I spent $50 to sleep in a capsule pod in Tokyo's airport in a room with 57 other people. It wasn't restful, but worth it for the convenience.

Monica HumphriesApr 22, 2023, 16:33 IST

Insider's author spent a night at the Nine Hours Capsule Hotel at the Narita Airport in Japan.Monica Humphries/Insider

I ended a trip to Tokyo with an experience on my Japan bucket list — a night in a capsule hotel.
For $50, I slept at the Nine Hours Narita Airport, a pod hotel inside the airport.

Earlier this month, I spent 12 days wandering around Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan. And as the days disappeared, I wanted to end my trip with a few experiences that were high on my travel bucket list.

The author in Tokyo's Shinjuku neighborhood.Monica Humphries/Insider

Earlier this month, I spent 12 days wandering around Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan. And as the days disappeared, I wanted to end my trip with a few experiences that were high on my travel bucket list.

I made sure to spend my morning slurping shio ramen, and my afternoon exploring Shinjuku City, a popular Tokyo neighborhood known for its skyscrapers and stores.

A bowl of shio ramen.Monica Humphries/Insider

And for my last night, I wanted to stay in a capsule hotel.

Rows of pods at the capsule hotel.Monica Humphries

Capsule hotels, often called pod hotels, originated in Japan, according to Condé Nast Traveler. They're hotels that offer basic amenities and cubby-like rooms.

The interior of a pod room at a capsule hotel.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

I've stayed in a capsule hotel before and think they're best described as a cross between a hotel and a hostel —you don't have much space, but you do get a bit of privacy.

The author in a capsule hotel in Australia.Monica Humphries/Insider

I've stayed in a capsule hotel before and think they're best described as a cross between a hotel and a hostel —you don't have much space, but you do get a bit of privacy.

For this trip, I booked a night in a capsule hotel at the Narita International Airport where I was flying out of to go home.

The entrance to the Nine Hours Capsule Hotel at the Narita International Airport.Monica Humphries/Insider

Not only did it feel like an interesting way to end my trip, but I also hoped it would relieve travel anxiety. For me, the most stressful part of flying is getting to the airport, and by staying at the airport, I hoped to eliminate that concern.

A view of one of the pods at Nine Hours.Monica Humphries

Not only did it feel like an interesting way to end my trip, but I also hoped it would relieve travel anxiety. For me, the most stressful part of flying is getting to the airport, and by staying at the airport, I hoped to eliminate that concern.

My capsule cost $49 USD. Travelers can book a pod in the hotel to stay overnight or for just a few hours to nap and shower.

Two rows of capsules at the Nine Hours Hotel at the Narita International Airport.Monica Humphries

Around 9 p.m. on the last night of my trip, I hopped on a train in Shinjuku heading to Narita International Airport and arrived a little over an hour later.

Signs point to the hotel at the Narita international Airport.Monica Humphries

The hotel was located in terminal two, and when I arrived, there were signs pointing to the Nine Hours everywhere I looked.

An escalator leads to the Nine Hours hotel.Monica Humphries

I reached the reception, and behind the check-in counter, screens flashed with the latest flight information. A worker helped me check in and went over the rules of the pods.

Screens displayed flight information for guests at the Nine Hours Hotel.Monica Humphries

I reached the reception, and behind the check-in counter, screens flashed with the latest flight information. A worker helped me check in and went over the rules of the pods.

I was not permitted to eat in my pod, but I could drink. Travelers were instructed to be quiet in the pods and return their towels to a bin before the end of their stay.

The check-in desk at the capsule hotel.Monica Humphries

I was not permitted to eat in my pod, but I could drink. Travelers were instructed to be quiet in the pods and return their towels to a bin before the end of their stay.

Once the rules were covered, I was handed a key marked 11. This was the number on both my locker and bed.

Each pod had two nooks to store belongings.Monica Humphries

The capsule hotel was divided by gender, and I entered the women's section of the hotel. The first room was the locker room.

