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9h Nine Hours Capsule Hotel Tokyo Japan: Honest Stay Review
Japan is quirky in the best ways – heated toilets with music, see-through umbrellas, and even umbrella dryers.
But it’s not just tech and high-speed trains. They’ve also nailed some practical, quirky solutions to daily life.
Take capsule hotels of Japan – a genius fix for cramped cities like Tokyo, where tiny sleeping pods are stacked like Tetris blocks to save space.
Online frenzy said 9hr Nine Hours Capsule Hotel is one of the best, and I just had to try it during my 24 days of Japan trip in December 2022.
So, I booked a night at the Akasaka 9h Sleep Lab to see what it’s all about. Is a capsule hotel worth it? How does it work? Does it live up to the hype? Spoiler: I’ve got opinions!
If you’re wondering, “Is it worth staying in a capsule hotel in Tokyo?” I’ve got you covered.
Here’s my honest review of 9hrs Capsule Hotel – whether it’s worth it, how to book, and what to expect.
What to expect from Capsule Hotel 9hrs Sleep Lab
What are Pods or Capsule Hotels n Japan
Capsule hotels are basically tiny pods just big enough for a bed and a few essentials. You don’t get a full room like in a regular hotel, but that’s the charm!
They’re designed to save space, especially in busy cities like Tokyo. Plus, you’ll store your luggage in lockers, and men and women stay on separate floors.
It’s a unique experience that’s totally different from a standard hotel stay.
The pods at 9 Hours Akasaka are like cosy little cocoons. Each pod is about 3.5 feet wide and over 7 feet long, so you can stretch out without feeling cramped.
Inside, there’s a small screen with headphones, making it feel like your own private little space. I loved every minute—it was way comfier than I expected!
Accessibility
9h Nine Hours Sleep Lab has lifts to all the floors, making it accessible for those with mobility issues.
However, the pods are stacked one above the other, so you’ll need to climb a small ladder for the upper ones.
Make sure to pre-book a lower pod in advance if you prefer not to climb.
Is it clean?
The entire place from the pods to the showers and common areas, was spotless.
Everyone takes off their shoes before entering the sleeping area, which helps keep things clean. Even the shared bathrooms were in great shape, but Sahana did notice some hair in the ladies’ washroom.
It wasn’t a huge deal, though, just something to expect when you have multiple people combing their hair in shared areas. The staff clean it regularly, so it’s not too bad.
Sleeping Experience at 9hrs Capsule Hotel in Akasaka
Despite the pods being stacked two high and side by side, it was surprisingly quiet. I thought I’d hear people snoring, but it was silent!
The pods at 9hrs felt like a private cocoon. And, with the sleep monitoring feature, you even get a report on how well you slept.
As for Sahana, who’s claustrophobic, she thought she’d feel suffocated. Guess what? She slept like a baby, and her sleep report confirmed it!
Privacy of Pods
Privacy is pretty solid, considering you’re in a shared space. Each pod is enclosed with barriers, so you feel tucked away in your own little world.
The pod itself had a privacy curtain, adjustable lighting, and a small screen. Plus, there was free Wi-Fi and a USB port for charging. Honestly, I felt like I was in my own little futuristic bubble
Price of Capsule Hotels
The cost for a night at 9hrs Sleep Lab in Akasaka ranged from 3000 to 5000 yen per pod during off season December. So, it’s affordable if you’re looking to save some money compared to regular hotels.
Booking Process
You can easily book these capsule hotels across Japan on booking.com or Expedia using your credit and debit cards.
Check-In Process
The process is straightforward. Check-in at 9h Akasaka Sleep Lab starts at 2:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM. During check-in, they scan your passport, confirm your online booking, and verify your names.
However, you can to drop off your luggage in the lockers earlier on the day of your booking. So that you can go wandering in Tokyo and come back at night.
You store your larger luggage in lockers on the ground floor, and they give you nightwear, slippers, and a toiletries kit.
You’ll need to take off your shoes before heading up to your floor, but it’s all pretty smooth.
You can carry a daypack upstairs, but not a rucksack. I didn’t take my daypack also.
If it’s winter and you’re wearing loads of layers, you can dump them in the locker—the temperature inside is regulated, so you won’t need them.
They also give you a basket with nightwear, slippers, and a toiletries kit. So, there’s no need to carry your own nightwear upstairs.
Just pack the clothes you want to wear after your shower the next morning, and everything fits in the basket.
The toiletries kit includes a toothbrush, soap, shampoo, and toothpaste—everything you need for a good shower.
Facilities
You get a comfy pod with adjustable lights, outlets, and a USB port.
They throw in a mattress, pillow, comforter, toiletries, towels, and showers
Plus, it’s non-smoking, with free WiFi, air conditioning, daily housekeeping, luggage storage, a 24-hour front desk, lifts, and a good breakfast at some locations.
The coolest part? The sleep monitoring feature. You can opt to get a report on how well you slept after a week, which was a fun touch!
Getting to 9hrs Sleep Lab in Akasaka Tokyo
It is located within 300m Akasaka Metro station. So getting there via Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line numbered C-06 and coloured Green is super easy.
