Exploring Gotanda – staying at Do-C capsule hotel and sauna

Gotanda is not a name that comes to mind when you think “Japan travel,” but it does put you in an ideal position for exploring Tokyo city!

Indeed, Gotanda is one of those no-name towns that you pass through on your way to Tokyo’s major cities like Shinjuku or Shibuya.

However, I had the privilege of staying at Gotanda’s Do-C capsule hotel for a night during my travels across Tokyo, and boy was I impressed!

Great Facilities

Owned by Nine Hours, Japan’s biggest capsule hotel company, it’s no surprise that Do-C holds a similar level of quality and customer service in their Gotanda branch.

English-speaking staff, luggage storage lockers, clean bathrooms and showers, and sauna spas are just a few of the amazing facilities that this budget-friendly capsule hotel has to offer.

Comfortable Capsules

For me, the most important thing was a comfortable and clean bed for me to re-energize my mind and body after a week of long-distance traveling via bullet train.

The capsule beds were quite spacious inside, even for someone of 183 cm in height like myself.

There are also charging ports, a lamp, and air conditioning in this little boxed bed.

You also get plenty of privacy with a firm shutter and relatively strong walls that block out the outside noise.

The mattress, pillow, and blankets were thick and soft, molding perfectly to my head and body shape.

Everything You Need In One Place

Restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets are in no scarcity at the heart of Gotanda.

Just outside Gotanda station are an abundance of iconic stores and a particularly eye-catching Don Quijote department store.

It’s not a particularly crowded area, which makes it a good combination of practical but peaceful.

Gotanda station offers a shopping complex stacked with floors of cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores, making it an attraction in and of itself.

Easy Access To Yamanote Line

Speaking of Gotanda station, you’ll be pleased to know it’s on the most favorable Japanese train line for you as a tourist in Tokyo.

The city of Gotanda itself is located just one stop from Shinagawa, and just a handful of stops from Shinjuku and Shibuya.

As such, the station is positioned in the midst of the Yamanote Line (Japan’s busiest train line), giving you easy access to Tokyo’s major districts.

Unlike Shinjuku and Shibuya, Gotanda station is not a place for human stampedes, but a relatively quiet station with just a few platforms for easy navigation.

All-in-all, I’d highly recommend the Gotanda Do-C capsule hotel for your stay in Tokyo, as it provides great facilities, exceptional comfort, and easy access to all your favorite attractions in Tokyo!


Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!

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