One of the costume centers in Akiba. There are shops on every level but only in one vertical division.

As a result of sky high real estate prices, many shops in Tokyo have their space organized in this particular way. It is simply cheaper to rent the whole division instead of one level.

For the same reason commercials are usually organized vertically (also because of Japanese writing style, of course). Wealthy companies, who can afford renting huge shopping area, locate their banners as well vertically as horizontally, because it looks more prestigious.

A significant part of Japanese society is indisputably fixed on costumes. It mostly relates to men who wish to see their partners in sophisticated clothes. Surprisingly women aren't far behind (see: cosplay).

We are in "Akiba" where all the dreams come true. Especially the ones of comic book loving otaku.

Everything makes sense here. Everything revolves around eternal fusion of sex appeal and innocence. Even the furniture has its own voice.

And if the voice is not enough it will give a helping hand.

Akihabara culture or so called "akiba style" is something worldwide unique. It says a whole lot about Japan in general.

At least about the part of it.

We go to Kawagoe, a small town located between Tokio and Saitama. Another adventure awaits, something not to be missed - spending night in a capsule hotel.

A whole lot of those hotels give reasonably cheap shelter for office employees who missed out on the last train, after having drinking evening with their workmates.

Sometimes it doesn't make sense to go back home at midnight and spend two hours in the train.

Capsule hotels are mostly designed for men (there are rare exceptions).

After purchasing ticket from the vending machine I check in at the reception desk (which is unusually placed on the fourth floor of the building). Capsule hotels are relatively cheap (for Japan) - this one is about 30$ per day.

Two "always-smiling" receptionists give me a sweeping bow every time I pass by the desk.

After giving my ticket to one of them I start reading the brief.

At the same floor, few nicotine lovers in the common room enjoy their television that is always turned on. I go to the changing room next door.

The people I meet here don't carry too much luggage along. It usually comes down to briefcases, they go to offices with next morning.

This is why the lockers aren't big.

Hotel uniforms remind me of mental hospital clothes.

Unfortunately I didn't find the courage to smuggle my camera wrapped in the towel into the bathroom. However the picture below shows another bathroom, very similar to the one I've been to.

The bathroom consists of two rooms separated with slide glass doors. Apart from regular bathroom equipment in the first room tired guest will find an electric massage chair and all possible toiletries. All of those are instant, single use (like toothbrushes with toothpaste already sprayed on them).

The walls and the floor in the second room are flagged. Shower head is located about one meter above the ground and is to be used in sitting position. That's Japanese style. Plastic stools help a lot. Three men showering that way didn't seem to feel discomfort.

A large pond with hot water and sauna makes the bathroom complete.

After showering I go down two levels to find my cabin, only taking my camera gear with me.

As I mentioned before Japan is safe. I don't need to worry about my stuff at all.

The sleeping room reminds me of a hive or... a mortuary. Some of the cabins located on both sides of the corridor are occupied, but I don't hear any noise coming out. Is everyone asleep already?

The interior holds everything, a tired businessman needs - TV, radio, alarm clock. Capsules are quiet large and very comfortable.

The toilet is very clean. Special toilet sleepers wait at the threshold. You can't use them out of the toilet - it is a very strict rule. If you do it while visiting Your Japanese friends, You will probably be banned for life from their house.

This is how it's done: I open the toilet door. Put on toilet sleepers. Do whatever is there to do. Take off toilet sleepers. Put on regular, house sleepers. AMEN!

Good night!

Here's another example of a capsule hotel - Nakagin Capsule Tower in Ginza, Tokyo. All of the capsules is replaceable. It only takes undoing four large screws.

The building was completed in 1976 (!). For more info go to Nakagin Capsule Tower website.