Japan’s futuristic 9 Hours Capsule Hotel feels a bit like a spaceship and it was the perfect way to end our trip to Tokyo. This is a review of that experience so you know exactly what to expect from sleeping in a pod!
If there’s one activity that was at the top of my Japan travel bucket list, it was to stay in a futuristic capsule hotel! Yes, I’m talking about those small individual pods that are cheaper than a hotel room yet offer more amenities than you’d expect to find in such a confined space. They’re all over Japan.
Because we spent a whole month in Tokyo, there was no way Sam and I were going to be sleeping in a capsule for that long, but our final night in the city seemed like the perfect opportunity to test out sleeping in a pod.
Since I’m in charge of booking accommodations when we travel, I made it my mission to find the coolest, most modern, and futuristic capsule hotel in Tokyo! My pick:
The 9 Hours Capsule Hotel
What is a capsule hotel exactly?
So, what exactly is a capsule hotel, you ask?
Well, this is a type of hotel that originated in Japan with the purpose of providing cheap and basic overnight accommodations. Instead of rooms, guests sleep in capsules, which are spaces large enough to hold a mattress and not much else. There is enough room to comfortably crawl in and sit upright, but it’s far from a hotel room.
The capsules are stacked side-by-side, two units high, similar to bunk beds. They have either steps or a ladder for those guests staying on the second level pods, and sliding doors or curtains that offer privacy.
In some aspects, capsule hotels are similar to hostels because you do have shared spaces like toilets, showers, dining rooms and living areas, but instead of bunk beds, you get capsules.
As for the name 9 Hours, the idea is that that’s all the time you really need in a capsule hotel: 1 hour to shower, 7 hours of sleep, and 1 hour to get ready in the morning…though I may have done a little more sleeping and a little less getting ready.
My experience at 9 Hours
We arrived at the capsule hotel in Shinjuku in the early afternoon and made our way up to the reception which is located on the 8th floor.
During check-in, we were each given a card with a QR code. This was our key for the duration of our stay and we needed it to access our lockers and store our belongings.
This is where Sam and I went our separate ways since men and women have separate dorms on different floors.
I went over to my locker which had enough space for 1 piece of luggage and 1 daypack. (My Osprey Sojourn was a bit plump, but I still managed to squeeze it in!)
Inside my locker I also found an overnight kit containing:
- 1 pair of slippers
- 1 pyjama set
- 1 toothbrush
- 1 mini tube of toothpaste
- 1 bath towel
It was nice having a common space to hang out in, because once you come back from a day of sightseeing, you don’t necessarily want to crawl straight into a capsule. The common area had benches, individual working desks, and a long shared table.
The bathrooms took up an entire floor and there were rows of toilet stalls and shower stalls. The shower stalls had shampoo, conditioner and body wash, which is great if you’re not travelling with a full toiletry kit. Then in the middle of the bathroom, there was a long counter with a row of sinks and mirrors.
It was all very efficient and there were enough stalls that you never had to wait in line.
What’s it like inside a capsule?
Some people worry that it might feel claustrophobic inside the capsule, but personally, I found them to be surprisingly spacious.
Considering the whole premise behind a capsule hotel is to be as space efficient as possible, I found I was able to sit up straight without bumping my head on the ceiling, and there was plenty of room to stretch my arms and legs. You can’t stand upright, but it’s not Dracula’s coffin either!
This wasn’t the most pimped out capsule out there (some have TVs and radios!), but there was a USB port to charge my phone, two tiny shelves, and a light switch.
While I couldn’t control the temperature inside the capsule, there was air flowing in so I found it comfortable. Not too hot, not too cold, and that prevented the pod from getting stuffy.
As for comfort, the bed consisted of a thick mat with a bedsheet, a half-moon shaped pillow, and a warm duvet.
I had a good night’s sleep. I didn’t wake up during the night, and the following morning Sam had to text me to ask if I was up yet. I guess I had a bit of a longer snooze than I thought.
We filmed a video of the whole experience:
What should you bring to a capsule hotel?