The entrance to the Nine Hours Capsule Hotel at the Narita International Airport.Monica Humphries/Insider

Since the pods are small, travelers store their belongings in lockers. The locker room had two long rows of lockers with a bench in between where I spotted other travelers unpacking and repacking belongings.

Two rows of lockers filled a room at the Nine Hours Hotel.Monica Humphries

Since the pods are small, travelers store their belongings in lockers. The locker room had two long rows of lockers with a bench in between where I spotted other travelers unpacking and repacking belongings.

There was plenty of space in my locker. Shoes aren't allowed in the rest of the hotel, so I slipped them off and stored them away.

Each traveler received access to a locker at the capsule hotel.Monica Humphries

Then I grabbed a pair of provided disposable slippers, which were inside a complimentary bag of toiletries that the hotel gives every overnight guest. The bag also contained two towels, a toothbrush, earplugs, and a nightgown.

A bag of amenities, which included towels and a nightgown.Monica Humphries

Then I grabbed a pair of provided disposable slippers, which were inside a complimentary bag of toiletries that the hotel gives every overnight guest. The bag also contained two towels, a toothbrush, earplugs, and a nightgown.

With my luggage locked away, I headed into the next room, which was the bathroom. Eight toilets lined one wall.

Rows of toilets and sinks.Monica Humphries

Across from the toilets were a row of sinks and a vanity station.

The bathroom also had a vanity area with outlets and hair dryers.Monica Humphries

In the next two rooms were nine showers.

The showers at the Nine Hours Hotel.Monica Humphries

I noticed that everything appeared to be remarkably clean.

The interior of a shower room.Monica Humphries

As I explored the hotel, I was shocked by its size. The rows of lockers felt as if they went on and on, as did the bathrooms.

A row of sinks in the capsule hotel.Monica Humphries/Insider

In other hostels I've booked, most rooms had four, eight, or 12 people. And often, I found this to be too many people. I'm a light sleeper, so I strangers snoring, as well as leaving and arriving at different times, has meant poor nights of sleep in the past.

A capsule hotel with 12 pods in Sydney.Monica Humphries/Insider

In other hostels I've booked, most rooms had four, eight, or 12 people. And often, I found this to be too many people. I'm a light sleeper, so I strangers snoring, as well as leaving and arriving at different times, has meant poor nights of sleep in the past.

Prior to booking, I failed to consider how many pods were in each room, and I didn't spot that information on the hotel's website. But so many lockers hinted to me that there would be quite a few people sharing the same space.

Guests dropped off their used towels into the bin.Monica Humphries

Prior to booking, I failed to consider how many pods were in each room, and I didn't spot that information on the hotel's website. But so many lockers hinted to me that there would be quite a few people sharing the same space.

And my fears were soon confirmed. Near the showers, I saw a door leading to the capsules that said, "Sleeping Pods 001 - 058."

A door leads to the pods.Monica Humphries

Those numbers indicated to me that I was going to be spending my night in a pod next to 57 other pods, which meant I was also going to be spending the night with 57 potential snorers and sleep talkers.

The author in her complimentary night gown.Monica Humphries

Those numbers indicated to me that I was going to be spending my night in a pod next to 57 other pods, which meant I was also going to be spending the night with 57 potential snorers and sleep talkers.

Any hope of sleep vanished, and I took a deep breath and stepped inside the pod room. The fluorescent lights of the rest of the hotel disappeared, and I felt like I was stepping into the set for a utopian movie.

Fifty-eight beds filled the women's section of the capsule hotel.Monica Humphries

Any hope of sleep vanished, and I took a deep breath and stepped inside the pod room. The fluorescent lights of the rest of the hotel disappeared, and I felt like I was stepping into the set for a utopian movie.

The pods were illuminated in the darkness. Each capsule had a pull-down curtain for privacy, but with travelers still trickling in, the majority of the pods were open when I first arrived.

