Japan’s First Luxury Hotel in a Former Prison
On 25 June 2026, Hoshino Resorts will open the gates of HOSHINOYA Nara Prison, the ninth addition to its flagship HOSHINOYA brand, welcoming guests into a timeless and elegant space where a piece of Japan’s history has been thoughtfully reimagined.
Revitalising the exquisite architecture of the Meiji era, HOSHINOYA Nara Prison stands as Japan’s first luxury hotel housed within an Important Cultural Property of exceptional historical significance.
As the sole surviving example of the Meiji government’s “Five Great Prisons,” HOSHINOYA Nara Prison reinterprets its iconic red-brick walls and radial cellblocks through a contemporary lens, harmonising original architectural details with modern sensibilities. The result is an immersive stay that reflects the Western-influenced cultural currents that shaped the dawn of Japan’s modernisation.
Embracing the concept of “luxurious confinement,” the former prison has been transformed into an intimate, all-suite sanctuary where history meets modern elegance.
Each of the 48 suites artfully combines up to eleven former cells, juxtaposing century-old brickwork with refined wood panelling to create expansive, light-filled spaces enclosed by original historic walls.
Beyond the rooms, a detached dining hall presents a refined Japanese-French fusion, while curated, regionally inspired cultural activities immerse guests in the signature HOSHINOYA spirit.
Once a place of restriction, this reimagined landmark now invites visitors to experience a luminous and singular retreat, where the heavy walls of the past offer the ultimate private escape.
Reservations for this unparalleled stay at Japan’s first luxury hotel repurposing a former prison opened on 20 January.
In addition to Hoshino Resorts’ efforts to revitalise the site’s iconic red-brick structures in collaboration with Former Nara Prison Preservation and Utilisation Co., Ltd., the adjacent Nara Prison Museum will open to day visitors on 27 April, offering insight into the prison’s century-long legacy. Dedicated to the site’s history and architectural heritage, the museum introduces a compelling new must-see destination in Nara, beyond its famed temples and wandering deer.
Looking ahead, Nara Prefecture will see further expansion of the HOSHINOYA brand with the scheduled opening of HOSHINOYA Asuka in 2027. This project is the result of a long-term partnership between Hoshino Resorts and Asuka Village, Japan’s first capital city, formalised through a 2019 collaboration agreement for regional revitalisation.
By leveraging the area’s rich historical assets, the property aims to deliver an immersive experience that celebrates the foundations of Japanese civilisation while fostering deep community ties.
