Review of the Best Capsule Hotel in Japan | 9h nine hours

9h nine hours is a popular capsule hotel in Japan designed for efficiency and comfort, particularly for travelers needing a brief stay. While 9h nine hours offers a modern, minimalist capsule hotel experience, it is important to know in advance some travel tips and things to keep in mind to make your stay safer and more enjoyable.

I have actually stayed at this capsule hotel, so I’d like to share my experience with photos.

• What is 9h nine hours?
• I want to know how clean and comfortable it is!
• How much is it? How can I reserve?

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On this page, a writer who makes a living by traveling will advise on those worries. YouTube channel

1. What is 9h nine hours?

Free Original Video (English Subtitles)

This time, I stayed at the Hakata Station branch of 9h nine hours Hotel. Here is a review about my experience at the hotel along with some photos.

• The official website offers the lowest prices, so it is recommended to book directly on the official website instead of through a hotel booking site.
• The Kanda and Shinjuku branches are for women only, and the Shinagawa branch is for men only. Please be aware of this when making a reservation.

2. Reviews and Photos of 9h nine hours

9h nine hours Hotel Hakata Station branch where I stayed this time is easily accessible, just a 3-minute walk from JR Hakata Station.

Check-in starts at 3:00pm. To check in at 9h nine hours Hotel, you can do it yourself using the automatic check-in machines.

So, there will be no staff nearby, but you can contact the front desk by pressing the “Front Desk” button at the bottom of the screen on the automatic check-in machine. Keep this in mind as many people have trouble with the check-in procedure.

The card key issued from the automatic check-in machines is required to use elevators and lockers and to open and close doors in the hotel building.

After checking in, first take the elevator to the locker room floor.

Like many other capsule hotels, the floors of 9h nine hours Hotel Hakata Station branch are divided by gender, so couples cannot stay together.

The locker can be unlocked using the QR code printed on the card key.

The locker is large enough, but if you have luggage that is too big to fit in the locker, such as a suitcase, you can ask the hotel staff to keep it at the front desk.

Be careful not to leave the card key inside the locker before closing the door.

There were clothes hangers and an amenity bag in the locker. Let’s take a look at what’s inside the amenity bag.

The amenity bag contained one bath towel(rental), one face towel(rental), one bath mat(rental), loungewear(rental), a pair of slippers, a toothbrush, and earplugs.

Everything you need is provided, so even if you come empty-handed, you can have a comfortable stay.

After changing into the loungewear in the locker room, put on the slippers and head to the shower room.

The shower rooms have many wash basins and shower booths, so you don’t have to worry about them being crowded.

All of the hotel’s facilities are very clean.

The toilet is a high-tech type with a lid that opens and closes automatically.

There will be more people late at night, so I recommend taking a shower early.

Each shower booth has two shower heads, a large fixed one and a smaller movable one.

The showers are available 24 hours a day.

The water pressure in the shower was also excellent. This shower is a special new type of shower called “Warm Pillar“, that gently envelops your entire body.

Some branches of 9h nine hours Hotel allow guests not only to stay overnight, but also to take a quick shower or nap only without staying overnight.

Complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are provided in the shower booth. I’m grateful that I can reduce the amount of luggage I need to bring.

Other amenities such as razors, skin care set(makeup remover, face wash, lotion, milky lotion) are not free. You can buy these paid amenities at the front desk floor.

Each wash basin in the shower room is equipped with a hair dryer, which is helpful.

Once you have finished showering, it is time to head to the guest room area where capsule units are lined up!

I had a nice hot shower! But, the shower room and the guest room are on different floors, so it’s a bit of a hassle to have to take the elevator to get there.

This is the guest room area lined with spaceship-like capsule units that make you think, “This is truly a capsule hotel!”

The capsule units lined up in two tiers, upper and lower, on both sides of the central aisle are very futuristic in design and impressive!

And here is the capsule unit(sleeping pod) where I stayed this time. The simple white color scheme and enveloping curved shape are lovely.

It has an exciting feeling, like a secret base. The guest room area is well air-conditioned and the room temperature is neither too hot nor too cold.

I’ve always wanted to stay overnight at a place like this!

The capsule units are minimal yet functional, with each capsule unit equipped with one electrical outlet, one USB port and one light dimming switch.

You can adjust the light to your preferred darkness when you sleep.

The mattress, blanket, and pillow are moderately soft and will be comfortable all year round. The bed was fluffy and comfortable enough to sleep on.

The bean-shaped pillow is cute.

You are probably wondering, “Is security safe?”, aren’t you? Unfortunately, there are no lockable doors in the capsule units, but you can close the blind for privacy.

The soundproofing in the capsule units is so poor that you can hear other guests snoring. If noise bothers you, the earplugs provided as an amenity will usually solve the problem.

The capsule unit is much more spacious than expected, Width:105cm(41 inch), Depth:215cm(85 inch), Height:102cm(40 inch).