Each pod had a pillow and blanket.Monica Humphries

The pods were illuminated in the darkness. Each capsule had a pull-down curtain for privacy, but with travelers still trickling in, the majority of the pods were open when I first arrived.

I walked the length of the room to bed 11 and found my pod.

The numbers for the pods painted on the floor.Monica Humphries

Inside my pod was a folded comforter and pillow.

The view of one pod.Monica Humphries

I crawled in and was surprised by how spacious the room felt. I didn't feel cramped on either side and had plenty of room to stretch out my legs and sit up straight. According to The Points Guy, the pod was about 26 square feet.

The author inside her pod at the Nine Hours Hotel.Monica Humphries

I crawled in and was surprised by how spacious the room felt. I didn't feel cramped on either side and had plenty of room to stretch out my legs and sit up straight. According to The Points Guy, the pod was about 26 square feet.

I thought the mattress was firm, and the pillow was firmer.

Each pod had a pillow.Monica Humphries

A small panel was stationed at the head of the bed. Here, I could control the pod's lights and access a power outlet. There was also a button for music provided by the hotel, but I didn't have headphones to try it out.

The control panel inside the pod.Monica Humphries

A small panel was stationed at the head of the bed. Here, I could control the pod's lights and access a power outlet. There was also a button for music provided by the hotel, but I didn't have headphones to try it out.

The pod also had two small storage nooks, though they could not hold much more than my pair of AirPods or locker key.

Each pod had two nooks to store belongings.Monica Humphries

Besides that, the room was bare.

A view of the pod at the Nine Hours Hotel.Monica Humphries

At 11:30 p.m., I was ready for bed, and pulled down the curtain at the entrance of the pod.

Each pod had a curtain for privacy.Monica Humphries

The curtain allowed for privacy, which I was thankful for, but it wasn't thick enough to dampen the sounds of other travelers entering the room. According to the hotel's website, the law prohibits doors or locks on the individual pods.

The pods illuminated in the dark.Monica Humphries

The curtain allowed for privacy, which I was thankful for, but it wasn't thick enough to dampen the sounds of other travelers entering the room. According to the hotel's website, the law prohibits doors or locks on the individual pods.

From what I could see, most pods were occupied. I dozed off to the sounds of a nearby pod mate snoring. Overall, it was surprisingly quiet considering over 50 other people were sharing the room.

A view of four empty pods.Monica Humphries

From what I could see, most pods were occupied. I dozed off to the sounds of a nearby pod mate snoring. Overall, it was surprisingly quiet considering over 50 other people were sharing the room.

But, unfortunately, the silence didn't last long. At 3 a.m., I woke as strangers' alarms went off, pod curtains were opened, and people got up to catch a flight.

A screenshot of alarms.Monica Humphries/Insider

I — on the other hand — was in no rush to wake up. My flight wasn't until the afternoon, and I hoped to sleep in. I dozed in and out of sleep for the next five hours as people crawled out from their pods and headed to their airport gates.

Three pods at the capsule hotel.Monica Humphries

I — on the other hand — was in no rush to wake up. My flight wasn't until the afternoon, and I hoped to sleep in. I dozed in and out of sleep for the next five hours as people crawled out from their pods and headed to their airport gates.

Overall, no, I didn't have a great night of sleep. But I usually don't prior to flights. Instead of deep sleep, I typically stir all night fearing I'll miss an alarm, and my flight.

The author inside her capsule.Monica Humphries

Overall, no, I didn't have a great night of sleep. But I usually don't prior to flights. Instead of deep sleep, I typically stir all night fearing I'll miss an alarm, and my flight.

So even if I was in a traditional hotel, I don't think I would've gotten much extra rest. I climbed out of the capsule at 8:30 a.m. and was surprised to find that every other bed in the room was empty.

Rows of pods at the capsule hotel.Monica Humphries

So even if I was in a traditional hotel, I don't think I would've gotten much extra rest. I climbed out of the capsule at 8:30 a.m. and was surprised to find that every other bed in the room was empty.

