9 Hours Teramachi

I didn’t know what to expect from this Kyoto capsule hotel, but I have to say I was certainly surprised.  9 Hours is one of the few capsule hotels that allows both male and female guests.  It’s also very modern and clean.  The entire hotel is non-smoking, which is also unusual.

But like all capsule hotels, it’s not for the claustrophobic, or people who expect to have lots of luggage.  Although the staff at 9 Hours do have a luggage check, it’s out in the lobby and often left unattended.  Aside from that, they do have lockers available (1 per guest) for valuables, etc.

Floors are segregated, in fact they have specific elevators that go only to the male and female floors respectively.  The locker rooms are also equipped with showers, hair dryers, etc.  The sleeping area with the “pods”, which are actually quite spacious compared to the average capsule hotel, is reserved only for sleeping.  No talking, drinking, or eating is allowed.  For those who would like to socialize, work, etc., there are two lounge areas available, where wireless internet is available.

The “pods” themselves are designed with soft curves to promote comfort and good sleep.  They are also equipped with a “Sleep Ambient Control System” designed to help you sleep more comfortably. The system supports the natural sleeping rhythm by gradually adjusting light, sound, etc.

Sleeping at 9 Hours was quite comfortable, although again staying here is not for the claustrophobic or those with lots of baggage.  It was also fairly quiet, which made it easy to work as well as sleep.

Location-wise, 9 Hours is close to eastern Kyoto and easily accessible by several train and subway stations.  If you are staying for more than one night, however, you are required to check out and in again each day (hence the name ‘9 Hours’).

All in all for the price and location, it’s well worth staying at, at least for the experience if not anything else.

Vital Information:

• Check-in: From 17:00; Check-out: Until 10:00

• From 3,600 yen per person per night; Accepts Credit Cards

• 9 Hours Website; Can also make reservations through JAPANiCAN and TripAdvisor

• English Friendly

• 2-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto line; 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Railway OR Shijo Station on the Karasuma subway line.