The historic Nakagin Capsule Tower opened in 1972… imagine how futuristic it looked then! Care to spend a night or two in retro-futuristic Tokyo? Now you can, thanks to one enterprising apartment owner who’s renting out his cube via Airbnb.
The late Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa designed the Nakagin Capsule Tower in the innovative Metabolist architectural style. Each of the 140 apartment cubes was fastened to one of the building’s twin central cores with four high-tension bolts; those desiring more interior space could connect adjoining cubes.
It’s hard to imagine anyone wanting LESS living space – each cube measures 2.3 m × 3.8 m × 2.1 m (7.5 ft × 12 ft × 6.9 ft) includes a bathroom, a kitchen, an entertainment console and a single circular window.
“Masato” has decided to capitalize on the ongoing international interest in the Nakagin Capsule Tower by advertising his apartment cube on popular travel accommodations website Airbnb. For just C$93 (about US$76.50) per night plus a C$21 (US$25) cleaning fee, the renter can enjoy amenities such as free WiFi, air conditioning, clean towels, soap & shampoo, and of course toilet tissue.
If you’re willing to abide by Masato’s guest rules (no smoking, no shoes worn in the room) and pony up the fee up front as per Airbnb’s terms and conditions, you’re ready to make out like Wolverine visiting a Tokyo love hotel – yes, the Nakagin Capsule Tower stood in for an actual intimate establishment in the 2013 film.
Get more details on the offer and view the full set of 39 images of the Nakagin Capsule Tower then and now at Masato’s Airbnb listing page.
