nine hours Akasaka

Had an unexpectedly good stay here, and I’d definitely consider staying here again. Great value for a clean and secure place to shower and sleep, but definitely know what to expect first (and don’t expect a hotel!). I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone, but it’s a decent option for solo or light travelers who just need a place to sleep. Or, stay for your first night in the city (ie. before doing any shopping!) just for the novelty :) Some things to know: - have to check in/out each day, and your locker is basically inaccessible in between (no worries if you’re out the whole day anyways) - locker is tall but there’s only enough floor space for a carry-on luggage (larger luggage can be stored at reception) - locker area is small, it’s hard to navigate/pack/unpack when everyone else is trying to do the same. During my stay 8pm was busy but pretty quiet after 9:30pm so you have more space. 9-9:30am is busy too since everyone’s getting ready to check out at 10am. - no ‘real’ common area, so it’s great if you just want a space to shower and sleep at the end of the day. Not a place to chat with your travel buddy. - sleep pods surprisingly spacious (I’m ~155 cm and can sit up and roll around with room to spare). But it does get stuffy sleeping with the privacy screen down and the PJs that they provided. I ended up sleeping in a tank top. - locker and bathroom areas really clean given the amount of traffic going in and out! Staff members clean the area quite frequently.

In Akasaka, Tokyo their is this little nook in a small corner that you have to walk up a slight hill towards a beautifully design cube hotel. As you walk down the ramp you may see other guest sitting idle by outside enjoy the fresh air and scenery. Maybe a curious French woman having a smoke in the smoking area. When you first walk into the hotel you’re greeted by the staff from the hotel check in desk with gallivant smiles from ear to ear. They’re very friendly and more than willing to be helpful to accommodate your luggage issues if you have more than one suitcase. As they process your check in you see a unique and beautiful Japanese women who looks to be mixed or (hafu) as they country says but isn’t mixed at all. She has a curious New Zealand or Australian accent quite pleasant to listen to. Or you may meet a man who has the eyes that can look into your soul and give you the best tasting cup of joe you could imagine. The hotel is separated by four floors, two for men and two for women. Unfortunately you cannot sleep next to your partner at night but isn’t that a good thing to not get kicked or covers pulled from you for a few nights? Think adult dorm room with better bedding and showers.

It was beyond expectation! Too noisy at night though, and a plus would have been a bigger social area.

If you explore this area you will find you have a plethora of food choices. A top rated coffee shop in the hotel as well.

I’ve always loved the Nine Hours group of hotels and have stayed at almost all of their branches. It’s an old concept (at least in Japan) creatively re-designed and mindfully rejuvenated. Thumbs up for pushing the boundaries of capsule hotel offerings.