Capsule hotels in Japan are hardly a new thing now. Whilst only a handful of people may have experienced it, the majority of travelers to Japan would have come across the capsule hotel option when looking at places to stay. It’d be hard to have avoided seeing them, seeing as how there are literally hundreds of them scattered around major cities, and they’re literally sprinkled across the entire country.
Capsule hotels provide affordable and uniquely (mainly) neo-modern accommodation options for those who are looking for a budget option but want to avoid the stereotypical older-style hostel choices. In Japan, especially, they’re lorded as not only the ultimate way to save money whilst traveling the country, but staying in one is often an unexpected experience in itself.
Below, we’ve curated the top 7 capsule hotels located in Osaka City that you should look into booking.
1. Nine hours Namba Station
Nine hours should really not need any introduction. Even if you haven’t heard of this popular capsule hotel chain, the name itself should give away what this hotel is all about.
The original concept of the nine hours chain came about when someone thought of the three basic necessities for an overnight stay: showering, sleeping, and getting dressed for the next day out. They then split this into the time required for each action – 1 hour to shower, 7 hours of sleep, and 1 hour to get dressed – and voila, nine hours was born!
Nine hours Namba Station is probably one of the most popular capsule hotels in the city. Its convenient location makes it a premiere destination for those wanting easy access to public transport as well as the Shinsaibashi, Namba, and Yotsubashi district of Osaka.
It’s clean and futuristic look has appealed to travelers from all around the world, and the amenities and facilities offered to all guests makes it a no-brainer for those seeking affordability, comfort and convenience.
Why Guests Love It: The cleanliness level of the capsule hotel was 11/10, making it a comfortable stay for everyone. The pajamas provided by the hotel was by far some of the comfiest some people had ever slept in, and the pods were larger than the average capsule hotel pod.
Book It Now: Nine hours Namba Station
2. Hotel Morning Box Osaka Shinsaibashi
With a name like that, how can you not be curious about this capsule hotel? Hotel Morning Box is located right next to a subway station, and is within walking distance to a plethora of attractions and transportation, such as Dontonbori, Shinsaibashi Station, and Shin-Osaka Station.
It looks compact on the outside, but is actually quite spacious on the inside. It offers various types of guestrooms, from capsule-style bedding to bunk-bed dormitories to twin-bed economy rooms.
It’s recently undergone a renovation and thus looks brand-spankin’ new. The common lounging areas actually look so inviting, you might not want to retire back to your own bed. There are also public baths for all guests, and on the 10th floor is a sauna room (men only).
Why Guests Love It: Some believe that this is the best value for money accommodation in Osaka. Great location next door to the station. Breakfast inclusion is a nice touch.
Book It Now: Hotel Morning Box Osaka Shinsaibashi
3. Cabin & Capsule Hotel J-SHIP Osaka
Clean, comfortable, and convenient – that’s the entire philosophy at the Cabin & Capsule Hotel J-SHIP Osaka. The accommodation is literally a minute walk away from JR Namba Station (the south exit). It offers gender separated accommodation floors, provides guests with pajamas, towels, slippers, and a toothbrush, as well as all necessary bathroom amenities.
Guests can choose between spacious sleeping pods or neat and compact sleeping cabins that offer a bit more space and your own desk. There is also a common whirlpool bath (what?!) onsite for guests to enjoy.
Why Guests Love It: The location is fantastic, so close to the station yet super quiet. The quiet and calming the onsen experience here was fantastic.
Book It Now: Cabin & Capsule Hotel J-SHIP Osaka
4. First Cabin Hanshin Nishiumeda
I mean, we knew Japan really loved their themed restaurants, but have you ever heard of a themed accommodation? At the First Cabin Hanshin Nishiumeda, you’ll find that everything is in (surprise, surprise) flight theme!
From the staff members dressed in cabin crew clothing, to the labels of the various types of guest sleeping spaces being named after flight classes – it’s so unique in every way.
