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Japan’s new compact size hostel is the size of a bed.

By on May 14, 2020

It’s crunch time for the travel industry. Japanese hotels are in a quandary. Almost all hotels that relied on tourists are struggling with weak travel demand due to the pandemic. Japan’s household spending continues to fall at an unprecedented rate. What to do?

The obvious solution seems to be to develop micro accommodation units at a budget rate.

And that’s what Hoshino Resorts did. It switched focus to budget travelers and residents.

After an extensive renovation, Hoshino Resort’s first hostel Hoshino Resort OMO3 Tokyo Kawasaki is waiting to re-open subject to the emergency guidelines.  Initially, it was scheduled to open on June 11, 2020, but was postponed.

The cost to stay at the hostel starts from ¥ 2,818 per night. It’s almost the equivalent of what Tokyo residents pay for a tiny studio in the downtown area except that – the size of the cheapest room at Hoshino is similar to a capsule hotel.

 

Pod type is a chamber roughly the length and width of a single size bed, with height enough for one to crawl in and sit up on the bed. It includes a small lamp, a security box, and a hanger rail.

Here are the 2 other types below.

 

Cabin type   Other than a tiny space for putting a large luggage, the space is pretty much the size of a bed.

 

“Sumica” for two people   It has a sofa, a private shower room, and wall hooks.

Although micro sized accommodation may be the fix for those on a tight budget, it is easy to get stressed in its claustrophobic size.

Not to worry. There is a communal room with a long dining table and tiny sofa seats in the building. There are also many recommended spots within walking distance from the building.

 

Hoshino Resort OMO3 Tokyo Kawasaki
Reopening date: pending
* The opening was scheduled on Thursday, June 11, 2020, but it was postponed.
Reservation started: March 4, 2020
Address: 17-1, Ogawamachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa
Number of rooms: 227
Price: From ¥ 2,818 per night + tax (1-person pod type; meals not included)

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