HOSHINOYA Nara Prison to Open in Former Meiji Era Jail in 2026

Scheduled to open on June 25, 2026, HOSHINOYA Nara Prison represents the first luxury conversion of a historical prison site in Japan. The property occupies the Former Nara Prison, a red-brick structure completed in 1908 during the Meiji era (1868–1912). Under the concept “The Dawn of an Important Cultural Property,” the hotel integrates the site’s historical depth with contemporary hospitality, offering guests a stay within a preserved architectural masterpiece.

The illuminated gate and main building of HOSHINOYA Nara Prison at dusk — The illuminated front gate and main building at dusk.

A Masterpiece of Meiji Era Architecture Reborn

The Former Nara Prison was originally established as one of five major prisons designed to meet international standards of the time. Its most striking feature is the Haviland System, a radial architectural layout where multiple wings of cells extend from a central guard station, allowing for efficient monitoring. While it served as a juvenile prison until 2017, the site is now being repurposed to ensure the long-term preservation of its brickwork and unique structural design.

Aerial view of the radial prison wings — The distinct radial arrangement of the prison wings.

Luxury Accommodations in Former Prison Cells

The hotel features 48 guest rooms, each created by combining several former cells into a single suite. In “The 10-Cell” suite, ten individual units have been connected to form a spacious living area where the original brickwork remains exposed. The design emphasizes the building’s history through vaulted ceilings that reach 3.5 meters in height and the contrast between rugged iron structural pillars and elegant wood paneling. Guests can also choose from other configurations, including “The 9-Cell” or “The 11-Cell Deluxe” rooms.

Interior of a suite featuring brick walls and wood paneling — A suite living area featuring original brickwork and wood paneling.

Detail of the vaulted brick ceiling and iron beams — Vaulted brick ceilings supported by iron structural elements.

Gastronomy Chronicle: A Culinary Journey Through Time

Dining at the property is framed as “Gastronomy Chronicle,” a narrative four-course dinner that traces the evolution of French cuisine in Japan. The menu is organized around four themes: Dawn, Maturity, Modernity, and Future. Breakfast options include the “Civilization Enlightenment Breakfast,” which features early Western-influenced Japanese dishes such as Scotch eggs with Worcester sauce and crab cream croquettes. These meals are served in private dining spaces that once functioned as isolation cells or meeting rooms, maintaining the site’s intimate historical atmosphere.

A dish from the Gastronomy Chronicle served on a clock-themed plate — A dish from the Gastronomy Chronicle served on a clock-motif plate.

A private dining room located within a former cell — A private dining space located within a former cell.

Immersive Heritage Experiences and Museum Access

Guests have exclusive access to the onsite Nara Prison Museum by Hoshino Resorts, providing insight into the facility’s social and architectural history. The property also offers cultural activities tied to the region, such as the “Akane Tea Salon” featuring local Yamato tea and “Hibiki no Soiree,” where guests can listen to gramophone music. For those seeking a unique keepsake, a fragrance-blending workshop allows visitors to create a custom scent inspired by their stay.

The central hub of the radial layout with white walls and high ceiling — The central lookout point where the prison wings converge.

Property details

Property: HOSHINOYA Nara Prison
Address: 18 Hannyaji-cho, Nara-shi, Nara
Access: 10 minutes by car from JR Nara Station; 6 minutes by car from Kintetsu Nara Station
Official site: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/hoshinoyanarakangoku/
Rooms: 48
Pricing: From 147,000 yen per night (per room, includes tax and service charge, excludes meals)
Opened: June 25, 2026