HOSHINOYA, Hoshino Resorts’ flagship luxury brand where each property offers a unique theme and an unparalleled sense of place, will open HOSHINOYA Nara Prison on June 25, 2026. As the only surviving structure of the Meiji government's "Five Great Prisons" (1), the former prison is being transformed into the brand’s ninth property, turning its historic walls into a timelessly elegant stay. The prison’s iconic red-brick walls, radial cellblocks, and administrative buildings have been reimagined through a modern lens while meticulously preserving their original architectural heritage. Reservations will commence on January 20, 2026, coinciding with the debut of a dedicated teaser website and film.
*1 The five prisons completed during the Meiji period. Starting with the Former Nara Prison, where construction began in 1901, "Nagasaki Prison," "Kanazawa Prison," "Chiba Prison," and "Kagoshima Prison" were successively completed.
Concept: From Historic Walls to Timeless Elegance
Revitalizing the exquisite architecture of the Meiji era—when Japan first opened its doors to the world—HOSHINOYA Nara Prison stands as Japan’s first luxury hotel set within an Important Cultural Property of such unique historical significance. By harmonizing original architectural details with modern sensibilities, the hotel honors its heritage to offer an immersive stay—one that reflects the Western-inspired cultural flourishes that defined the dawn of Japan’s modernization. It is the beginning of a new era, turning the former prison into a new luxury destination.
Former cells reimagined for deep relaxation at this all-suite property
The guest rooms have been reimagined by joining former prison blocks into private, luxury sanctuaries of profound tranquility. In "The 10-Cell" suite, ten individual solitary cells—the smallest units of the original structure—have been seamlessly integrated into one expansive, opulent space.
The interior reveals a beautiful fusion of eras: 100-year-old hand-laid brick walls, once hidden beneath plaster, harmonize with bold iron pillars supporting modern architecture and elegant wood paneling. This design captures the intersection of the building's deep history and contemporary aesthetics. Each of the 48 suites features distinct areas for sleeping, living, and dining, creating diverse ways to relax throughout your stay. Surrounded by the weight of historic brick walls, guests can witness the shifting of light and the passage of luxury time.
A one-of-a-kind experience through fine dining and curated activities
In the detached dining hall, guests can savor Japanese-French cuisine, a refined evolution of traditional Western techniques with Japanese touches. A variety of immersive experiences and activities that reflect the signature HOSHINOYA spirit are also in development. What was once a place of confinement defined by sturdy, enclosed walls has been transformed into a luminous, open sanctuary of luxury—inviting guests to partake in a truly singular moment.
The teaser trailer debuts and reservations open on January 20th
A special website has been launched featuring a teaser video that offers the first glimpse of the guest rooms, alongside the design philosophy of architect Rie Azuma. Coinciding with the video’s debut, the property will begin accepting reservations on January 20, 2026. This Important Cultural Property, a cornerstone of Meiji-era architecture, officially joins the HOSHINOYA portfolio on June 25, 2026, marking the start of a new legacy.
Link to the website: https://hoshinoresorts.com/hoshinoya-tokutouseki/
Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV0gnb8jO2Q
HOSHINOYA Nara Prison’s logo
The logo for HOSHINOYA Nara Prison features a distinctive hourglass motif, symbolizing a new passage of time for this historic site. This design reflects the regeneration of the former Nara Prison—a landmark beloved by the community for over a century—as it transitions from its storied past into a future defined by luxury and rebirth.
The Former Nara Prison Museum, dedicated to preserving and passing on the site’s profound historical value, is set to open on April 27th.
In accordance with the 2017 agreement with the Ministry of Justice, Hoshino Resorts and the Former Nara Prison Preservation and Utilization Co., Ltd. have completed extensive seismic retrofitting of the site's iconic red-brick structures. The grounds will feature two distinct experiences: HOSHINOYA Nara Prison, a luxury hotel, and the Nara Prison Museum, a public facility dedicated to the site’s history and architectural heritage. While the hotel offers an immersive stay, the Museum will welcome day visitors starting April 27th, providing an educational look into the prison’s century-long legacy.
[Reference] Hoshino Resorts to Open Nara Prison Museum on April 27, 2026
https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/news/10/2025/186978/
■ About the Former Nara Prison, an Important Cultural Property of Japan
Commissioned in 1908 as a landmark national project, the former Nara Prison was a cornerstone of the Meiji government’s drive toward judicial modernization and the abolition of unequal treaties. Designed by renowned architect Keijiro Yamashita, the structure stands as a testament to the era’s advanced engineering and national prestige. The elegant red-brick masonry utilizes the 'Haviland System,' featuring multiple wings radiating from a central guardhouse—a layout that remains a symbol of Japan’s modern penal history. After more than a century of service, the site was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 2017, honored for its profound historical value and masterful architectural design.
Property Overview
Property Name: HOSHINOYA Nara Prison
Location: 18 Hannyaji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
Phone: 050-3134-8091 (HOSHINOYA central reservations)
Number of Rooms: 48 rooms Check-in 3:00 PM / Check-out 12:00 PM
Facilities: Guest rooms, reception, main lounge, dining, dining lounge
Ancillary Facilities: Nara Prison Museum by Hoshino Resorts (Available for day use)
Access: 10 minutes by car from JR Nara Station, 6 minutes by car from Kintetsu Nara Station
Opening Date: June 25, 2026
Reservation Acceptance: January 20, 2026
Price: From ￥147,000 per night (per room, includes tax and service charge, meals excluded)
URL: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/hoshinoyanarakangoku/
Hotel Design: Azuma Environment and Architecture Institute
Landscape Design: Onsite Planning and Design Office
Lighting Design: ICE Urban Environmental Lighting Institute
About HOSHINOYA
~Luxury hotel embodying the true characteristics of land, history, and culture~
HOSHINOYA is an accommodation with distinct themes, conceptualized from each location's land, history, and culture. Woven into these distinct themes is our attention to detail in every aspect from the design to hospitality; contributing to the creation of a one-of-a-kind world of HOSHINOYA. Enrich the heart with the epiphanies of travel through a unique stay experience.
Brand Homepage: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/brands/hoshinoya/
Brand PR Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX5MwE8pALQ
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