Even though check-out wasn't until 10 a.m., it appeared that everyone else had already left, and the cleaning staff was stripping sheets and preparing for a new set of guests.

The interior of the capsule.Monica Humphries

Even though check-out wasn't until 10 a.m., it appeared that everyone else had already left, and the cleaning staff was stripping sheets and preparing for a new set of guests.

It made sense. The pod seemed convenient for people with early flights who didn't want to make an hours-long journey to the airport in the morning.

The interior of one of the trains that goes to the Narita International Airport.Monica Humphries/Insider

When it was time for me to leave, I checked out of the hotel and headed to my terminal, which was a short walk and bus ride away.

The exterior of a building at the Narita International Airport.Monica Humphries

The short commute made getting to my gate stress-free. I typically spend the day of my flight fearing some sort of mishap will prevent me from getting to the airport on time. But all my anxieties disappeared since I was already at the airport.

Travelers stand inside the Narita International Airport.Monica Humphries/Insider

The short commute made getting to my gate stress-free. I typically spend the day of my flight fearing some sort of mishap will prevent me from getting to the airport on time. But all my anxieties disappeared since I was already at the airport.

So while it wasn't the best night of sleep, it was awfully convenient and affordable. If I had an early morning flight in Japan, I'd be sure to book the capsule hotel again.

The author outside the hotel's entrance.Monica Humphries

So while it wasn't the best night of sleep, it was awfully convenient and affordable. If I had an early morning flight in Japan, I'd be sure to book the capsule hotel again.

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I spent $50 to sleep in a capsule pod in Tokyo's airport in a room with 57 other people. It wasn't restful, but worth it for the convenience.

Earlier this month, I spent 12 days wandering around Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan. And as the days disappeared, I wanted to end my trip with a few experiences that were high on my travel bucket list.

I made sure to spend my morning slurping shio ramen, and my afternoon exploring Shinjuku City, a popular Tokyo neighborhood known for its skyscrapers and stores.

And for my last night, I wanted to stay in a capsule hotel.

Capsule hotels, often called pod hotels, originated in Japan, according to Condé Nast Traveler. They're hotels that offer basic amenities and cubby-like rooms.

I've stayed in a capsule hotel before and think they're best described as a cross between a hotel and a hostel —you don't have much space, but you do get a bit of privacy.

For this trip, I booked a night in a capsule hotel at the Narita International Airport where I was flying out of to go home.

Not only did it feel like an interesting way to end my trip, but I also hoped it would relieve travel anxiety. For me, the most stressful part of flying is getting to the airport, and by staying at the airport, I hoped to eliminate that concern.

My capsule cost $49 USD. Travelers can book a pod in the hotel to stay overnight or for just a few hours to nap and shower.

Around 9 p.m. on the last night of my trip, I hopped on a train in Shinjuku heading to Narita International Airport and arrived a little over an hour later.

The hotel was located in terminal two, and when I arrived, there were signs pointing to the Nine Hours everywhere I looked.

I reached the reception, and behind the check-in counter, screens flashed with the latest flight information. A worker helped me check in and went over the rules of the pods.

I was not permitted to eat in my pod, but I could drink. Travelers were instructed to be quiet in the pods and return their towels to a bin before the end of their stay.

Once the rules were covered, I was handed a key marked 11. This was the number on both my locker and bed.

The capsule hotel was divided by gender, and I entered the women's section of the hotel. The first room was the locker room.

Since the pods are small, travelers store their belongings in lockers. The locker room had two long rows of lockers with a bench in between where I spotted other travelers unpacking and repacking belongings.

There was plenty of space in my locker. Shoes aren't allowed in the rest of the hotel, so I slipped them off and stored them away.

Then I grabbed a pair of provided disposable slippers, which were inside a complimentary bag of toiletries that the hotel gives every overnight guest. The bag also contained two towels, a toothbrush, earplugs, and a nightgown.

