What’s it like to spend the night in a Japan’s original capsule hotel? Built in 1972, Tokyo’s Nakagin Capsule Tower is a rare relic, it is effectively a real-estate time capsule.
The world’s first capsule apartments built for permanent use opened in Tokyo nearly 40 years ago. Today out of 140 pods just 30 remain in occupation, the rest are used for storage or have crumbled into disrepair, several are rented out through AirBnB. But with the concept of “micro apartments” catching on across the globe as land prices soar and housing shortages mount, Nakagin’s legacy should not be underestimated.
“The real estate value of the tower now might be very low, but the cultural value is quite high,” said Ryotaro Suzuki, an owner in the building.
Our reporter spent a night in the iconic building. Click below to watch the video and find out what less than 100 sq ft of living space, half a bathroom and a shower above the toilet are like to live in.
Click here to read the full report >>
Solutions for crowded global cities – EG‘s The Next Big Thing competition is looking for exciting ideas for the future