The 9 Hours capsule hotel provides you with an amenity kit, so there’s not a whole lot of extra stuff that you need to bring.
The two things I would suggest are: a pair of flips flops for the showers, and some earplugs if you’re a light sleeper and are planning to spend a few nights in a pod.
Also, while pyjamas are provided, they’re one size fits all and made for a smaller frame, so you might be more comfortable in your own.
Would I recommend staying in a capsule hotel?
Yes, for the experience, but not long term!
As you may already know, I love booking unique stays when I travel, and while I enjoyed the novelty of sleeping in a capsule hotel, I felt like one night was enough.
Perhaps my younger self would have been okay spending a week in one, but the truth of the matter is that a capsule hotel is a lot like a hostel, albeit with a bit more privacy.
There were still minor annoyances like the sounds of people talking/snoring/farting through the night (Sam tells me it was especially symphonic in the male dorm).
Plus, because of the limited amount of space in the capsule, all our belongings had to be stored in the lockers so there was a lot of going back and forth to retrieve things.
I think staying in a capsule hotel is something I would only do for short stays (1-3 nights max), but I wouldn’t want to spend my whole trip living out of locker and sleeping in a pod.
Also, because Sam and I travel as a couple, it’s often cheaper to book an AirBnB rather than pay for two individual capsules. So that’s my take on it.
Lastly, speaking of unique accommodations in Japan, I definitely think staying in a ryokan for the night is worth the splurge!
Other 9 Hours Capsule Hotels in Japan
In case you’re interested in this chain of futuristic capsule hotels (because who wouldn’t want to feel like they’re in a spaceship?), at the time of writing this, 9 Hours has locations across 4 cities in Japan.
There’s an especially large selection in Tokyo, with branches in different neighbourhoods. One of the capsule hotels is female only, and there is also an airport location if you’re looking for convenient accommodations at the end of your trip. Here’s the full list:
Tokyo:
Nine Hours Narita International Airport
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Capsule Hotel Culture in Japan
After our stay at the futuristic 9 Hours Capsule Hotel, I left with a new appreciation for Japan’s creative approach to space-saving hospitality. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about capsule hotels in Japan: from etiquette and best practices, to who will love this experience and who might want to book something different.
Who Should Stay in a Capsule Hotel?
Capsule hotels are a bucket list experience for many, but are they right for you? Here’s a handy rundown of who will thrive in pod life, and who might want to book something different.
Capsule hotels are perfect for:
- Solo travelers wanting a private space at a hostel price
- Backpackers needing a budget-friendly crash pad in city centers
- Business travelers or commuters who missed the last train (the OG capsule hotel customer!)
- Tech lovers, minimalists, and anyone curious about Japanese innovation
- Travelers seeking a short, memorable, and affordable urban stay
- Early/late-night flyers who want to nap at an airport capsule (like 9 Hours Narita!)
Capsule hotels might not be for you if:
- You’re claustrophobic or dislike small, windowless spaces
- You’re a light sleeper (bring those earplugs!)
- You’re traveling as a couple or family and want to stay together (most pods are single-gender, single-person)
- You have lots of luggage (locker space is limited)
- You want in-room amenities like private bathrooms, TVs, or a work desk
If you’re still curious but unsure, try it for just one night. That way you’ll experience the novelty—without committing for your entire trip.
Capsule Etiquette 101 – How Not to Be “That” Guest
Japan values quiet courtesy—multiply that by ten inside a human beehive.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Slip off shoes at the locker entrance and change into the provided slippers. | Clomp around the pod floor in outdoor sneakers. |
| Whisper in corridors; treat them like library aisles. | Conduct loud FaceTime calls or TikTok shoots outside pods. |
| Switch your phone to vibrate and dim screen brightness in bed. | Scroll Instagram on full-blast brightness—it lights the whole bunk. |
| Pack an eye mask & earplugs; you’re responsible for your own comfort. | Complain that the guy two pods down snores (snoring isn’t a rule-break). |
| Close the screen/door gently—slamming echoes like a cymbal crash. | Treat the capsule like a hostel bunk and hang laundry off the railing. |
If in doubt, observe what others are doing or ask staff—they’re used to helping first-time guests.
