Hybrid container hotel made from separate 20 ft units.
Project: Hotel R9 The Yard
Type: Modular container hotel
Containers: Individual 20 ft units
Opened: December 2018
Branches: 101 locations across Japan (as of January 2025)
Location: Tomioka, Gunma, Japan
Address: 644-1 Kurokawa, Tomioka, Gunma 370-2344, Japan
Overview
Hotel R9 The Yard is one of Japan’s most unique and efficient modular hotel concepts. Each guest room is built inside an independent 20 ft shipping container, offering a private and secure stay. The brand combines industrial design with comfort and convenience, setting a new benchmark for compact hospitality in Japan.
First opened in 2018, the hotel chain gained national recognition after being used to address accommodation shortages during the Tokyo Olympics. As of 2025, it operates more than 100 branches nationwide, making it one of Japan’s most successful examples of large-scale container hotel development.
Design and Experience
Each room is a standalone container that ensures complete privacy and sound insulation. The exterior features a minimal black industrial finish accented with red details, giving it a modern yet calm visual appeal.
Inside, every unit is designed for comfort, equipped with:
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Simmons bed for premium sleep quality
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Private bathroom with shower and bathtub
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Air purifier and efficient climate control
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Microwave, fridge, freezer, and kettle
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Free Wi-Fi and entertainment TV
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Work desk and mirror
Despite its compact size, the room layout mirrors a modern business hotel, offering everything needed for both leisure and business travelers.
Facilities
The hotel layout includes separate containers for shared amenities such as:
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A 24-hour automated check-in and check-out system
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Front desk and reception container
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Laundry facilities and vending machine units
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On-site parking directly in front of each room
Guests can easily access their rooms from the parking lot, making it ideal for travelers with luggage or golf equipment.
Pricing
Room rates start at approximately 5,800 yen (US$37 per night), including free Wi-Fi, towels, gowns, toiletries, hot drinks, and a complimentary light meal such as a curry bento.
This affordability, combined with strong guest satisfaction, has positioned Hotel R9 The Yard as a preferred stay option for road travelers, tourists, and business guests across Japan.
Concept and Sustainability
Hotel R9’s concept reflects the Japanese approach to efficiency and respect for space. By reusing shipping containers, the hotel reduces construction time, minimizes waste, and promotes sustainable development.
Each unit is prefabricated off-site, fully insulated, and fitted with all utilities before being transported and installed. This modular construction allows for fast deployment, scalability, and cost efficiency.
Why It Works
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Privacy: Independent container units eliminate shared walls and noise.
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Efficiency: Prefabricated design shortens construction time and reduces costs.
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Flexibility: Units can be relocated or reused across sites.
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Safety: Solid steel structure with strong insulation and weather resistance.
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Sustainability: Reuse of shipping containers aligns with global eco-hospitality goals.
What It Means for Sri Lanka
For Sri Lankan hoteliers and investors, Hotel R9 The Yard provides a valuable model for decentralized, rapidly deployable hospitality. Similar modular container resorts can serve roadside travelers, eco-tourists, or event-based stays. The concept shows how container hotels can combine durability, privacy, and modern comfort without large land or infrastructure demands.