Just have Japan Transit planner app to track the routes and a data enabled Japanese SIM on your phone to use the app.
Plus Akasaka is a hub of corporate offices and business districts. Plenty of food joints (expensive) and Kombinis are around for budget travellers.
What Makes Sleeping in a Pod at 9hrs Sleep Lab Tokyo Unique
Sleeping in a pod in Tokyo feels like being in a dormitory, but with your own private little shell. When you’re ready to sleep, you retreat to your pod, which feels straight out of a sci-fi movie.
The black decor with warm lighting at 9hr Sleep Lab made it feel like I was in a spaceship or a scene from Star Wars.
The communal areas had a laid-back, quiet vibe, but you could still chat with other travellers.
When you’re up for some human interaction, you can hang out in the common areas or on the shower floors. It’s not just foreign tourists staying in these pods; lots of locals use them too.
Sahana couldn’t stop talking about the Japanese women she saw in the restroom, all of them following elaborate skincare routines.
It’s not just about sleeping—you end up learning a lot about daily Japanese life and travellers perspective.
We swapped tips on where to find the best sushi in Tokyo and laughed about getting lost in the subway system.
It was nice to connect with other budget travellers and hear about their experiences. Sahana met some vegetarian travellers too to share their struggle on finding veg food in Japan.
Honestly, staying at the 9hrs Pod in Akasaka was one of the best things we did during our week in Tokyo.
Is It Worth the Money?
Definitely! If you’re after a unique, budget-friendly place to crash in Tokyo, 9hrs Capsule Hotel is worth it. It’s clean, quiet, and offers a cool, futuristic sleeping experience. Plus, how many places give you a detailed sleep report after your stay?
Compared to hostels or business hotels, capsule hotels like 9hr sleep lab offer more privacy and a futuristic vibe, but they may not be for you if you need more personal space.
For the price, it’s great for solo travellers or those wanting a unique experience.
Who Would Benefit from Staying in Capsule Hotels in Tokyo?
Capsule hotels in Tokyo are great for solo travellers or anyone on a budget who just needs a comfy, no-frills place to sleep. They’re perfect if all you want is a clean bed and basic amenities near transport hubs.
Ideal for short stays and for those curious about Japan’s quirky, space-saving design.
Can Couples Stay in 9hrs Sleep Lab Hotels?
Couples can definitely stay in 9hrs Sleep Lab for the experience, and there are no rules against it. Just remember, they have separate floors for men and women, so you’ll be sleeping apart.
It’s a cool experience but doesn’t save much money for couples. In fact, the cost of two pods at 9hrs Akasaka was about the same as our double room at a business hotel in Asakusabashi.
Are Capsule Hotels Suitable for Families?
Not really. Capsule hotels aren’t the best option for families, especially those with young kids. Since most capsule hotels have separate floors for men and women, it makes staying together tricky.
The pods are also designed for solo travellers, so space is limited. If you’re travelling with kids, you’d be better off booking a regular hotel.
Are There Capsule Hotels for Couples in Japan?
Yes, a few capsule hotels cater to couples. Kiba Hotel in Koto , Millennials in Shibuya and Millennials Kyoto have double occupancy pods, which are perfect for couples.
Other Famous Capsule Hotels in Japan
As per booking.com there are more than 140 capsule hotels in Japan
Few top rated Capsule Hotels Across Famous Japanese cities
- Capsule Hotel Cube, Hiroshima
- First Cabin Midosuji Namba, Osaka
- 9h Nine Hours Sleep Lab – 9 locations in Tokyo including Nine Hours at Narita airport, plus Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Miyagi
- The Millennials Fukuoka
- Torifito Hotel & Pod, Kanazawa
Conclusion
I highly recommend all types of travellers to spend a night at 9h Sleep Lab Akasaka. It is the coolest, but they have many other branches too.
It’s one of the most unique sleeping experiences in all of Japan. While ryokans give you a traditional feel, like being hosted by a wealthy merchant from the Edo period, pod hotels make you feel like you’re living in 2100 AD.
Why are there so many capsule hotels in Japan?
Capsule hotels became popular in Japan because they offered a cheap and convenient place for businessmen to sleep if they missed the last train home. They started in 1979 in Osaka’s Umeda district and have since spread across Japan.
What is the most expensive capsule hotel in Japan
The most expensive capsule hotels in Japan include Hotel Zen Tokyo (up to yen 45,000 per night), The Millennials Shibuya (up to ¥46,000), and Anshin Oyado Shinjuku. These hotels offer larger pods, premium amenities like on-site onsen, massage chairs, and spacious lounges.
What is the difference between a capsule hotel and a regular hotel?
A capsule hotel gives you a tiny, private pod to sleep in, while a regular hotel offers a full room. Capsule hotels are budget-friendly, typically found near train stations, and have shared facilities like bathrooms and lounges. Regular hotels provide more space, privacy, and amenities but cost more.
Would you stay in 9h Nine Hours Akasaka Sleep Lab or other capsule hotels in Japan? Let us know in the comment section below
