Nine Hours Kyoto

If you’re a solo backpacker looking for a cheap stay, or a business traveller wanting a bed for a quick layover, the Nine Hours capsule hotel in Kyoto may just be everything you’re looking for. Part of the latest hostel trend to sweep the world, Nine Hours allows guests to enjoy a no frills urban stay with their simple straightforward concept that encourages people to spend as little time in the hotel as possible. Without being inhospitable, Nine Hours’ concept is meant to inspire travellers to use their time exploring Kyoto rather than relaxing in their hotel rooms.

Top Tips

• In true hostel fashion, Nine Hours divides its floors based on gender. That means that the sleeping rooms, shower rooms and even some of the elevators are seperated for men and women. So if you’re travelling as a couple or a group with both men and women, be prepared to not be able to sleep in the same dormitory. It is worth noting that children under the age of 12 cannot be accommodated at the hotel so families travelling together would have to find somewhere else to stay.
  
  
• While couples of opposite sex will not be allowed to stay in the same dormitory, travellers of the same gender can request capsule beds that are situated right next to each other. Pro tip: make sure to request and book a two capsule room well in advance of your stay so that the hotel can make the appropriate arrangements.
  
  
• Nine Hours Kyoto charges it’s guests based on usage. An overnight stay will cost you around 4900 Yen but you can pay less if you’re just looking to take a nap (1000 Yen for the first hour) or take a shower (800 Yen for shower use). All guests also have free use of the communal lounge area where they can enjoy the free Wi-Fi to catch up on some work or play.
  
  
• It is worth noting that the sleeping pods cannot be locked (according to the law) so it is recommended that you store all your valuables on your person or in the storage lockers that come as part of your room rate. Pro tip: because Nine Hours is a no frills accommodation, amenities such as in-house food and drink, and laundry facilities are not available.  
  
  
• Besides being a budget friendly alternative to the usually pricey accomodation offered in Kyoto, Nine Hours is also just a five minute walk to the famous Nishiki Market. This narrow, five block long shopping street is lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants as is known as "Kyoto's Kitchen". Operating from 9am to 5pm, five days a week (individual store times vary), Nishiki Market allows tourists and locals alike to sample their way through some of the best Japanese fare.