It's so spacious in here, I'm pretty sure I could just stand up
and not hit the ceiling.
Hey everyone gunnarolla here
and we've landed in Tokyo, but today we're not exploring
the hustle and bustle of Shibuya.
We're heading out to Ningyocho to find a sense of peace and calm
at Hotel Zen Tokyo
a capsule hotel inspired by the tea houses of Japan.
Located just steps away from transit, bars & dining, and historic temples
you'll find the entrance to the hotel tucked away rather inconspicuously.
Get ready because we're about to enter a zone of zen.
It's hard to believe that this used to be a bustling multilevel restaurant
but they've managed to transform the space into a functional, minimalist hotel.
To learn more. I sat down with the architect and CEO Taro Kagami.
This Hotel Zen Tokyo is actually a reinterpreted version of a capsule hotel.
Each capsule is really inspired by the ancient teahouse call "taian"
Designed by the legendary Tea Master, Sen no Riku like 400 years ago.
What I was trying to do is to interpret this kind of
tea house into the bedroom.
Noren is a Japanese curtain.
You will find this "tatami", a kind of ancient carpet
Most of our beds are semi double, 1.2m
So you feel like it's a huge room.
We have a really tiny entrance.
We call it an "nijiriguchi" and this tiny entrance means
that we need to bow before you get in the teahouse.
These are zen spirit things.
What I want to try through this hotel design is that
if you come here, you know...
You act as like "zen"
You need to bow before getting inside the capsule.
So this is our goal I think.
We're inside
Unlike a lot of other capsule hotels,
this one actually doesn't have a top capsule, so the ceiling goes pretty high there.
It's so spacious in here I'm pretty sure I could just stand up
and not hit the ceiling.
That's a lot of room.
There's an outlet and some switches here.
I've got a room light, a fan switch, and you can set
A fan switch, and you can set if you want it to be low or high
and a reading light, which I think is this thing.
Yeah, that's it.
We also have a lock box here for your valuables.
We've got really nice neutral tones, very minimalist
and just enough space for one person.
Even two people. If you're really close.
I don't think they allow that, but it's very roomy.
And a hanger! Totally just noticed that right there.
Hotel Zen Tokyo offers five different pod types depending
on how much space and comfort you desire.
There are both gender segregated and co-ed floors in the hotel
but only one person is allowed per capsule.
On each floor, you'll find a set of lockers
one for each capsule that fits a standard size check luggage, and shoes
There are disposable slippers available free of charge
that should be worn in the sleeping areas of the hotel.
Now let's head down to the lowest level.
Alright, we're on the B2 level.
This is where you'll find gender segregated showers
a little kitchenette
We've also got laundry facilities here, which is great
if you're on a long trip and you need to refresh
And a little lounge area.
Complete with a vending machine.
Included in your stay are free wifi, which can be accessed through out the hotel
and just about every toiletrie and grooming product you'd need to freshen up.
Alright we're in the men's shower area.
We've got 3 showers.
In the showers, you'll find shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and face wash.
You could pretty much arrive here with just the clothes on your back and still leave feeling refreshed.
Up one level, you'll find the on site bar and lounge, Taian
a sleek and minimalist spot with
a menu of light bites, happy hour specials
and in the mornings they serve continental breakfast.
So that was just a brief overview
of the design and what to expect at Hotel Zen Tokyo
If you're looking for affordable shared accommodation or
you're just a fan of good design, this is a hotel for you.
If you like the Japanese minimalist aesthetic found here and you can afford to splurge
check out our review of the Muji Hotel in Ginza.
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and visit madeinthemoment.com
for more on this an all the other great things that the world has to offer.
See you next time... à la prochaine!