Nine Hours Kyoto

Probably the #1 asked about part of my Japan trip when I got back to the US (apart from the double eyelid tape I tried on).
Around $ 30 – 40 a night, this capsule hotel is an awesome experience! It’s right next to the busy Gion district of Kyoto where you may be lucky enough to spot a geisha or two and get your shopping done.
We decided to stay for one night just to try it out, and it was totally worth it and here’s why:
— very clean
— change into the pajamas they give you (optional), and wear slippers around
— has everything you’d need in the showers (high water pressure, body wash, shampoo, conditioner)
— had a very comfortable and relaxing sleep inside the capsule, which isn’t too small contrary to popular belief
— friendly and English speaking staff
Only reason I think it’d be inconvenient to stay here more than one day is because you have to check-​out and check-​in everyday, even if you’re staying for multiple days. This makes it inconvenient to leave your belongings.
It’s also located next to two 24-​hour convenience stores that has everything you’d need, an electronics store next door, and a pretty popular rice-​thing lunch stand directly across the hotel that opens around 11am (which I didn’t get to try unfortunately).

We stayed here for one day last week and had a good experience. We were there simply for that — EXPERIENCE. The check in was easy and very cordial. The rooms were awesome, have never experienced anything like it. The problem is, they don’t tell everyone to be quiet when entering or exiting the pods. People rummaged through plastic bags on both the morning and the night. We also got filmed at one point, not sure if it was the hotel or some crew documenting their stay, looked pro though. Wouldn’t do it again, but once was pretty cool.

This review is based on a two day stay on Kyoto. The hotel is located slightly to the north easy of Kyoto and in walking distance to several shrines and the Nishiki market. The area also is a main shopping district so you can do plenty of doing and eating.
Transportation: I learned that in Kyoto… It is best to take the bus wherever you go. The one day pass can be bought for 500 ¥ which is less than 5 USD. There are several bus and train stations that were close to the hotel.
Hotel \ stay: The capsule hotel has lockers which is to small for most suitcases, but larger bags can be kept on the first floor lounge area. Make sure that you don’t keep high value possessions in those bags. Men and women are separated by floors and each capsule is considerably large. My friend who was with me is 6’1 and fit perfectly in it. There is a public area for washing up and includes shampoo, towels, and body wash.
Overall, a pleasurable stay. I met a few travel friends there and had fun. The staff does speak some English. As a quick tip, the check in time is 12pm and checkout is 10pm, and you have to checkout and in every day if you are planning several nights at this location. You will have to empty your lockers but there are several good coffee and breakfast shops nearby.

My partner and I are staying this hotel for third night. I am getting used to it now. It’s fun sleeping in the capsule especially all women. I like the location in Kyoto, perfect spot! I’m able to see places with short distance. I won’t mind coming back here again.

Pros: Ridiculously clean. Staff spoke good English. Ideally located within the heart of Kyoto’s shopping and nightlife district. I complained about a loud snorer above me and was relocated to a different floor with no hassle. I made a reservation for a Tuesday night through Kayak and only paid 1430 yen (a little under $ 12 U.S.).
Cons: These capsules only have pulldown drapes and no doors, so noise pollution is more of a problem here (bring earplugs to be on the safe side). My first capsule got very stuffy too (no AC controls within the capsule). When I switched to the other capsule, this wasn’t an issue for whatever reason.
The pillow was fairly hard if that’s an issue, but it seems to be a common trend among the budget hotels. Capsules come with one power outlet, clock, and light-​therapy alarm.