Nine Hours Shin-Osaka Station Hotel: Budget Capsule Accommodation in Japan
Let’s talk about something scary. Just got a notification that my last flight to Japan this year is cancelled. Nothing felt scarier than knowing that all my Japan trips will never be materialized this year due to the pandemic.
It’s kinda sad that there will be no more international trip for me this 2020. I feel like I just wanna put the “dead traveler” in me to rest in a coffin-like pod in time for Halloween, All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day. This even lead me to reminisce my surreal first-time experience in a Japanese capsule accommodation.
Speaking of capsule hotels in Japan, I tried it once during my stay in Osaka for one night back in 2019. While searching for a budget accommodation in Osaka thru Agoda, I came across a unique style of room which resembles a coffin or more appropriately called a capsule. I find it interesting so I gave it a shot.
Originally developed in Japan, capsule hotels provide cheap and basic overnight accommodation for all type of guests. This accommodation type is typically popular among budget backpackers and travelers who are into quick rests while in Japan, whether solo, with partner, or in group.
So, what it’s really like to stay in Nine Hours (9H) Shin-Osaka Station capsule hotel?
Let’s start with location. While 9H Shin-Osaka Station offers capsule units in Osaka, there are a lot of nine hours hotels scattered across various cities in Japan. 9H Shin-Osaka Station hotel’s location is ideal as it is situated at the heart of Osaka with close proximity to establishments and public transportation. This particular capsule hotel is strategically located right next to JR Shin Osaka station, so it is a good gateway to plan all your tours to must-see destinations around Osaka, Japan.
Upon check-in (including confirmation of booking and payment), you’ll receive a card that serves as an access tool for your locker, main door and even elevators. In addition, you’ll also find the details of the guest’s WiFi username and password on it.
Luggages and other valuables are not allowed in the sleeping area. You may leave your personal belongings inside the locker and place your trolleys below your locker, tied to a solid pole using a cable lock (provided by the hotel) for enhanced security.
Guest rooms are arranged systematically that looks like straight from a futuristic action film. The chambers are stacked side-by-side, two units high, with ladders providing access to the second level rooms.
Nine Hours Shin-Osaka Station Hotel offers separate sections for male and female guests, or even separate floors. However, there is also a “mixed-sex” room so you can actually arrange that you and your partner be booked next to each other, but never on the same pod (if you know what I mean).
For privacy, the open end of the capsule can be closed with a curtain and can be locked from the inside only.
Individual sleep pod has a dedicated number for easier identification. The overall setting looks pretty sci-fi so for me, it’s the coolest thing ever invented, budget accommodation-wise.
Clothes and shoes are exchanged for a set of pajamas and slippers on entry (tucked inside the locker), and various towels are provided in each pod. As a matter of policy, guests are asked not to smoke or eat in the capsules.
The sleeping chamber is roughly the length and width of a single bed, with sufficient height for a hotel guest to crawl in and sit up on the bed. While it looked too tight on the outside, it actually offers a decent space inside so you won’t have to worry about your claustrophobia or fear of confined spaces.
This exceptional hotel offers numerous on-site facilities to satisfy even the most discerning guest. The shower room and bathroom are clean and well-maintained. Bath essentails and toiletries are available inside each room.
Free WiFi is provided throughout the property so you can connect to the internet while fixing yourself in front of numerous mirrors or lying on your bed. There is also 24-hour front desk on site for any assistance you need.
Overall, I really enjoyed my first capsule room experience in Nine Hours Shin-Osaka Station Hotel. If it weren’t for the cancelled trip, I would have stayed in this budget capsule accommodation in Japan once again.
How to Book Nine Hours Shin-Osaka Station Capsule Hotel
I booked this excellent property via Agoda. I suggest to watch out for promos (e.g., early booking saver, last room special rate, etc. ) and huge discounts to secure a capsule room at the lowest guaranteed price. I scored a special offer at Php 853.00 per night with free breakfast! That’s one great value for money!
Relevant details on 9H Shin-Osaka Station Hotel, as follows:
- Address: 1 Chome-19-9 Higashinakajima, Higashiyodogawa Ward, Osaka, 533-0033, Japan
- Contact Number: +81 6-6195-9509
Once you have a confirmed booking, you’ll use the above details in your Tourist Visa Application (if you don’t have one yet, see guide on visa application), and other documents like Bureau of Immigration Departure Card, Bureau of Quarantine Health Card, Disembarkation Card for Foreign Nations upon arrival in Japan, etc.
Whatever your reason for visiting Japan, Nine Hours Shin-Osaka Station is the perfect budget accommodation for an exhilarating and exciting break away in Osaka.
Back to reality and with that, sleep tight. Allow yourself to rejuvenate. When the time is right, you’ll rise up from thy deep slumber, and take on the world!
Sayōnara!