However, it may not be comfortable for those who are claustrophobic.

Be careful not to make noise so as not to disturb other guests. There was also a notice from the hotel asking guests not to use alarm clocks.

Free Wi-Fi is also available, and it was fast and smooth.

If you feel like your capsule unit is too cramped, head to the shared lounge.

The shared lounge is furnished with plants, creating a relaxing environment in which to work or study.

You can also go out onto the terrace to get some fresh air and refresh yourself. Please note that smoking is prohibited throughout the building.

3. Room Rates of 9h nine hours Hotel

The room rate I paid at 9h nine hours Hotel was 1,890 yen per night. I think it’s great value for money to be able to stay in such a nicely located and clean hotel for only 1,890 yen.

Room rates of 9h nine hours Hotel vary widely depending on the place and the season. For example, if you stay at a branch far from the nearest station or during the off-season, you can stay very cheaply, but if you stay at a branch close to the station or airport or during the high-season, the room rate can be as expensive as a regular business hotel.

4. How to make a reservation at 9h nine hours Hotel

The official website offers the lowest price guarantee, so I recommend making a reservation directly on the official website instead of through other hotel booking sites.

First, click the “Book Now” button on the top right of the screen.

Official Website : https://ninehours.co.jp/

Enter your preferred location, number of people, and dates to search for availability. You can either register as a member to make a reservation, or make a guest reservation without registering as a member.

Once you enter the necessary information and payment method for the guest, the reservation is complete.

• There is no child rate, and the price is the same as for one adult.
• Cancellation is free up to the day before the stay.
• The room rates increase as the number of available rooms decreases, so I recommend booking early to get the best price.

5. Step-by-Step Process After Check-in

At 9h nine hours Hotel, in order to ensure that most guests can enjoy a clean and comfortable stay at the hotel, they have set out a general flow after check-in on the day of arrival. The main flow is as follows:

6. Access and Directions to 9h nine hours Hotel Hakata Station branch

9h nine hours Hotel Hakata Station branch is a 3-minute walk from JR Hakata Station.

There are several convenience stores around the hotel, including one 7-Eleven, two Family Marts, and one Lawson, making it very convenient.

Basic Information on 9h nine hours Hotel Hakata Station branch

7. List of the branches of 9h nine hours Hotel

9h nine hours Hotel has many branches in major cities and near airports throughout Japan.

Among them, I would like to introduce some recommended branches that I actually stayed and felt were worth staying at.

9h nine hours Hakata Station

This is the hotel branch where I stayed this time. 9h nine hours Hotel Hakata Station branch is just a short walk from Hakata Station, making it convenient for travelers exploring Fukuoka.

With easy access to nearby tourist attractions, like Meiji Park and Fujita Park, it’s an ideal choice for sightseeing.

9h nine hours Narita Airport

9h nine hours Hotel Narita Airport branch is the only accommodation facility within Narita International Airport. Situated within Narita Airport’s Terminal 2, this branch is perfect for travelers with early flights or layovers.

Its futuristic design and seamless access to airport facilities ensure a stress-free experience.

9h nine hours Nagoya Station

9h nine hours Hotel Nagoya Station branch is just a 2-minute walk from Nagoya Station and is the best cheap and clean accommodation for both business and leisure travelers alike.

Its central location provides easy access to Nagoya’s vibrant city life and cultural landmarks, including Nagoya Castle and Sakae.

9h nine hours Aqueduct sleep lab (Suidobashi)

9h nine hours Hotel Suidobashi branch stands out as a sleep lab where guests can enjoy personalized sleep analysis.

It conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Suidobashi Station and a 4-minute walk from Tokyo Dome, and blends a simple, modern design with advanced technology for a unique experience.

8. Pros and Cons of 9h nine hours

Advantages of 9h nine hours

The positive aspects I experienced while staying at 9h nine hours Hotel are as follows:

• The capsule unit was more spacious than I expected.
• The mattress was soft and comfortable.
• Great location, yet inexpensive room rate!
• All the hotel facilities, including the shower booths and toilets, were very clean.

On the other hand, there were 4 points that I felt were not good.

• The sound of other guests’ footsteps walking down the hallway sometimes bothered me.
• There were some guests with bad manners who were talking loudly on the phone in the guest room area.
• Even if you are staying at the same hotel multiple nights, you have to check out every day.
• Guests are not allowed to leave their luggage at the front desk after check-out.

The facilities were good enough for an overnight stay. So, if I were to rate it on a scale of one to five, I’d give it 3.5.

3.55

Online Reviews of 9h nine hours

The reviews from users who have stayed at 9h nine hours Hotel seem to be mostly satisfied. The online reviews we found were as follows:

• 
  5.0

  Conveniently located within walking distance from Hakata Station! The hotel facilities are clean and perfect!

• 
  2.5

  The locker room and capsule units are on different floors, so it was inconvenient to have to take the elevator every time.