In saying that, it’s never over-the-top. In fact, it’s one of the most luxurious capsule hotels in Osaka. It’s superbly maintained and super clean, it offers a buffet breakfast to its guests daily, all guestrooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV, and there is an onsen onsite. Also, check out the exterior! Modern Japanese architecture at its finest.
Why Guests Love It: Definitely a more upmarket hostel/capsule hotel with a bit more privacy. Expect to see a hairdryer, curling iron, face lotions and so on in a clean and comfortable environment. There’s a 7-11 right around the corner.
Book It Now: First Cabin Hanshin Nishiumeda Osaka
5. Nine hours Shin Osaka Station
Like all nine hours capsule hotels, this probably doesn’t need an extensive introduction…and if it does, please refer to the capsule hotel listed as number 1 above! This particular capsule hotel, located in Shin Osaka, offers premium convenience. It’s located only minutes away from Shin-Osaka Station, Hinode Minami Park, and Nakajimasosha Temple.
For those looking to make Osaka a base to explore the surrounding cities such as Kyoto and Nara, this is a great option. For those who like to wander at night exploring before retiring back to their room, this is, again, a great option. Don’t miss the rooftop for an amazing city view!
Why Guests Love It: The 24-hour front desk and friendly, multilingual staff made the check-in experience and entire stay super convenient and comfortable. The concept of this capsule hotel is quirky and unique, definitely worth a try.
Book It Now: nine hours Shin Osaka Station
If you want to save money during your trip, make sure you also read our guide about traveling to Osaka on a budget.
6. Capsule Hotel Astil Dotonbori
If you want to be located right in the thick of all the action in Osaka, then this capsule hotel located just 3-minutes away from Namba and Osaka-Namba Station is the perfect place for you.
Although it may look like a run-of-the-mill capsule hotel amongst all others, it’s worth it to note that this place is surrounded by shops, restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores, making your stay all that more eventful (if you choose for it to be!).
Cravings at 2:00am? No problem! Just throw on a coat, go for a stroll and you’ll be slurping down ramen in no time. All guest pods have been designed with convenience in mind, meaning you will have access to safety deposit boxes, clothes racks, free bath amenities and toiletries.
Why Guests Love It: Many guests (particularly females) loved the amenities provided in the beauty station areas for the face, body and hair. Even guests who booked this place last minute loved it. You can leave your luggage here until 6:00pm on the day of checking out.
Book It Now: Capsule Hotel Astil Dontonbori
7. Sauna & Capsule AMZA (men only)
Men, if you’re looking for a quiet, private capsule experience, check out the Sauna & Capsule AMZA. This accommodation space is for men only, but rather than being stereotypically male and lacking any luxuries, it’s actually filled to the brim with many experiences you can enjoy in-house.
These include spacious and clean pods to sleep in, a hot tub, a sauna (as the title suggests), spa facilities and massage chairs – all for guests to enjoy during their entire stay here. There’s even an in-house restaurant that serves Chinese, Western and Japanese cuisine.
Why Guests Love It: Even when it was crowded on a Friday and Saturday night, it was quiet and peaceful. The spa was the best thing about this place, and many guests said they would return just for the spa experience again.
Book It Now: Sauna & Capsule AMZA (men only)
Some of the best sleeping experiences in Japan may not come from the luxurious 5-star hotel beds but rather the small sleeping pods you find right next to the station.
A common praise we often hear about capsule hotels is that they in fact provided one of the best sleeping experiences during one’s entire stay in Japan – and that’s saying something!
Unlike other budget accommodation choices, most capsule hotels (especially the ones we’ve listed above!) are looked after to the highest quality and care, so you’ll always be getting bang for your buck. Plus, half the joy in staying in a capsule inn is to save some money, and the other half is for the experience, right?
PS: If you are looking for capsule inns in Tokyo, you can also read this article: Luxury Capsule Hotel Tokyo.