Interesting Sleeping Arrangements

While some my find sleeping on a straw mat on the second story of a scary old Japanese farmhouse unusual accommodations, that's just another day living with Steve. In canvassing two major islands in this country, I've also had the chance to sleep in a church sanctuary and on a couch in a storage closet. Runner-up for most interesting sleeping arrangement was the night train I took to Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan.

But by far the most unusual has been in Sapporo, in the capsule hotel (yes, it's exactly what it sounds like). Always concerned with economizing space, the Japanese have found an accommodating solution. Why pay for a full-sized hotel room, when all you really wanted was the bed? It's only about 20 bucks a night, but I would have paid twice that much just for the experience.

Here's how it works:

There's no space for luggage, so put all your stuff in one of these (I had to really wrestle to get my big hiking bag in.)

Then change into a set of these bad boys. This is what you get to wear inside the building.

Next, go soak in the public bath (no photos here! Don't worry, it's males-only, and only awkward if you stop to think about it.)

Forget something? Everything you think you might need (and a few things you don't) is provided. Toothbrushes come with toothpaste already applied. Just add water!

Room service.

Nope, those aren't washing machines... That's your home for the night!

TVs come with headphones so you don't disturb your neighbors.

And good night!