With my luggage locked away, I headed into the next room, which was the bathroom. Eight toilets lined one wall.

Across from the toilets were a row of sinks and a vanity station.

In the next two rooms were nine showers.

I noticed that everything appeared to be remarkably clean.

As I explored the hotel, I was shocked by its size. The rows of lockers felt as if they went on and on, as did the bathrooms.

In other hostels I've booked, most rooms had four, eight, or 12 people. And often, I found this to be too many people. I'm a light sleeper, so I strangers snoring, as well as leaving and arriving at different times, has meant poor nights of sleep in the past.

Prior to booking, I failed to consider how many pods were in each room, and I didn't spot that information on the hotel's website. But so many lockers hinted to me that there would be quite a few people sharing the same space.

And my fears were soon confirmed. Near the showers, I saw a door leading to the capsules that said, "Sleeping Pods 001 - 058."

Those numbers indicated to me that I was going to be spending my night in a pod next to 57 other pods, which meant I was also going to be spending the night with 57 potential snorers and sleep talkers.

Any hope of sleep vanished, and I took a deep breath and stepped inside the pod room. The fluorescent lights of the rest of the hotel disappeared, and I felt like I was stepping into the set for a utopian movie.

The pods were illuminated in the darkness. Each capsule had a pull-down curtain for privacy, but with travelers still trickling in, the majority of the pods were open when I first arrived.

I walked the length of the room to bed 11 and found my pod.

Inside my pod was a folded comforter and pillow.

I crawled in and was surprised by how spacious the room felt. I didn't feel cramped on either side and had plenty of room to stretch out my legs and sit up straight. According to The Points Guy, the pod was about 26 square feet.

I thought the mattress was firm, and the pillow was firmer.

A small panel was stationed at the head of the bed. Here, I could control the pod's lights and access a power outlet. There was also a button for music provided by the hotel, but I didn't have headphones to try it out.

The pod also had two small storage nooks, though they could not hold much more than my pair of AirPods or locker key.

Besides that, the room was bare.

At 11:30 p.m., I was ready for bed, and pulled down the curtain at the entrance of the pod.

The curtain allowed for privacy, which I was thankful for, but it wasn't thick enough to dampen the sounds of other travelers entering the room. According to the hotel's website, the law prohibits doors or locks on the individual pods.

From what I could see, most pods were occupied. I dozed off to the sounds of a nearby pod mate snoring. Overall, it was surprisingly quiet considering over 50 other people were sharing the room.

But, unfortunately, the silence didn't last long. At 3 a.m., I woke as strangers' alarms went off, pod curtains were opened, and people got up to catch a flight.

I — on the other hand — was in no rush to wake up. My flight wasn't until the afternoon, and I hoped to sleep in. I dozed in and out of sleep for the next five hours as people crawled out from their pods and headed to their airport gates.

Overall, no, I didn't have a great night of sleep. But I usually don't prior to flights. Instead of deep sleep, I typically stir all night fearing I'll miss an alarm, and my flight.

So even if I was in a traditional hotel, I don't think I would've gotten much extra rest. I climbed out of the capsule at 8:30 a.m. and was surprised to find that every other bed in the room was empty.

Even though check-out wasn't until 10 a.m., it appeared that everyone else had already left, and the cleaning staff was stripping sheets and preparing for a new set of guests.

It made sense. The pod seemed convenient for people with early flights who didn't want to make an hours-long journey to the airport in the morning.

When it was time for me to leave, I checked out of the hotel and headed to my terminal, which was a short walk and bus ride away.

The short commute made getting to my gate stress-free. I typically spend the day of my flight fearing some sort of mishap will prevent me from getting to the airport on time. But all my anxieties disappeared since I was already at the airport.

So while it wasn't the best night of sleep, it was awfully convenient and affordable. If I had an early morning flight in Japan, I'd be sure to book the capsule hotel again.