Think you could fall asleep inside a room the size of a large coffin? Japanese businessmen routinely do so. Tokyo offers a wide range of accommodation options, but nothing is as quirky as a capsule hotel.

A capsule hotel is a hotel that offers incredibly small rooms. In fact, the rooms are effectively long drawers in which lodgers can catch some sleep.

The first capsule hotel opened in Osaka in 1979 and they can now be found in major cities across Japan. The capsule hotel idea has not taken off any where else though, which makes for a unique Japanese accommodation experience.

The capsules are the width of a single bed and are high enough for you to sit up in. Because of the space restrictions, it is not possible to stand inside any of these "rooms."

A TV is built in to the roof and everything is designed so as to not get in your way should you awaken
suddenly in the night. A control panel with clock radio, alarm, TV controls and light switch is built into the side, with a small ledge for personal items.

Guests are assigned a locker that is in close proximity to the capsule where they can store their luggage and other belongings.

Although the door to the capsule is transparent, it is outfitted with a curtain so that guests may have privacy while they sleep.

Because space is at a serious premium in Japan, architects and interior designers are constantly looking for ways to conserve space, down to inches and centimetres. It is this sense of space economy that has led to such innovations as the cubic watermelon.

Japanese capsule hotels vary in size. Some of them hold only about 50 capsules. There are others that can accommodate upwards of 700 guests.

The benefit of these hotels is convenience and price, usually around ¥2000 – 4000 a night or between Sri Lankan rupees 2,500 – 5,000 a night.