Imagine walking into a café, not for a cup of coffee, but for a quick nap. That's precisely what you'll find at a café in Tokyo's Harajuku District. The café is home to the Giraffepod, a stand-up sleeping pod designed to let you catch some Z's while standing up. The concept is inspired by how giraffes sleep—standing up for about 20 minutes a day.
The Giraffepod: More Than Just a Phone Booth
At first glance, the Giraffepod might look like an ordinary phone booth. However, it's much more than that. The pod is designed to accommodate just one person and comes equipped with knee cushions and a fold-down headrest. These features ensure that you can comfortably take a nap without worrying about holding your head up or straining your knees.
The Cost: Affordable Quick Naps
The café, operated by a Swiss instant coffee brand since 2017, offers these standing nap pods at a reasonable price. For just $5.60, you can enjoy a half-hour nap. Considering the fast-paced life in Tokyo, this seems like a small price to pay for a quick recharge.
Customer Reviews: Positive Reception
While the idea of sleeping standing up might sound counter-intuitive, the Giraffepod has received positive reviews from customers. The pods are currently on a trial run in the café until September 17th, but the initial feedback suggests that the concept could be a hit.
Potential Markets: Offices and Hospitals
The makers of the Giraffepod, Koyoju Plywood Corporation, are not just stopping at cafés. They are exploring the possibility of marketing these pods to offices and hospitals. This move could be particularly beneficial in Japan, where a 2021 study showed that people get the least amount of sleep compared to 33 other countries.
Reintroducing Nap Time: A Nod to Kindergarten
Remember those kindergarten days when nap time was a regular part of the schedule? The Giraffepod aims to bring back that culture, albeit in a more adult-friendly way. It's a novel approach to tackling the sleep deprivation issue that many face, not just in Japan but around the world.
The Future: Beyond the Trial Period
As the trial period for the Giraffepod comes to an end on September 17th, it will be interesting to see where this innovative concept goes next. Will it become a regular feature in cafés, offices, and hospitals? Only time will tell, but for now, the Giraffepod offers a unique and refreshing way to catch some quick shut-eye.
So, would you try sleeping like a giraffe? It might just be the quick nap solution you've been looking for.