HOSHINOYA Nara Prison: Hoshino Resorts’ June 2026 hotel opening in a historic Japanese prison

"HOSHINOYA Nara Prison", the ninth facility of the HOSHINOYA brand under the Hoshino Resorts, was officially opened on June 25, 2026 in Hannya-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, and reservations opened on January 20 of the same year. This project is based on the reconstruction of the "Old Nara Prison", an important cultural property of Japan. It is a key new project launched on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the HOSHINOYA brand, giving tourists the opportunity to stay in a century-old prison building.

Why was the location chosen at the old Nara Prison? What is the historical significance of the building?

The old Nara Prison was built in 1908 (Meiji 41). It was one of the five prisons planned by the Meiji government to promote judicial modernization and eliminate unequal treaties. It is also the only building of its kind that has been completely preserved. Designer Keijiro Yamashita has participated in the construction of many courts and prisons. He adopted an architectural form called the "Havilland System", with a central surveillance station as the core and multiple prison buildings extending radially. It is regarded as a model of modern Japanese prison architecture. Due to its high historical value and architectural aesthetics, the old Nara Prison was officially designated as a national important cultural property in 2017 (Heisei 29).

In order to promote the preservation and revitalization of this historical building, Hoshino Resorts and the Old Nara Prison Preservation and Utilization Co., Ltd. signed an "Implementation Agreement for Public Facilities and Other Operations" with the Ministry of Justice of Japan in December 2017 to carry out earthquake-resistant renovation projects on the red brick building to ensure that it maintains the original historical appearance while complying with the safety regulations for modern hotel operations.

How to integrate history and modernity in guest room design?

HOSHINOYA Nara Prison has a total of 48 suites planned, among which the most representative room type "The 10-Cell" is a luxurious space that was re-connected and transformed from ten independent individual prison cells. Inside the house, you can see the centuries-old hand-made brick walls covered with stucco, paired with thick iron pillars that support the new era architectural structure, and the combination of wooden panels, showing the coexistence of historical textures and modern design. Most suites also separate bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and other areas, allowing travelers to switch how they use the space according to different stay situations.

What dining and activity experiences are available in the museum?

The hotel provides Japanese-style French cuisine in its annex restaurant, which inherits Western classic techniques and is reinterpreted with Japanese delicate sensibility, presenting a cross-cultural taste experience. Officials also stated at the time that they would plan a variety of space performances and activities that can show the extraordinary atmosphere of HOSHINOYA, transforming the once closed prison venue into an open luxury stage.

In addition to accommodation, can I also visit museums?

In addition to HOSHINOYA Nara Prison itself, the "Nara Prison Museum" has also been set up on the grounds of the old Nara Prison. It was opened on April 27, 2026, and is open to the general public for same-day visits, allowing non-resident visitors to also have the opportunity to deeply understand the historical context of this century-old building and the evolution of the judicial system. They can get close to this cultural asset without staying in a hotel.

What is the meaning behind brand identity and naming?

The brand logo of HOSHINOYA Nara Prison incorporates the image of an hourglass, symbolizing that the old Nara Prison has been loved by local residents for more than a century. Now, through restoration and regeneration, it has been transformed into an accommodation brand image that is rooted in history and culture and reinterpreted with modern sensibilities.

Hoshino Resorts also confirmed in the official opening announcement on June 25 that the hotel has begun operations, which gives the January opening plan follow-up actual information for comparison; room supply and room rates should still be based on the booking page of each check-in date.