The first hotel in Japan where you can experience e-sports, "e-Zone - Dennou Space", has just opened in Nihonbashi, Osaka!
The hotel, which was born in a location about a 10-minute walk from Nihonbashi Station, was originally scheduled to open toward April, but was postponed to prevent the spread of infection due to the new coronavirus.
Four months after the postponement, the grand opening finally took place on August 8, 2020.
We were not able to visit the opening to cover the event, but we were finally able to visit, and would like to report on it!
A hotel specializing in e-sports
The hotel "e-ZONe ~Dennou Space~" is located on a street behind one of the otaku areas of Denden Town in Nippombashi, Osaka, and has a somewhat futuristic and mysterious atmosphere.
The metallic exterior gives the impression of a UFO-like spaceship, and the hotel is stylish and fresh, something you have never seen before.
Once you step into the hotel, you will find yourself in a different space.
You will feel an extraordinary atmosphere in the space unified with red and blue colors, which you have never experienced before.
The hotel consists of B1F to 8F, and the gaming area is from 1F to 3F, where 75 high-spec gaming PCs with comfortable internet connection and no stress are available.
In addition to the ability to play with a large number of people, the gaming area is equipped with gaming chairs to alleviate the fatigue of game-playing.
In the private rooms, you can enjoy your games freely without being disturbed by others, and if you get tired, you can rest on your bed right away.
The game area on the first floor features an open wall of windows and a huge panoramic view of the game world.
The 2F game area also has a powerful giant panorama that enlivens the space.
The 3F game area is partially equipped with an eating space.
From 4F, an eccentric space awaits you in the accommodation room.
On 6F, the space is designed in a Japanese style with cherry blossoms and carp.
8F is a women's bedroom that keeps room for one room at a time.
Summary of floor composition
- B1F is a shower room and laundry room
- 1F to 3F are game areas (eating space available in the 3F area)
- 4F to 6F men's lodging rooms
- 7F private lodging
- 8F women's bedrooms
We want to promote more e-sports through our hotel!
This time, we visited e-ZONe ~Dennou Space~ to interview its leader, Mr. Takahiro Shimamoto.
How did e-Zone - Dennou-Space come into being?
We originally planned to build a hotel, but we thought that just building a regular hotel would not be fun.
Then, as e-sports was beginning to gain momentum and we had a plan, the timing was right, and we felt that e-sports would have an affinity with the Nihonbashi electronics district and its fusion of otaku culture. This led to the birth of "e-Zone ~Dennou Space~".
What are the strengths of a hotel, and what are the key points that you focus on?
The hotel is a place where you can stay overnight and play games, and games are a field where people easily get tired from concentrating.
We have created an environment where guests can go to bed immediately after playing games to help them recover their energy.
We also have private rooms for those who are not comfortable in shared areas or who want to concentrate more on the game, which are suitable for those who want to improve their own pace and technique, or for couples who want to play together.
Thank you very much. I believe that e-sports will continue to develop in the future.
Yes, I do. Now that e-sports has been selected as an Olympic sport, I think it will become more and more popular in Japan.
We would like to hold various tournaments at our facility, and we would also like to promote e-sports from here! This is my vision for the future.
Finally, do you have any message for e-sports players and future visitors?
This is a facility that can be enjoyed by those who have no experience in e-sports or are beginners.
We also provide a place where professionals and amateurs alike can get together and have fun, so we welcome people of all ages and both sexes!
Thank you for being so courteous in granting us this interview, despite our unexpected visit!
Currently, overseas travel restrictions are strict, but with the "Go To Travel Campaign" policy in place, it is easier to travel domestically now than ever before.
Why don't you take advantage of the "Go To Campaign" and experience the e-sports that will become more and more popular in the future at "e-ZONe ~Dennou Space~"?
Outline of "e-ZONe ~Dennou Space
Basic fee
250 yen/hour, 1,000 yen/4 hours, 2,000 yen/8 hours, 3,000 yen/12 hours
＋1,000 yen per person for those who use the + bed room
Student Fee Schedule
Elementary and junior high school students: 100 yen/hour
High school student : 150 yen/hour
University student : 200 yen/hour
e-ZONe ~Dennou Space~" is a "prepaid charge system".
(1) First, you will charge the time you use to your account.
The charge is based on the amount of time you spend using the PC.
Any extra time can be carried over to your next visit.
The remaining time can be carried over to your next visit.
Example: If you charge 1,000 yen for 4 hours and use 2 hours, you can use 2 hours on your next visit.
For more details, please check the official website of "e-ZONe ~Dennou Space~". https://ezone-osaka.com/