bathroom or washroom in the middle of night, but they are absolutely clean and cozy. Note for everyone, the luggage delivery at hotel must be done 2 days ahead. I supposed to leave on Friday morning. Wednesday night I arrived late at night, so I didn't bother to arrange the luggage delivery to the airport until the next morning, then realized that they couldn't do the next day luggage delivery, so I carried my big luggage to JR for a couple transfers before getting to the airport again. It was a disaster if you bumped into a rush hours. I wished the receptionist could offer the luggage delivery option ahead of time, but I guess it wasn't easy due to the language barrier. My conclusion is, staying in a capsule really depends on how lucky you are with the quality of other guests...

Overall it is a very clean capsule hotel. The capsule was spacious with a locker and tv (although it was difficult to use as it was all in Japanese and there seemed to be limited variety of shows for the international visitor). Was amazed by the women’s shower area - there is a vanity area with all the right things. There are multiple charging points at the shared TV/lounge area, which also has vending machines for food and coffee.

Unfortunately I didn’t sleep very well. I read the reviews after settling into the room noting that there seemed to be a huge issue with noises and the lack of soundproofing between capsules. I think my sleep was affected because I was trying hard not to move too much and also worrying about missing my morning flight (because the hostel rule was that alarms are not allowed (but setting to vibration mode is), which was incredulous, and they explicitly state that they do not provide morning calls either). In retrospect, this is a shared dormitory after all. Guests should be prepared for noises and use ear plugs if they have a low tolerance or are light sleepers, otherwise don’t stay in a hostel as you will almost always experience noises. The hostel could be less rigid with respect to this and not impose a blanket rule of no alarms as it is infeasible for a hostel. I was grateful that the guests were cooperative in keeping noises to a minimum during my one night stay here.

As other guests have mentioned in their reviews, do not use the coin laundry provided; it felt like a scam. Clothes didn’t smell good nor were dried despite running a 35 min wash + 1 hr dry cycle - the machines in other Japan hostels were able to dry the same load completely in 30 mins. Just go to the laundromat that is a 9 min walk away and get better bang for your buck.

Staff service could generally be better. There were several points but just to mention one: the young male staff present when I was checking out was just strange - he kept quiet, said nothing and kept a long face throughout my encounter with him. It almost as if he woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Very “out of the norm” having had experienced the country for a bit.

In summary, at first glance, things look excellent, but when it comes down to meeting basic needs, I would think twice about...

The value for the services it provide was excellent. This value the most for my leisure trip. I have stayed in expensive hotel but most of the time. I just slept, barely spend time in the hotel. This is the first time I enjoyed staying in a hotel. The food, coffee and drinks is also nice when I get too lazy to go outdoor.

The locker storage, women's spa, laundry, washroom is better than the other capsule and western hotel I had ever stayed in. I love your service for it.

Best part is it is very close to transportation. This is one of the review that caught my sight to book this hotel but turn out it also have other good services usage. I feel that it value my money.

The area is super nice city as well, I get to enjoy 2 days of nice walks. It is super close to Imperial Castle, Tokyo Station, Ginza was walkable. About a day walk to enjoy the whole beautiful city. Just like I was back home. I learned to ditch japan transportation because as a feigner it is so hard to learn their system in short time. Also have been a driver myself. It's wasn't hard to follow Google map. There area that you can walk instead, and connected to your sightseeing. It was manageable to get rest in cafés. Unlike transportation is too congested, and loops. So it turn out super conveniently as a tourist. There is also taxi within the area if you decide to cab.

Only down side is that you might be dealing with noises maker behavior during at night. My 6 days stay, only happen twice. Feedback is they should have a sign saying minimal noise at night, such as banging room safe box, or rattling, shuttling plastic bags, or crazy object on overnight.

Also the room is kinda like hostel so have mask ready. There were 2 people that was sick. Which I only use it when it is needed. It is safe as long you have your mask available at all time for...