Nine hours Nagoya Station is a capsule hotel in Nagoya. As the name suggests, it’s within walking distance of Nagoya Station. It’s a great option for solo travelers who like their privacy.
What’s the hotel like?
Capsule hotels have something of a mixed image. To tourists, they have a futuristic, space-age appeal, while locals consider them a sometimes-grim necessity after working late. Luckily, nine hours Nagoya Station falls firmly in the first category. There’s no denying its ultra-modern vibe, with QR codes instead of keys or cards, and a decidedly spaceship-like design. There’s a lot of strategic lighting at play to help keep an otherwise cramped space feel bright and upbeat.
Also read: Guide to capsule hotels in Tokyo
What facilities does the hotel have?
Nine hours has all the basic necessities that you would expect from a capsule hotel or hostel. All capsule beds are in dormitory-style rooms, with separate floors for men and women. The shared bathrooms are also separated by gender. We particularly liked that each of the shower cubicles had private changing areas. The showers have good pressure and are cleaner than the average hostel.
There are dedicated areas for luggage storage, with each capsule bed allocated its own locker. When you check in, you receive a QR code that works as a key card and can also be used for the locker — no need to use your own padlock. The lockers are big enough to fit most suitcases, but the space between the lockers is narrow so this isn’t the place to repack your entire suitcase.
Nine hours also has a coffee shop called Glitch Coffee & Roasters on the first floor. It’s open to the public, but also provides breakfast for guests (if you make a reservation with breakfast included, that is).
Is there anywhere to hang out in the hotel?
The rooftop lounge is a great hang-out space. It’s got power outlets, wifi and plenty of places to sit. Plus, it’s partly enclosed, so it’s a viable hang-out spot year-round.
If you just want a bit of fresh air, you can step out onto the terrace. It’s nicely set up, and the view is decent — but nothing to write home about.
What are the rooms like?
The “rooms” are capsules, so they aren’t necessarily big but they are spacious enough that an average-height person can sit up comfortably. Inside the capsule there are charging ports, but not much else. The door to the capsule is just a blind, so unfortunately the capsule isn’t sound- or light-proof, or particularly secure—we recommend keeping your valuables in your locker.
In terms of comfort, the mattress is a reasonable thickness but we felt like the pillow was on the lumpy side.
What’s the location like?
As the name suggests, nine hours Nagoya Station is nice and close to Nagoya Station—it’s just a 5-minute walk away. This make nine hours’ location very convenient for sightseeing. You can easily take a bus, subway, or train to all the major tourist attractions.
Nagoya Station also gives you access to the Tokaidō-Sanyo Shinkansen, which can take you northeast to Tokyo, or west to Osaka and Kyoto. You can also take the Meitetsu Airport Line from Nagoya Station to Chūbu Centrair International Airport in as little as 28 minutes.
What’s the surrounding neighborhood like?
The neighborhood around nine hours Nagoya Station is fairly business orientated. Because it’s so close to Nagoya Station, the area can get quite busy in the mornings and evenings as people commute to and from work. During the day it’s quieter. Businesses in the area are geared towards locals, so it’s not very touristy until you get into the station itself.
Are there many good places to eat nearby?
The Nagoya Station complex has quite a few dining options, serving up both local and international cuisine. There are also a couple malls nearby that have restaurants and cafés, although these are mostly Japanese restaurants.
What points of interest are within walking distance of the hotel?
Well, to be honest there aren’t any. Attractions in Nagoya are fairly spread out, so we recommend taking local buses or trains to get to them. If you’ve got time, we recommend taking advantage of a one-day pass for the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing Me-Guru Bus.
Who should stay here?
We recommend nine hours Nagoya Station for solo travelers. Small groups of friends might also enjoy staying here, but should use the rooftop lounge for socializing.