Both hostels and capsule hotels are budget accommodations that tend to have communal showers and toilets. Compared to capsule hotels, where individual capsules provide distinct private spaces, hostels are popular precisely because rooms are shared by several people, making it easier for travelers to interact with each other.

Nine Hours is a popular hotel chain noted for its stylish capsule hotels. Considering nine hours to be the perfect amount of time needed to "bathe (1 hour)", "sleep (7 hours)", and "get ready (1 hour)" to transition from yesterday to today, this capsule hotel has been designed to make those nine hours as comfortable as possible.

Currently, there are 10 locations in Tokyo and 2 locations in Osaka. Nine Hours Shin-Osaka Station is located 1 station from JR Osaka Station and a short walk from the East Exit of Shin-Osaka Station.

You can also relax on the rooftop, lounging in the openness of its compact space.

The interior of the capsules is softly lit, and the air conditioning in each can be individually adjusted. Inside the capsule, you lie with your head towards the inside wall, so your feet face the exterior, where there is a pull-down curtain to ensure privacy. Tucking yourself snugly into the soft and comfortable sheets, you are sure to get a good night's sleep.

COVID-19 Countermeasures
UV irradiation is performed on all capsules every day to sterilize the capsules, mattresses, and pillows. The common areas are thoroughly disinfected and sterilized, and attention is closely paid to consumable materials such as masks and disinfectants. Hotel staff wear masks and encourage guests to wear them, too, as well as to wash their hands and use disinfectant.

J-garden Shin-Osaka Capsule is noted for its unique design that evokes a sense of the near future. Just a 12-minute walk from JR Shin-Osaka Station and a 1-minute walk from the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Higashi-Mikuni Station, it makes getting to Osaka Station and Umeda Station easy.

It has a spacious common area that can be used by any guest and is perfect when you want to work on a PC. There are a coin-operated laundry room and a smoking room that are essential for long-term stays, further contributing to a comfortable stay.

There are men-only and women-only capsule rooms, and all are equipped with a control panel for lights, a USB jack, and a power outlet. Nightwear and toothbrushes are provided in each, all contributing to a relaxing stay.

There are also cabin rooms which are slightly larger than capsule rooms. Equipped with a locker and desk, they allow for a more leisurely stay. Since the rooms are separated by curtains, you shouldn't make loud noises in the room, but it's nice to be able to take a load off your feet and relax.

COVID-19 Countermeasures

In addition to checking the temperature of the hotel staff and having them wear masks, the interior of the hotel is properly ventilated. Alcohol disinfectant dispensers are placed in the common areas and guests are encouraged to wear masks.

LINDA HOSTEL 106 is located one station from Higashi-Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line and about a 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Nakazakicho Station. It was created by renovating an office building that had been used as a warehouse.

The entire 1st floor is a free space with the LINDA BAR situated in the back. It operates on a cash-on-delivery system where you can enjoy coffee, beer, light meals, and the like in a casual atmosphere.

Guests are free to mingle in this free space, and the friendly atmosphere is such that even strangers can get to know each other immediately.

The rooms at this Osaka hostel are divided into a female-only dormitory and a mixed dormitory (2 rooms), the atmosphere having a vintage feel about it. Closing the curtain gives it the feeling of a private room, enabling you to have more moments to yourself.

To provide for your relaxation and comfort there is a box for valuables, a reading light, two outlets, and a wastebasket. This is perfect for resting up after your trip.

COVID-19 Countermeasures

In addition to checking the temperature of the hotel staff and having them wear masks, the interior is properly ventilated and the number of seats limited. Alcohol disinfectant dispensers are placed in the common areas and guests are encouraged to wear masks.

If you're looking for an Osaka hostel with a Japanese ambiance, then Guesthouse U-En is the place for you.

This fully renovated large merchant house was once used as a ryotei (traditional Japanese style restaurant) and updated to give it a modern Japanese atmosphere, though the tatami flooring and other things unique to its ryotei roots have been preserved. The cafe on the first floor is popular not only with travelers but also with locals, and the spicy curry that is served at lunchtime is especially adored.

To get there from the JR Osaka Station, get off at Fukushima Station, one stop on the loop line, and walk for about 4 minutes. The location is also attractive because you can reach it by walking about 15 minutes from Osaka Station.

There are male and female mixed dormitories (12 persons; 6 persons for the time being as a countermeasure against the COVID-19) and female-only dormitories (4 persons), with walls on each side of the beds to ensure privacy. Each bed is equipped with a security locker with a key, a bedside lamp, a power supply, a mirror, and a shelf for your personal comfort.

There are also double rooms for 2 people, twin rooms for 1-2 people, and private rooms for 2-4 people. Experience the comfort of sleeping in a futon on tatami flooring in these rooms. (Bunk bed type twin room is Western-style)

COVID-19 Countermeasures

In addition to checking the temperature of the hotel staff and having them wear masks, the interior is properly ventilated and the number of seats limited. Alcohol disinfectant dispensers are placed in the common areas and guests are encouraged to wear masks.

HOTEL THE ROCK creates a luxurious atmosphere despite being a capsule hotel. To get there, get off at Honmachi Station, the second station from Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, and walk from Exit 23 for about 4 minutes. This is recommended for those who also want to enjoy spending time in Umeda and Namba because it is close to the second station going to Namba Station from Honmachi Station.

In addition to relaxing in the chic 1F lounge, the spacious and bright powder room is also equipped with lotions, emulsions and hair tonics. A good place to stay whether on business or when sightseeing, it has a very relaxed atmosphere.

One nice feature that makes walking about comfortable is that the capsule rooms for men and those for women are on different floors.

In front of the private rooms, there is a hanger rack and a luggage space where suitcases can be placed, and this can be secured with a wire lock that can be rented at the front desk. Also for your peace of mind and comfort, each capsule has lighting, air conditioning, and a security box.

COVID-19 Countermeasures

In addition to checking the temperature of the hotel staff and having them wear masks, doorknobs and elevator buttons are regularly sanitized with an alcohol spray. Air purifiers are installed on the guest room floors, and eucalyptus aroma, which is said to be highly effective as an air sanitizer, is also used on the 1st floor. Guests are encouraged to wear masks.

Capsule hotels and hostels will not only save you money but are also fully equipped with amenities and clean shower rooms to make your stay more comfortable than you had imagined.

Even in a capsule hotel, the inside of the capsule is a private space, so you should be able to relax without worrying about being seen by others. However, if you are bothered by sounds at night, you might want to consider using earplugs when you sleep.

After a good night's rest at a capsule hotel or hostel near Osaka and Umeda stations, you will be all set for a day of shopping and other activities!

Written by WEST PLAN
*The information in this article is as of August 2020.