I spent a night in a capsule hotel in Japan. It was cheap, but it was also some of the worst sleep I had on my 14-day trip.

Monica HumphriesJan 13, 2024, 12:42 IST

The author in her capsule.Monica Humphries/Insider

Capsule hotels originated in Japan, so I insisted on staying in one on my first trip to the country.
The capsule I slept in was small but also affordable.

Capsule hotels fascinate me. As a traveler, they combine both my biggest desires and largest fears.

First, they're cheap. They typically cost the same as a hostel, but they offer the privacy most hostels lack.

However, I also think capsule hotels have an eerie resemblance to coffins. The idea of being claustrophobic in a tiny rectangular box is something from my nightmares.

Unfortunately, my budget (or lack of one) wins, and if I were ever going to sleep in a capsule hotel, Japan would be the place.

It's no surprise capsule hotels were developed in a business-focused country like Japan. According to Condé Nast Traveler, capsule hotels launched in the late 1970s to offer businessmen a place to rest after a day of work and a night of drinking.

Nine Hours Capsule Hotel at the Narita Airport in Japan.Monica Humphries

It's no surprise capsule hotels were developed in a business-focused country like Japan. According to Condé Nast Traveler, capsule hotels launched in the late 1970s to offer businessmen a place to rest after a day of work and a night of drinking.

Slowly, capsule hotels began to target populations beyond salarymen. The hotels turned to tourists, who were searching for affordable places to sleep in popular cities and neighborhoods.

A capsule hotel in Narita, Japan.Monica Humphries

Slowly, capsule hotels began to target populations beyond salarymen. The hotels turned to tourists, who were searching for affordable places to sleep in popular cities and neighborhoods.

The concept continued to expand, and today, capsule hotels exist around the world. I've even braved some of the lowest-rated ones in cities like Sydney, Australia.

A futuristic-themed capsule hotel in Sydney, Australia.Monica Humphries/Insider

I wanted to have a true capsule experience while visiting Japan. So on my first night of a 14-day trip, I checked into Cocts Akihabara, a capsule hotel in Taito, Tokyo.

The exterior of Cocts Akihabara, a capsule hotel in Tokyo, Japan.Monica Humphries/Insider

My capsule cost $82 for one night, and breakfast was included in the price.

The exterior of Cocts Akihabara, a capsule hotel in Tokyo, Japan.Monica Humphries/Insider

I arrived at Cocts Akihabara and it immediately felt like stepping inside a hostel. On one half of the first floor, there was a lounge and restaurant.

The capsule hotel was connected to a restaurant.Monica Humphries/Insider

The second half of the capsule hotel was home to the check-in desk.

The front desk at the capsule hotel in Tokyo, Japan.Monica Humphries/Insider

I also spotted a communal kitchen on the first floor with appliances and cookware guests could use.

The entrance to a shared kitchen in the capsule hotel.Monica Humphries/Insider

At the check-in desk, I filled out some paperwork and was told my capsule would be number three on the fourth floor.

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

There were no room keys — just codes to unlock the door to my shared room. I headed upstairs, where I found my door.

A stairwell in Cocts Akihabara, a capsule hotel in Tokyo, Japan.Monica Humphries/Insider

I plugged in the code, opened the door, and revealed a room with 14 capsules.

Two rows of capsules in the shared room.Monica Humphries/Insider

A mix of emotions flooded in. The capsules were bigger than I expected, but I was concerned that 13 other people might be sleeping in the same space that night.

A capsule at Cocts Akihabara.Monica Humphries/Insider

I feared the others around me would be snoring, coughing, sleep-talking, watching TV, or listening to music. More importantly, I feared I wouldn't get any sleep.

The author in a capsule at the hotel.Monica Humphries/Insider

I took a deep breath and walked over to my capsule, where I discovered a pull-down curtain to create a level of privacy. I doubted it would offer any soundproofing, though.

Each capsule had a privacy curtain.Monica Humphries/Insider

I took a deep breath and walked over to my capsule, where I discovered a pull-down curtain to create a level of privacy. I doubted it would offer any soundproofing, though.

Inside the all-white room was clean bedding, a pair of earplugs, two outlets, and a light switch.

A view of the author's capsule at the capsule hotel.Monica Humphries/Insider

The room also had a small curtain rod for clothes.

A view inside of the capsule.Monica Humphries/Insider

The rest of the room was bare. The comforter was soft, but the pillow was firmer than I'm used to.

The bedding inside the capsule.Monica Humphries/Insider

I used a small ladder to climb up into my bed, which brought back memories of the bunk bed from my childhood. The climb was easy, although I'm not sure it's something I'd want to do every night and morning.

A metal ladder leads up to the capsules.Monica Humphries/Insider

I used a small ladder to climb up into my bed, which brought back memories of the bunk bed from my childhood. The climb was easy, although I'm not sure it's something I'd want to do every night and morning.

According to my phone's measuring app, the room was about 3.5 feet by 7 feet. Luckily, I could stretch all the way out, but I couldn't help but feel cramped in the small space.

The author in her capsule.Monica Humphries/Insider

According to my phone's measuring app, the room was about 3.5 feet by 7 feet. Luckily, I could stretch all the way out, but I couldn't help but feel cramped in the small space.

My capsule itself didn't have any locks, so I stored my luggage in a nearby locker.

Each guest also had a closet to store luggage and belongings.Monica Humphries/Insider

A shared bathroom was located outside of my room. It was spotless, which hasn't been the case with the other hostels I've slept in.

The entrance to the capsule hotel's bathroom.Monica Humphries/Insider

In one corner of the bathroom was laundry.

Laundry at the capsule hotel.Monica Humphries/Insider

Against another wall were toilets, with, of course, bidets.

