The Former Nara Prison to be reborn as HOSHINOYA Nara Prison

Scheduled to open in spring 2026, The Former Nara Prison, one of Japan's Important Cultural Properties, will be renovated to become HOSHINOYA Nara Prison. Based on an agreement between Hoshino Resorts and The Former Nara Prison Preservation and Utilization Co., Ltd., the former prison will be reborn as a luxury hotel where guests can enjoy an extraordinary stay in its iconic red brick building with refurbished interiors.

About The Former Nara Prison

The Former Nara Prison was one of five major prisons that were designed by the Meiji government to meet international standards. It was completed in 1908 and designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in February 2017 for its historical significance and architectural excellence.

A prestige project for the government, its elegant red brick structure embodies the Meiji era's ambition and craftsmanship as Japan opened its doors to the world. The former detention center features the Haviland System, where a central guard tower oversees multiple radial wings of cells. It is a quintessential model of Japan's "modern prison" to this day.

Overview

Property name: HOSHINOYA Nara Prison
Address: 18 Hannyaji-cho, Nara, Japan
Building area: HOSHINOYA Nara Prison: 6,226 ㎡ / Museum (tentative name): 1,762 ㎡
Floor area: HOSHINOYA Nara Prison: 10,343 ㎡ / Museum (tentative name): 2,168 ㎡
Site area: 100,478.80 ㎡ (including the adjoining museum)
Number of rooms: 48
Adjoining facilities: Restaurant, lounge, museum (the museum is also open to day visitors)
Hotel design: Azuma Architect & Associates
Landscape design: Studio on Site
Scheduled opening date: Spring 2026

Agreement between Hoshino Resorts and The Former Nara Prison Preservation and Utilization Co., Ltd.

The Former Nara Prison Preservation and Utilization Co., Ltd. signed a Public Facility Operation Project Implementation Agreement with the government (Ministry of Justice) in December 2017. Since then, the company has been carrying out seismic retrofitting of the former prison’s red brick buildings, as well as setting up a historical archive and other facilities. In addition to running HOSHINOYA Nara Prison as a hotel, a plan to operate a museum (available also to day visitors) where people can learn about the history and facilities of the former prison is also under consideration.

*Hoshino Resorts. Official Website, visit here