Pokémon Sleep Is Opening a Real-Life Poké Ball Hotel in Japan
Ever wanted to actually sleep inside a Poké Ball?
Pokémon Sleep and Japanese hospitality company NOT A HOTEL have made that dream a reality, creating a real-life Poké Ball-shaped hotel in Hokkaido, Japan.
The incredible accommodation has been created as part of the Pokémon 30th anniversary celebrations and to mark the third anniversary of Pokémon Sleep. And yes, the building is quite literally a giant Poké Ball sitting beside a lake.
A Giant Poké Ball You Can Actually Sleep In
The Poké Ball-Themed Hotel is located in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, surrounded by forest and sitting beside a lake.
And it isn’t just a Poké Ball-shaped building from the outside.
The accommodation has been designed as an actual place to stay, with a bedroom, bathroom and other amenities contained inside the approximately 3-metre-diameter structure.
The idea is to recreate the feeling of a Poké Ball as a comfortable place to rest — something that makes sense when the entire collaboration is built around Pokémon Sleep.
The official Pokémon Sleep website describes the experience as a place where guests can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep surrounded by nature.
What Does The Inside Look Like?
The interior is surprisingly stylish.
Rather than covering every surface with Pokémon artwork, the Poké Ball features a more minimalist design with white interiors and high-quality bedding.
There’s also a circular screen mounted above the bed that displays Pokémon.
This screen is part of the interactive experience, allowing guests to select Pokémon using a tablet and have them appear on the display while they stay inside the Poké Ball.
So you can essentially settle down for the night with your chosen Pokémon keeping you company.
Sleep Surrounded By Hokkaido’s Nature
The location is just as important as the Poké Ball itself.
The hotel sits in a natural environment surrounded by forests and a lakeshore, away from city lights.
The idea is to let guests sleep with the moonlight outside and wake up with natural sunlight.
There are also no ordinary streetlights illuminating the area, creating a much more secluded atmosphere.
It certainly sounds like Pokémon Sleep has taken the idea of a good night’s sleep rather seriously.
This Isn’t A Regular Hotel
Unfortunately for Pokémon fans already planning their trip to Japan, there’s an important catch.
The Poké Ball hotel is not being opened to the general public as a normal hotel.
Instead, Pokémon and NOT A HOTEL have created it specifically for a special accommodation campaign, with selected fans given the opportunity to stay there.
So you can’t simply book a night through a hotel website.
Only 10 Groups Will Win
The current campaign is offering a stay to just:
10 groups — 20 people total
The prize includes a one-night, two-day stay at the Poké Ball hotel.
The accommodation, dinner on the first day, breakfast on the second day and specified drinks are included.
Travel costs to Hokkaido, however, are the responsibility of the winners.
How Can You Enter?
The campaign is being run through the official Pokémon Sleep X account.
To enter, participants need to:
- Follow the official Pokémon Sleep X account, @PokemonSleepApp
- Post on X using @PokemonSleepApp and #泊まれるモンスターボール
- Complete the entry form provided through the campaign’s automated reply
The campaign runs from September 15 until September 30, 2026.
There is an important limitation, though.
The accommodation competition is only open to people living in Japan, so unfortunately Pokémon fans in Australia and other countries can’t enter the accommodation draw.
You Don’t Have To Win To Get Something
There is also a second prize available to everyone who completes the required social media entry.
Participants will receive a Pokémon Sleep in-game item serial code, including:
- Genki Pillow ×1
- Poké Biscuit ×1
So even if you don’t win the Poké Ball stay, there’s still something Pokémon Sleep-related to take away from the campaign.
When Will People Stay In The Poké Ball?
The accommodation stays are scheduled across October 8–18, 2026, with winners selecting from available dates depending on when they enter.
The experience is for a maximum of two guests, although an additional preschool-aged child can accompany a parent or guardian under the campaign’s conditions.
The nearest airport is New Chitose Airport, and the campaign says a shuttle bus will be available from the airport for winners using public transportation.
