Green Plaza Shinjuku Capsule Hotel is located in a large building that looks like a shopping mall, on a busy city street lined with bars and restaurants -- it can be a challenge to find for those who don't read Japanese. This is one of the older capsule hotels, and it's been running for over 35 years. The lobby and public spaces are cluttered with notices and instructions, and the whole property has a very institutional feel because of the communal facilities, abundance of strict rules, and the fact that each guest gets a wrist band with a bar code. With close to 600 capsules in the men's section, it can get very crowded, yet people tend to keep to themselves and the atmosphere can feel unwelcoming. The capsules provide a bed for a night, and are designed for Japanese businessmen who have missed their last train home or revelers who need a safe place to crash for the night. Most people spending the night here are locals, but a few budget travelers are also drawn by the unique Japanese experience of sleeping in a capsule. The property also gets many day visitors who come here just to use the 24-hour bathhouse spa, and for this reason it can be busy at all hours. All guests must check out in the morning and check back in later in the day if staying an additional night. Be aware that like many Japanese bathhouses, this property doesn't allow guest with tattoos.  

Green Plaza Shinjuku Capsule Hotel is located in Tokyo's vibrant Shinjuku neighborhood, just next to Kabukicho, the entertainment and nightclub district, which is full of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, convenience stores, and adult shops. It's easy to get around the city from here thanks to the excellent transportation links: Shinjuku train station is a short walk away, and so is Shinjuku San-Chome subway station.

• Four-minute walk to Kabukicho entertainment district
• 10-minute walk to Shinjuku train station
• 12-minute walk to Shinjuku San-Chome subway station
• 10-minute drive to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
• 22 minutes to Meiji Shrine by train
• 26 minutes to Tokyo station by train
• 32-minute drive to Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Art
• 33 minutes to Ueno Park by public transport
• 34 minutes to Tokyo Imperial Palace by public transit
• 38 minutes to Hara Museum of Contemporary Art by train
• 39 minutes to Seno-ji temple by public transit
• 48 minutes to Tokyo International Airport by bus

The capsules in the men's section are little more than cells containing a bed, arranged one on top of another in a long row. They're clean and reasonably comfortable, but can be claustrophobic, and some guests have complained of poor air circulation despite the ventilation fans provided. There's a screen that can be pulled down for privacy. Sound insulation is poor and a good night's sleep is not guaranteed due to the close proximity of other guests. There are three categories of capsules available: Deluxe Capsules have power outlets, radios, and TVs, while Upgraded Capsules add LAN-cable. The basic Standard Capsules do not have any of these extras. The women's section is made up of more pleasant bunk-bed units.

Guests are expected to leave their shoes in the special shoe lockers as soon as they enter the hotel, and then check their belongings into the luggage lockers, taking only what they need for their stay. Everyone is also expected to wear the clothing provided, a yukata bathrobe and pants. A wide range of toiletries is available for free, including disposable toothbrushes and razors.

This property has the typical features of a capsule hotel, which many visitors consider to be a cultural experience. The men's section features a 24-hour traditional Japanese "onsen" bathhouse, with hot and cold bathing pools, a sauna, and a range of massage services available. In contrast, the women's section only has a sauna and a beauty parlor offering facials and body treatments. The men's section has many extra features: There's an on-site restaurant and dining area serving typical Japanese meals, a bar, a lounge where guests can relax after a bath or a massage, and a large manga library. Vending machines sell snacks and soft drinks, and a store in the lobby area sells clothing like shirts, ties, and socks. A computer table with LAN-cable and power sockets is available for guest use. Free Wi-Fi is only available in certain areas. Other services included laundry and parking, both charged extra.