The toilets at the capsule hotel.Monica Humphries/Insider

There were also two showers, which were stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for guests to use.

The shower at the capsule hotel.Monica Humphries/Insider

I brushed my teeth and prepared for a night in my cubby-like room. Thankfully, it seemed like the majority of the other capsules were empty for the night.

Insider's author gets ready to sleep in her capsule.Monica Humphries/Insider

I crawled in and attempted to sleep. I wasn't sure what the standard was for lights — so I left them on. A few hours later, when other guests arrived, they turned them off.

Light around the entrance of the capsule seeping into the room.Monica Humphries/Insider

I crawled in and attempted to sleep. I wasn't sure what the standard was for lights — so I left them on. A few hours later, when other guests arrived, they turned them off.

I spent a good portion of the night tossing and turning. Jet lag from my flight was setting in, I couldn't get comfortable thanks to a firm mattress, and I hyper-fixated on my lack of space.

The interior of the capsule in Tokyo, Japan.Monica Humphries/Insider

I spent a good portion of the night tossing and turning. Jet lag from my flight was setting in, I couldn't get comfortable thanks to a firm mattress, and I hyper-fixated on my lack of space.

Of course, the capsule itself wasn't totally to blame. All the guests were respectful and quiet when they entered the room. Instead, it was my own fault for booking a flight that caused major jet lag, and my own fault for feeling a bit claustrophobic.

The author in the bathroom on the economy flight.Monica Humphries/Insider

Of course, the capsule itself wasn't totally to blame. All the guests were respectful and quiet when they entered the room. Instead, it was my own fault for booking a flight that caused major jet lag, and my own fault for feeling a bit claustrophobic.

The next morning, I was grateful that the hotel offered complimentary matcha doughnuts and coffee — a much-needed caffeine boost.

Guests received a doughnut and coffee for breakfast.Monica Humphries/Insider

I checked out of the capsule hotel, and I was thrilled for two reasons. First, I was glad I experienced one in the country where they originated.

The exterior of Cocts Akihabara, a capsule hotel in Tokyo, Japan.Monica Humphries/Insider

But I was even more thrilled that I was heading to a true hotel for the evening.

The author in her capsule.Monica Humphries/Insider

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I spent a night in a capsule hotel in Japan. It was cheap, but it was also some of the worst sleep I had on my 14-day trip.

It's no surprise capsule hotels were developed in a business-focused country like Japan. According to Condé Nast Traveler, capsule hotels launched in the late 1970s to offer businessmen a place to rest after a day of work and a night of drinking.

Slowly, capsule hotels began to target populations beyond salarymen. The hotels turned to tourists, who were searching for affordable places to sleep in popular cities and neighborhoods.

The concept continued to expand, and today, capsule hotels exist around the world. I've even braved some of the lowest-rated ones in cities like Sydney, Australia.

I wanted to have a true capsule experience while visiting Japan. So on my first night of a 14-day trip, I checked into Cocts Akihabara, a capsule hotel in Taito, Tokyo.

My capsule cost $82 for one night, and breakfast was included in the price.

I arrived at Cocts Akihabara and it immediately felt like stepping inside a hostel. On one half of the first floor, there was a lounge and restaurant.

The second half of the capsule hotel was home to the check-in desk.

I also spotted a communal kitchen on the first floor with appliances and cookware guests could use.

At the check-in desk, I filled out some paperwork and was told my capsule would be number three on the fourth floor.

There were no room keys — just codes to unlock the door to my shared room. I headed upstairs, where I found my door.

I plugged in the code, opened the door, and revealed a room with 14 capsules.

A mix of emotions flooded in. The capsules were bigger than I expected, but I was concerned that 13 other people might be sleeping in the same space that night.

I feared the others around me would be snoring, coughing, sleep-talking, watching TV, or listening to music. More importantly, I feared I wouldn't get any sleep.

I took a deep breath and walked over to my capsule, where I discovered a pull-down curtain to create a level of privacy. I doubted it would offer any soundproofing, though.

Inside the all-white room was clean bedding, a pair of earplugs, two outlets, and a light switch.

The room also had a small curtain rod for clothes.

The rest of the room was bare. The comforter was soft, but the pillow was firmer than I'm used to.

I used a small ladder to climb up into my bed, which brought back memories of the bunk bed from my childhood. The climb was easy, although I'm not sure it's something I'd want to do every night and morning.

According to my phone's measuring app, the room was about 3.5 feet by 7 feet. Luckily, I could stretch all the way out, but I couldn't help but feel cramped in the small space.

My capsule itself didn't have any locks, so I stored my luggage in a nearby locker.

A shared bathroom was located outside of my room. It was spotless, which hasn't been the case with the other hostels I've slept in.

In one corner of the bathroom was laundry.

Against another wall were toilets, with, of course, bidets.

There were also two showers, which were stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for guests to use.

I brushed my teeth and prepared for a night in my cubby-like room. Thankfully, it seemed like the majority of the other capsules were empty for the night.

I crawled in and attempted to sleep. I wasn't sure what the standard was for lights — so I left them on. A few hours later, when other guests arrived, they turned them off.

I spent a good portion of the night tossing and turning. Jet lag from my flight was setting in, I couldn't get comfortable thanks to a firm mattress, and I hyper-fixated on my lack of space.

Of course, the capsule itself wasn't totally to blame. All the guests were respectful and quiet when they entered the room. Instead, it was my own fault for booking a flight that caused major jet lag, and my own fault for feeling a bit claustrophobic.

The next morning, I was grateful that the hotel offered complimentary matcha doughnuts and coffee — a much-needed caffeine boost.

I checked out of the capsule hotel, and I was thrilled for two reasons. First, I was glad I experienced one in the country where they originated.

But I was even more thrilled that I was heading to a true hotel for the evening.