What to Pack (and What You Can Leave Behind)
As covered above, 9 Hours (and most capsule hotels) provide a robust amenity kit: pajamas, slippers, toothbrush, towel, even basic toiletries in the shower room. Here’s what to bring for the best experience:
Must-haves:
- Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones (for snorers!)
- Flip-flops for the showers (if you prefer your own)
- A lightweight sleep mask (for extra darkness)
- Minimal luggage—just the essentials fit in your locker
- A small toiletry bag for shower room runs
- Portable phone charger/USB cable
Leave at home:
- Bulky suitcases (there’s limited storage space)
- Hairdryers (often provided in the common bathrooms)
- Valuables—there’s a safe in the locker, but best to travel light
Capsule Hotel Chains and Unique Pods Across Japan
If the 9 Hours experience leaves you craving more, you’ll find plenty of options—each with their own vibe. Here are a few standouts for your Japan itinerary:
1. First Cabin
A cross between a capsule and a business class airplane suite, First Cabin offers “First Class,” “Business Class,” and “Premium Economy” pods—just a bit more space for those who want it. Great for airport stays.
2. The Millennials
Hip, high-tech, and designed for the digital nomad. Think adjustable pod beds, smart controls, co-working spaces, and even free beer hours in the lounge.
3. Book and Bed Tokyo
For book lovers! Each capsule is hidden within a wall of bookshelves. Fall asleep surrounded by Japanese and English books in Shinjuku, Asakusa, or Kyoto.
4. Nine Hours Airport Hotels
Found at Narita, Kansai, and Fukuoka airports. Perfect for layovers or late-night arrivals—shower, nap, and you’re on your way.
5. Capsule Hotels for Women
Many cities offer women-only floors or entire hotels (like Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuya), which are ideal for solo female travelers seeking extra comfort and security.
Why You Should Try It—At Least Once!
Staying in a capsule hotel is one of those “only in Japan” moments that becomes a core travel memory. For us, it was a chance to experience a piece of Tokyo’s innovative spirit, reset after two months of adventures, and just marvel at the creative solutions to space and privacy that Japan does so well. It’s efficient, quirky, and surprisingly restful.
Capsule Hotels as a Window into Japanese Life
If you’ve stayed in a capsule hotel—or are planning to after reading this—drop a comment below and share your thoughts, tips, or funny stories. And if you discover a pod hotel I haven’t tried yet, let me know. Japan’s always full of surprises!
Thank you for sharing your this post.
Wow!I didn’t know this kind of hotel exists. Architecture and style is so awesome and is really futuristic. Technology is really upgrading as years pass.
Amazing post! I really didn’t know about this place. I will surely add this to my bucket list. Thanks for sharing your experience
Thank you for sharing this! It’s really interesting, and inspiring, to see how Japanese businesses have expanded the concept of capsule hotels. What was once cheap overnight accommodation is nowadays practically a traveler’s attraction.
Thanks for the great informative article on the pods. I’ve always wondered about them. I think I’d probably manage for an airport catnap but I don’t think would work for me as an overnight accomodation option thanks so much for the insights!
Great post! I have always been curious about these pods and I would love to try one out for a night, especially after your post!
This is such a unique concept and I think they are slowly coming up in many cities. Glad to know that you had a good experience. This seems like a great idea for people who book hostels or dorm rooms and maybe only for a couple of nights. I would surely like to try this someday.
I’ve stayed at a capsule hostel in Malaysia. It was a very interesting experience. Bus as it looks, Japanese capsule hostels are completely on another level. Waaaay cooler!
I know you spent only one night. I would have liked to have known what the option was for multiple nights in terms of where to store your stuff. In hostels, you have to pack up every day and store your stuff until check-in time again, unless you take a family room or all the beds in a small dorm. That would be the mulitple-day annoyance to me.
Are you able to lock the pods from the inside for safety reasons?