From the cheapest pods to the most luxurious, adventurous Stoke’s Twin crew took on the “last-to-leave” challenge in Japan’s iconic capsule hotels for 100 hours. With each stop, new thrills and quirks awaited them, setting the stage for a whirlwind tour of Tokyo’s tiny spaces, cultural oddities, and unforgettable surprises.
Day 1: A Library Capsule Hotel
Their journey began with the quirky Library Capsule Hotel, a peaceful oasis where the rule of the day was silence. Known as the Book and Bed Café, this cozy spot gives visitors the surreal experience of sleeping inside a massive bookshelf. For about $50 a night, guests could cozy up with a selection of thousands of books. And if that wasn’t comforting enough, unlimited snacks and drinks—though in one color—rounded out the evening.
But the first night came with a surprise: sharing sleeping quarters! After a passport mishap, the crew doubled up in a tiny capsule, setting the tone for close-quarters camaraderie.
Day 2: Rent-a-Date in Tokyo
Surviving the library capsule hotel was just the beginning. The next day held a twist when they decided to rent a “boyfriend” for a day—a popular service in Japan. After failed attempts on dating apps, the crew surprised Shawn with his new “boyfriend” Suzuya, who whisked them away on a thrilling Tokyo adventure.
Together, they rode ferris wheels, sang karaoke, and captured memories in a quirky photo booth. As night approached, Suzuya even treated them to a traditional Japanese dinner, solidifying his “10/10 boyfriend” status. Saying goodbye was bittersweet, but their spirits were lifted with promises of more capsule adventures ahead.
Day 3: The Robot Café and Tokyo’s Cheapest Capsule Hotel
Day three led them to one of Tokyo’s futuristic gems—a café staffed entirely by robots! From taking their order to dancing and entertaining, the robots showed a high-tech charm that had the crew captivated. They learned that some of the robots were operated remotely by individuals with disabilities, allowing them to work from home and interact with guests, adding a heartwarming layer to the experience.
That night, the challenge took a gritty turn as they checked into Tokyo’s cheapest capsule hotel, costing just $20 a night. The capsule’s charms were…limited. With mold in the halls and firm beds, this capsule was a no-frills stay that offered little more than a roof and a TV. But hey, for $20, what more could you ask for in Tokyo’s bustling heart?
Day 4: A Day at Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland awaited the crew on day four, and the experience was worlds apart from its Western counterparts. From adorable character-themed snacks to impressively short lines, Tokyo Disneyland was an instant favorite. They were able to hop on every ride in the park and indulge in Japan-exclusive treats like matcha popcorn.
After the dizzying fun, it was back to the capsules. This time, they bunked in The Sleep Lab, a futuristic pod with dimmable lights and even a camera that records your sleep quality. It was the most advanced capsule yet, though there was a slight discomfort in knowing their every toss and turn was captured for analysis!
Day 5: Tokyo’s Best Animal Cafés
In their final hours, the group set out to explore Tokyo’s unique animal cafés. First, they were charmed by hedgehogs and albino squirrels before visiting an owl café, cat café, and dog café. They even had the rare chance to feed otters and play with monkeys at a local animal temple.
And as the challenge neared its end, they checked into Henn Na Hotel, famously operated by robotic staff who greeted them in multiple languages. The robots even had a keen “eye” on the guests, their heads swiveling in unison as the crew moved through the lobby, making for an amusing (if slightly eerie) final check-in.
Last Stop: Tokyo’s Arcade Heaven
To cap off an adventure-filled 100 hours, they ventured into Tokyo’s largest arcade, a neon paradise where games stretched across several floors. After competing in claw games and winning novelty prizes, the team basked in their success: they’d made it through Tokyo’s capsule hotels, quirky cafés, and robotic service with only a few missteps.
This was more than just a survival challenge—it was an immersion into Tokyo’s vibrant culture, a playground of surprises and delights, all packed within a compact capsule.
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