Inside Japan’s CAPSULE Tower | 140 TINY Tokyo Apartments

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Explore the Nakagin Capsule Tower, an architectural marvel in Tokyo featuring 140 tiny, retro apartments, and learn about its unique design, history, and uncertain future.

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Nakagin Capsule Tower
Historical landmark · Chuo City
Creator's voice
This incredible, astonishing building in the heart of Tokyo is perhaps my favorite building in all of Japan. It's an iconic symbol of the Metabolism movement, featuring 140 tiny capsule apartments, each measuring 2.5 meters wide and 4 meters long. Designed by visionary architect Kisho Kurokawa, the tower was assembled in just 30 days in 1972. Unfortunately, its future is uncertain, as it faces demolition due to disrepair and asbestos.
Nakagin Capsule Tower, 8 Chome-16-10 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
- Original untouched capsule apartment — This is one of the original, untouched capsule apartments from 1972. It's nine square meters, including all the built-in cabinets, TV, and phone. It even features an original reel-to-reel tape deck from 1972, which is super cool, though the TV and one speaker on the radio might not work. The bed was originally right here, and the bathroom is small but functional, with a nice deep bath and a very 70s color scheme. There's no kitchen, so you'd be relying on nearby convenience stores and fast food.
- Modernized social gathering capsule — This capsule has been modernized by its owner, Midasan, and transformed into a space for social gatherings and events. It's still a small space, but it's designed to accommodate up to ten people. Like the original, it lacks a full kitchen, but it does have a small fridge and microwave for pre-made bentos or snacks.
- Muji-designed minimalist capsule — This is the most modern and stylish of the capsules, a collaboration between the tower and Muji, a Japanese brand known for its minimalistic aesthetic. By removing the original modular 1970s elements and adding nice wood floors, it feels much bigger and more livable, despite still being nine square meters. While it loses some of the retro magic without the original tech, it shows what's possible with the space. I could totally live here, even if it's a little damp and musty due to the building's age.