The Nell Ueno Okachimachi
A well-located and exceptionally clean capsule hotel, ideal for solo travellers seeking a quiet, no-frills stay with the added benefit of an onsen.
The Nell Ueno Okachimachi provides a traditional capsule hotel experience in a highly convenient Ueno location, just steps from JR Okachimachi station and local markets. Guests sleep in enclosed pods, which are consistently praised for their cleanliness, as are the shared bathrooms and the on-site onsen. While the pods offer a basic, compact sleeping arrangement with thin mattresses, they are generally well-maintained. The property maintains a quiet atmosphere, with strict rules on noise even in common areas, catering to a predominantly Japanese clientele seeking rest rather than social interaction. Staff are noted for their friendliness and helpfulness, despite occasional language barriers.
Stations & airport.
Distances measured from the hotel. Walking times assume a gentle pace with a backpack.
- Exit 3143 m2 min walk
- 東京メトロ上野駅213 m3 min walk
- Ueno-okachimachi282 m4 min walk
Eleven dimensions of capsule life, read from 575 reviews.
Noise & sleep
While some guests found the hotel quiet, others noted that small sounds are easily heard, implying limited noise isolation inherent to capsule hotels.
“you have to be extra careful and respectful !”
“in a quiet room, small sound can make a difference., so you cant blame the hotel for it.”
“It has a friendly & helpful staff, clean, quiet & close to the train station, has all the basics.”
Pod comfort
Guests frequently mention thin, hard mattresses and that capsules can be too small for taller individuals. Temperature control within pods is also a recurring issue, with some reporting them too hot.
“Not a major issue, but the mattress in the capsule was very thin. It was quite hard.”
“If you are over 185 cm the capsules are too small to sleep straight.”
“The mattress wasn't the thickest!”
Privacy
The property enforces strict quiet rules, even in common areas, which can impact a sense of personal space for phone calls or conversations.
“no proper living room, they don’t even allow you make a low voice call anywhere in the facility not even if none is around and you are in the common room on the ground floor”
“you have to be extra careful and respectful !”
Cleanliness
Cleanliness is consistently praised by guests, with many highlighting the meticulous upkeep of both pods and common areas, including toilets and restrooms.
“Cleanliness”
“Super clean, staff doesn't speak a lot of english but they will find a way to communicate.”
“Good and polite staff, very clean, nice ones, beds were comfortable.”
Shared bathrooms
The property features an onsen (public bath) which is a significant draw and is consistently described as clean and peaceful. However, guests should be aware that showering requires using the common bath, which involves public nudity.
“the onsen and toiletries”
“the onset is nice and clean and the beds are comfortable.”
“In order for taking a shower you need to go to the common bath, if you are not comfortable with public nudity it’s not your place.”
Luggage storage
Guests report an additional charge of 200 JPY per day for storing large luggage in a locker, which some found inconvenient or expensive for longer stays.
“they asked me to pay Y200 per day over a 2 weeks booking just to store my suitcase in my room (insane).”
“you have to top up $200 yen for a big locker for big luggage”
Staff & check-in
The staff are consistently described as friendly, helpful, and polite, even if English communication can be limited, they make an effort to assist guests.
“Super clean, staff doesn't speak a lot of english but they will find a way to communicate.”
“Very friendly staff and the bath was decent. Great value for money.”
“Friendly staff”
Location & access
The hotel boasts an excellent location in Ueno, particularly convenient for those arriving from Narita and very close to JR Okachimachi station and market areas.
“the location, the onsen and toiletries”
“Well located in Ueno, esp. if flying into Tokyo from Narita. I only stayed a night, so was a perfect place to lay my head.”
“It’s in a very good spot, it’s very organized, the onset is nice and clean and the beds are comfortable.”
Wifi & working
While Wi-Fi is available and free, some guests noted a lack of clear instructions for access within the pods.
“Wifi.”
“No Wi-Fi instruction in your bunk. It would have been better if it’s advised on check in or provide an instruction in your bunk.”
“Free coffee, tea and WIFI.”
Atmosphere
The atmosphere appears to be quiet and respectful, with a predominantly Japanese clientele. Strict rules against even low-voice calls in common areas suggest a focus on quiet rest rather than social interaction.
“no proper living room, they don’t even allow you make a low voice call anywhere in the facility not even if none is around and you are in the common room on the ground floor”
“Don't expect to see foreigners, it was mostly japanese people so you'll have to be extra careful and respectful !”
“The lobby was a very nice and peacful place, and a great place to eat my night meals.”
Value for money
Guests consistently rate The Nell Ueno Okachimachi as offering great value for money, especially considering its location and facilities.
“A nice place to stay for a great value.”
“Great value for money.”
“a good value for the money”
The honest drawbacks, from guests.
- thin mattresses
- cramped for taller guests
- extra charge for large luggage storage
- strict quiet rules in common areas
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