If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping inside a futuristic space pod but without the whole actually going to space part, then Japan’s capsule hotels might just be the experience you never knew you needed.

A country known for its ingenious use of space, quirky accommodations, and love for efficiency, Japan introduced capsule hotels in the late 1970s as a cheap, no-frills place for salarymen who missed the last train home. Today, these compact sleeping pods have evolved into a unique travel experience—ranging from budget-friendly crash pads to sleek, high-tech sleeping capsules straight out of a sci-fi movie.

But what’s it really like to stay in one of these tiny sleep chambers? Do they feel cozy or claustrophobic? Can you actually get a good night’s sleep, or will you spend the night wondering if you’ve somehow checked into a luxury morgue? I checked into a Japanese capsule hotel to find out.

First Impressions: Checking into a Hotel That Feels Like a Sci-Fi Movie

Walking into my first capsule hotel in Tokyo, I was immediately struck by how futuristic it felt.

• The lobby was sleek and minimalist, with touchscreen check-in kiosks that made me feel like I was buying a subway ticket rather than checking into a hotel.

• Everyone was moving quietly and efficiently, like they had rehearsed this process a thousand times before.

• The staff handed me a keycard, a pair of slippers, and a neatly folded set of pajamas—because nothing says welcome like an official bedtime outfit.

After stashing my luggage in a locker (capsule hotels don’t have room for giant suitcases), I was led to my sleeping pod—or as I like to call it, my temporary space cocoon.

Inside the Capsule: Small but Surprisingly Comfortable

Now, let’s talk about the capsule itself.

Picture a high-tech bunk bed, except instead of a mattress on a frame, you get a sleek little pod built into the wall.

• The inside was surprisingly spacious—not luxury suite spacious, but definitely I-can-sit-up-without-bumping-my-head spacious.

• A softly glowing control panel allowed me to adjust the lighting, temperature, and even set a gentle wake-up alarm that gradually brightened the light like a sunrise (fancy).

• There was a built-in TV, a USB charging port, and a ventilation system, so I wasn’t just sealed inside like a vacuum-packed sushi roll.

I won’t lie—it felt kind of cool. Like I was about to enter hibernation mode for an intergalactic journey, except instead of flying to Mars, I’d be waking up for a bowl of ramen in Shinjuku.

The Shared Spaces: A Lesson in Japanese Etiquette

One thing to remember about capsule hotels: the sleeping pods are just for sleeping. Everything else—bathrooms, lockers, lounges, and even dressing areas—are shared.

This means brushing up on Japanese etiquette is a must:

1. Shoes off at the entrance—Japan takes its no-shoes-indoors policy very seriously. Every capsule hotel has a designated shoe storage area, and walking in with your outside shoes is about as socially acceptable as setting off a fire alarm for fun.

2. Silence is golden—Unlike regular hotels, where you might hear a muffled TV from the next room, capsule hotels operate in near monastic silence. Talking? Keep it at a whisper. Phone calls? Absolutely not. Snoring? Well… good luck.

3. Public bathhouses (sento or onsen) are common—Many capsule hotels come with public bathing areas, which is an experience in itself. There’s a strict wash before entering the bath rule, and yes, you’ll be bathing completely naked among strangers. Awkward at first, but weirdly relaxing once you get over it.

Can You Actually Sleep in a Capsule Hotel?

Now, for the million-yen question: is it actually possible to get a good night’s sleep in a glorified sleeping pod?

The answer: yes… mostly.

The Pros of Sleeping in a Capsule Hotel:

✔ Surprisingly cozy—Once you’re inside, it feels like a personal little cocoon.

✔ Complete privacy—Unlike hostel dorms, you get your own enclosed space.

✔ Great for solo travelers—Perfect if you don’t need a huge room.

✔ Super affordable—Capsule hotels are often half the price of a regular hotel in major cities.

The Cons (Because No Place is Perfect):

✖ Snoring neighbors—If you’re unlucky, your pod might be next to someone who sounds like a jet engine.

✖ Curfew rules—Some capsule hotels lock their doors at a certain time, so late-night adventures might require strategic planning.

✖ No room for big suitcases—If you overpacked, you’ll need to wrestle your luggage into a locker.

That said, I actually slept pretty well. The pod was comfortable, temperature-controlled, and surprisingly soundproof—unless someone nearby was determined to test their lungs in their sleep.

Types of Capsule Hotels: Budget to High-Tech Luxury

Not all capsule hotels are created equal.

1. Basic, Budget-Friendly Capsules (Perfect for backpackers)

• Simple sleeping pods, lockers, and minimal amenities.

• Common in business districts near train stations.

2. High-Tech Futuristic Capsules (For the full Blade Runner experience)

• Touchscreen controls, smart lighting, and AI-powered check-ins.

• Examples: Nine Hours (Tokyo), First Cabin (Osaka).

3. Luxury Capsule Hotels (For travelers who want comfort without breaking the bank)

• Bigger pods, premium bedding, and even small private workspaces.

• Some even offer women-only floors for extra privacy and security.

So, Should You Stay in a Capsule Hotel?

If you’re a claustrophobe, probably not. But for everyone else, capsule hotels are a fantastic, uniquely Japanese experience—especially if you:

✔ Want a budget-friendly stay in the middle of Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka.

✔ Are traveling solo and don’t need a giant room.

✔ Like the idea of sleeping in something that feels like a space pod.

✔ Don’t mind communal living spaces and a bit of light snoring around you.

Would I stay in a capsule hotel again? Absolutely.

Is it for everyone? Probably not.

But if you’re visiting Japan and want to try something completely unique, futuristic, and surprisingly comfortable, book a night in a capsule hotel. Worst case? You don’t sleep well, but at least you’ll have an incredible travel story to tell.

And best case? You’ll realize that maybe sleeping in a space pod isn’t so bad after all.