We bunk up in “bookstore hotel” Book and Bed Tokyo on opening night

Ever since we heard about the opening of a bookstore-themed hotel with sleeping quarters built into its wooden bookshelves, we’ve been keeping a close eye out for updates, and were actually lucky enough to snap up a reservation to stay at the hotel on opening night!

After emerging from the beautiful space this morning, we can happily say it’s one of the most atmospheric places to stay in Tokyo. Actually, we wouldn’t mind shacking up here permanently! Come with us as we take you through all the gorgeous features and unusual details after the break.

Our adventure-loving Japanese reporter and secret bookworm Mr Sato was the lucky candidate who got to sleep amongst the books last night. He was impressed by how easy it was to get to the hotel, as it’s just a short, five-minute walk from the West Exit of Ikebukuro Station.

It’s hard to believe that such a quiet, secluded, attic-style space could exist in amongst all the hustle and bustle of downtown Ikebukuro.

But sure enough, after looking up to read the signs squeezed onto the side of the building, the simple blue-and-white “Book and Bed Tokyo” sign appeared.

Located on the seventh floor of the building, the hotel is crammed between a yakiniku grilled meat restaurant on the sixth floor and a Chinese restaurant on the eighth; guests won’t have to go far to grab a bite to eat before bunking up for the night!

After arriving on the seventh floor, visitors are greeted with warm wooden tones, perfect for creating a relaxed, sleepy-time atmosphere. Once you ring the bell on the counter, a staff member slides open the bottom panel to assist you with check-in and hands over a floor map, your bunk number and a code for the security lock on the entrance door to your right.

Opening the door brings you into a warm, dimly lit space that completely makes you forget you’re in the middle of a busy city. Is it a library? Or a bookstore? Either way, it looks nothing like a place where you’d normally spend the night.

▼ Check out that ceiling!!

▼ Looking closely at the bookshelves, you can see they contain narrow, capsule-like spaces filled with comfy-looking bedding.

▼ While the ladders add to the bookish interior, they’re actually designed so visitors can access the top bunks inside.

There are 12 of these bookshelf sleeping compartments available for single occupants, and they come in two sizes: the Compact, which measures 205 x 85 centimetres (6’7″ x 2’7″), and the slightly larger Standard, which is slightly wider at 205 x 129 centimetres.

The toilets are located in the hallway, with the bathroom and shower at the end of the hall.

There’s even a space for tea and coffee making and a couple of grill ovens for heating up any ready-made snacks you might have picked up from one of the many local convenience stores.

In addition to the coveted bookshelf sleeping compartments, there are also 18 capsule-style bunks on the other side of the bathroom hallway. It might not be as luxurious as sleeping in a bookshelf, but it’s still pretty cool, and surprisingly snug!

After leafing through a few books and making good use of the free Wi-Fi service, our resident bookworm bunks up for the night, ready to emerge in the morning refreshed and invigorated after a night in a woody cocoon. Goodnight, Mr Sato!

To check out a short video of the sleeping quarters and the facilities, take a look at the clip below.

Book and Bed Tokyo is booked out for the next few weeks, so if you’d like to plan a stay in the future, be sure to check out the online reservation page. Reservations are essential and require advance payment by credit card, which makes for a smooth and easy check-in upon arrival.

Hotel information
Book and Bed Tokyo
Address: Tokyo-to, Toshima-ku, Nishi Ikebukuro 1-17-7, Rumieru Building 7th floor
東京都豊島区西池袋1-17-7 ルミエールビル7階
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