HOSHINOYA has opened HOSHINOYA Nara Prison, a 48-room luxury hotel inside the former Nara Prison, transforming one of Japan’s most significant Meiji-era buildings into a heritage hospitality destination. The hotel welcomed its first guests on June 25, 2026, following a seven-year restoration that preserved the landmark’s architectural character while adapting it for modern tourism.
Located in Nara Prefecture, the former prison is the only surviving example of the Meiji government’s “Five Great Prisons” to remain almost completely intact. The project also includes the Nara Prison Museum by Hoshino Resorts, creating a combined cultural and hospitality destination designed to support the long-term preservation of the nationally designated Important Cultural Property.
The former prison was completed in 1908 and designed by architect Keijiro Yamashita. It features distinctive red-brick architecture and the Haviland System, in which prison wings extend outward from a central guard station. The innovative design became a model for modern correctional facilities while also showcasing the architectural ambitions of Japan’s modernization during the Meiji era.
The site later operated as the Nara Juvenile Prison from 1946 for more than 70 years before receiving National Important Cultural Property status in 2017. Rather than constructing a new resort, Hoshino Resorts chose to preserve and adapt the historic structure, working with government authorities and heritage specialists to retain its original character while introducing luxury accommodation.
Former prison cells transformed into luxury suites
The hotel occupies a 25-acre site and offers 48 all-suite guest rooms created by combining former prison cells into spacious accommodation. Original brickwork, ceiling mouldings and other architectural elements have been preserved, while contemporary interiors, lighting and furnishings have been added to provide modern comfort.
The largest accommodation, known as “The 11-Cell Deluxe”, includes a generous living area and dressing lounge. Guest amenities include curated books, locally selected sake and wines, custom fragrances, relaxing music and specially designed room wear.
Historic spaces throughout the complex have also been reimagined for hospitality. The original entrance gate now welcomes guests, while the former central guardhouse and radiating prison wings remain defining features of the property. A spacious main lounge, private courtyard terraces and a dining lounge overlooking landscaped gardens combine preserved architecture with contemporary design.
The dining experience reflects Japan’s modernization during the Meiji period. The signature dinner, “Gastronomy Chronicle”, follows the evolution of French cuisine in Japan through four themed courses, while breakfast includes Western-inspired dishes that became popular during the era alongside traditional Japanese options.
Tourism supports long-term heritage preservation
According to Hoshino Resorts, the project introduces a new “cycle of heritage” by using tourism revenue to help preserve an important cultural landmark. Overnight guests receive complimentary access to the adjacent museum, with exclusive early morning and evening visiting hours available only to hotel guests.
The property also offers activities inspired by the site’s history, including traditional Japanese tea experiences, vintage gramophone evenings, fragrance blending workshops and morning exercise sessions using handcrafted dumbbells made from local Yoshino cedar.
Rie Azuma, CEO of Azuma Environmental Architectural Research Institute and lead hotel architect, said: “I was thrilled by the rare opportunity to renovate the former Nara Prison, an Important Cultural Property from the Meiji era, into a HOSHINOYA property.”
She added: “We aim to preserve the memory of how the Japanese of the time engaged with unfamiliar Western culture, while creating a space where modern guests can enjoy a comfortable stay.”
Yoshihiko Sano, CEO of Yasui Architects & Engineers, described the conversion as “the first project of its kind in Japan” and said preserving the cultural and historical value of the building remained the highest priority throughout the redevelopment.
The opening forms part of Hoshino Resorts’ continued expansion during 2026, with new KAI properties opening in Gunma, Hiroshima and Yamagata, while HOSHINOYA Asuka is scheduled to open in Nara Prefecture in 2027. The company said the projects reflect its strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences that celebrate Japan’s culture, history and regional identity.
