Forget hotels, sleep inside a Poké Ball: This 10ft hotel room in Japan offers a true Pokémon experience

Pokémon has remained one of the world’s most recognisable entertainment franchises, winning over generations with its colourful creatures, adventurous stories and memorable characters. The Pokémon series follows trainers as they travel through different regions, encounter Pokémon and use Poké Balls to catch, carry and train them. For fans, these iconic balls have become just as synonymous with the franchise as Pikachu and its other beloved characters. Now, the fantasy of stepping inside one is becoming a reality. A hotel in Hokkaido, Japan, is offering Pokémon enthusiasts an unusual opportunity to experience what it might feel like to spend a night inside a giant Poké Ball.

A giant Poké Ball becomes a hotel

Created to mark Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, Japanese hospitality company NOT A HOTEL has joined forces with the franchise to create an immersive accommodation in Tomakomai City, Hokkaido. The unusual property takes the form of a giant sphere modelled after the Poké Balls used in the Pokémon universe.


Located beside a lake, the approximately 10-foot-wide structure combines the playful concept with views of Hokkaido’s natural landscape.Inside, guests will find a round bed, air conditioning and a circular screen featuring Pokémon visuals. A large curved acrylic window also offers an uninterrupted look at the scenery outside, making the compact space feel connected to its surroundings.

The Pokémon references continue throughout the stay. The adjoining bathroom features colourful tiles inspired by Snorlax, the famously sleepy Pokémon known for spending much of its time eating and sleeping.

Lights change with your favourite Pokémon

The room also has an interactive feature developed by NOT A HOTEL’s smart-home team. Guests can use an iPad inside the accommodation to select their favourite Pokémon, after which the room’s lighting changes to reflect their chosen character. However, fans cannot simply book the quirky accommodation through a regular hotel reservation. Instead, 10 pairs of guests will be selected through a social media lottery.

To participate, eligible entrants must be residents of Japan aged 18 or above. They need to follow the official Pokémon Sleep account on X, download the Pokémon Sleep app, publish a post connected to the campaign and submit an online application.

Entries remain open until September 30. Those selected will receive a two-day, one-night stay between October 8 and October 18, with both dinner and breakfast included.