Old Japanese prison to transform into luxury hotel
The former Nara Prison, a historical property from Japan's Meiji era, is set to be transformed into a luxury hotel. Scheduled to open in spring 2026, HOSHINOYA Nara Prison will be the first hotel in Japan converted from a former prison.
The project, undertaken by Hoshino Resorts, will mark the tenth location under their HOSHINOYA brand. The hotel will feature 48 guest rooms created from renovated solitary confinement cells, along with a restaurant, lounge, and museum. The museum, which will be open to both hotel guests and day visitors, will showcase the prison's history.
Built in 1908, the Former Nara Prison was one of five major prisons designed by the Meiji government to meet international standards. In February 2017, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan due to its historical significance and architectural excellence.
The red brick structure, spanning over 10,000 square metres, exemplifies the Haviland System, featuring a central guard tower overseeing multiple radial wings of cells. This design remains a model for modern prisons in Japan.