• 
  3.0

  I stayed here on a business trip. I just needed to sleep, so I was able to rest sufficiently. If you’re looking for a hotel to stay in on a business trip, I think this hotel is a reasonable choice considering the cost-effectiveness.

• 
  3.0

  The location was good, close to the station, but I had some difficulty with scanning the QR code and the self-service check-in process.

There were many positive reviews regarding the location and the cleanliness of the hotel facilities.

On the other hand, there are still some points that have not been improved despite many similar negative reviews from users. For example, the check-in process is confusing, the room rates are very high during peak season, and the staff does not warn guests with bad manners, such as making phone calls or setting alarms inside the capsule, etc.

9. Latest Information about 9h nine hours

9h nine hours Hotel Otemachi branch was a great hotel with a nice atrium design in the center of the guest room area and conveniently located near the Imperial Palace, but closed on May 15, 2023.

Similarly, 9h nine hours Hotel Kyoto branch, which opened as the first branch of the 9h nine hours hotel chain, closed in 2020. 9h nine hours Hotel Kamata branch, 9h nine hours Hotel Asakusa branch and 9h nine hours Hotel Kita-Shinjuku branch also closed in 2021.

In addition, 9h nine hours has rebranded and reopened 3 hotels in Kyoto City under its private room hotel brand, Smart Place Inn, in March 2025. Smart Place Inn hotel is priced in the middle price range between luxury and low prices, and offers a flexible accommodation experience that suits all travel styles, including solo travelers, business trips, and family trips.

If you don’t like capsule hotels because of the lack of soundproofing, why not try one of these private room hotels when you travel to Kyoto?

10. Summary of my experience staying at 9h nine hours Hotel

It was an interesting and satisfying experience to stay in a capsule unit with a sophisticated design like a spaceship.

9h nine hours is a particularly good choice for those who want a unique hotel stay experience and those who want to spend as little as possible for an overnight stay even in a well-accessible location.

Fore more information about this trip, please check out the Travel Alone Idea’s YouTube video. [ Original Video (English Subtitles) ]

11. Frequently Asked Questions about 9h nine hours

Finally, just for your reference, here are answers to 5 frequently asked questions about 9h nine hours.

Q1 What is 9h nine hours?

A1 9h nine hours is Japan’s popular capsule hotel offering a simple and efficient stay. The name, 9h nine hours, is based on the concept of “shower (1 hour), sleep (7 hours), get ready (1 hour)”. The futuristic design features capsules shaped like cocoons. While many branches are conveniently located in urban areas or near airports, the capsule units are spacious and less claustrophobic, providing a comfortable, private space in which to relax and relieve fatigue.

Shower rooms, lounges, and lockers are provided, and the minimum required amenities are available, so the hotel stay is comfortable enough. The reasonable rates of 9h nine hours make it especially popular with short-term tourists and business travelers. Some branches of the hotel also offer sleep analysis services, with analysis reports based on objective data to help visualize sleep conditions and provide health support.

Q2 What amenities does 9h nine hours Hotel offer?

A2 Guests will be provided with an amenity bag containing one bath towel(rental), one face towel(rental), one bath mat(rental), loungewear(rental), a pair of slippers, a toothbrush, and earplugs.

Each wash basin in the shower room is equipped with a hair dryer, and complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are available in each shower booth.

Q3 Which capsule unit is better at 9h nine hours Hotel, the upper or lower level?

A3 Capsule units are assigned automatically at 9h nine hours Hotel, but if you have a particular preference, you might be able to request the hotel. If you are quite nervous or want to sleep soundly and quietly, I recommend choosing a capsule on the upper level, because you are less likely to be bothered by the footsteps and other noises of other guests walking down the hallway.

On the other hand, if you are likely to be in and out of your capsule unit frequently, or if you are not confident about climbing up and down the ladder, I recommend choosing the lower capsule unit. The ladder to go up to the upper capsule unit is completely vertical, so some people may find it difficult to climb up.

Q4 Is eating and drinking allowed inside the capsule units at 9h nine hours Hotel?

A4 Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the capsule units at 9h nine hours Hotel. This is because the sound of eating and the smell of food may disturb other guests around you, and you may spill food or drinks on the bedding and make a mess.

Be sure to eat and drink in the shared free space or lounge, not in the capsule units.

Q5 Can I enter and exit 9h nine hours Hotel freely after checking in?

A5 Some internet cafes and simple accommodations in Japan do not allow you to leave during your stay, but at 9h nine hours Hotel you are free to go out once you have checked in. The hotel is open 24 hours a day, and if you need the staff, you can call them by pressing a button on the automatic check-in machine, so you can leave or enter the hotel at any time, late at night or early in the morning.

Some guests may be sleeping, so when you go out of the hotel, be careful not to disturb other guests with your footsteps or other noises.

I hope this helps with your future travel ideas.