The dreaded last train. Somehow we all end up missing it at one point in our lives. Despite using apps like Jorudan and Google Maps to check the last train times, night owls frequently find themselves sprinting to the train station: only to be met by closed doors and shooing security. Sure, you can go to more bars and clubs to continue partying, but more likely than not, you’d prefer a good night’s rest. So if sleep is what you’re after, and you’ve missed the last train in Tokyo, check out the snooze spots below.
McDonald’s
Price: 100 yen and up
Yes, the most unknown and awkward option for those in a pinch: this infamous fast food restaurant. Unlike its western brothers and sisters, for a 100 yen (1 USD) coffee, you can sleep among the ranks of Tokyo’s non-elite. Security may occasionally wake you up and make sure you aren’t dead, but we’ve heard stories of individuals making it until 10 am before being roused from their last train slumber.
Manga Cafes
Price: 1,400 yen – 2,500 yen (for about 7 hours)
Quite a step up from the previous option, a manga cafe (or manga kissa, マンガ喫茶) is an internet cafe with a full library of manga to read (almost entirely in Japanese- but that’s what the pictures are for). You get your own cubicle, a reclining chair, a PC with internet, unlimited soft drinks, and even showers at some places.
Smoking is usually allowed inside these cafes (non-smokers beware). You pay for a block of time, typically 3 hours.
For more info on the cafes (and their location), check out Tokyo Cheapo’s write up here.
Capsule Hotels
Price: 3,000 yen – 5,000 yen
Claustrophobic? Like to sleep in late in the mornings? A capsule hotel is probably not your best option then. But if you do plan on waking up early, you can join the morning exodus of Japanese businessmen and travelers as they take on the day. Most major stations have a capsule hotel facility nearby, and you’ll be supplied with all the amenities of a regular hotel (besides a private shower).
Karaoke
Price: 200 – 300 yen per hour (or “all night” rates of 1500 yen and up)
The only place on this list where you can legitimately sing yourself a lullaby. Of course, you’ll have to be sprawled out across some cushions (seats) to do so. And more likely than not, you’ll have to hear your next door neighbor’s voice cracking acapella. Keep in mind; the doors don’t lock, so staff may occasionally give you a knock to see if you need any drinks or food.
Love Hotels (partner may be required)
Price: 3,000 yen and up (rest; 2 – 3 hours); 8,000 yen and up (stay)
These quirky, and sometimes themed, hotels serve one primary purpose: a place to have sex. Of course, if you’ve missed your last train in Tokyo, it’s unlikely that you’ll find a mate in time to share a room (unless you missed the last train together 〜(^∇^〜）). Some foreigners without partners have reported being turned away from love hotels, but with very basic Japanese you should manage just fine.
You can choose to either “Rest” (2 hours or so), you can also choose to “Sleep” (6 hours or more). It’s also worth noting that once you go into your love hotel room, you cannot go out and back in (no exits until you leave the hotel).
While not every love hotel is a miniature Disney Land as popular media would like you to believe, you may still find a theme and degree of decoration at even the cheapest of places.
Missed the last train? Don’t sleep on the street: tell your fellow night owls your favorite spot below.
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