Having heard so much over the years about the capsule hotels in Japan, I thought I would take the opportunity to experience one first-hand. Images of drunken ‘salary men’ that are synonymous with capsule hotels was not to be at the 9h Capsule Hotel in Kyoto. 9h is a new capsule hotel that offers luxury sleeping time in a minimum living space. The 9h Capsule Hotel and all amenities were designed by Fumie Shibata of Design Studio S, which she founded in 1994. With her team, she defined the elements necessary for a ‘minimal transit space’ in big cities in Japan. Located in Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, the building itself is nine stories tall and offers 125 capsules, locker rooms, showers, and a lounge. From a design point of view the experience is spectacular. Modern graphics communicate throughout and the stark white interior adds to a rocket-like experience – you could be forgiven for thinking you were going to the moon! The capsules are extremely comfortable and clean, though a little noisy and I did wake in the morning to the person next to me snoring loudly! That aside if you’re looking for a place to sleep in Kyoto, an incredible experience and at a great price, the 9h Capsule Hotel offers a rewarding ‘capsule experience’.
