According to Kotaku.com, the Capsule Inn was a breakthrough in the bustling Umeda District. In 1979, Architect Kisho Kurokawa thought it was logical to develop the Capsule Inn as an extension of Tokyo’s residential area and office tower called the Nakagin Capsule Tower—a 1972 structure that was offered like capsule-like apartments and offices. Each pod-like space in the Capsule Inn comes with blinds or shutters to ensure privacy. Because the spaces are close to each other, guests are expected to be courteous and quiet.

Giving guests a comfortable short-term stay, the Capsule Inn rooms are stacked at two units high and right next to each other. Because of the two-level room set-up, it is often compared to drawers at a morgue. Capsulehotel-Inn-Osaka.com, the official website of the hotel, argues the design makes for a practical accommodation for those who want their personal space fuss-free and filled only with the basics. And with all its amenities such as a pool and a spa, guests have every reason to want to spend a night or two in the sleep capsule.