In the ancient capital of Nara stands a rare example of Japanese Western-style architecture:
a red brick building that is the only fully intact survivor of the five biggest prisons built in the early 1900s.
A voice behind the red brick walls
now speaks.
“What does it mean to be truly free?”
And in silence, it invites you to find
an answer that may blow your mind.
Highlights
A Red Brick Legacy from 1908
Designed using the “Haviland System,” its inmate cells radiate from a central surveillance tower.
This striking blend of red brick and traditional Japanese tile roofs has earned it the designation of a nationally Important Cultural Property.
This striking blend of red brick and traditional Japanese tile roofs has earned it the designation of a nationally Important Cultural Property.
The Dawn of Humanity in Prison
During its rapid modernization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries after decades of isolation,
Japan was eager to prove its status as a modern nation governed by the rule of law.
Japan was eager to prove its status as a modern nation governed by the rule of law.
A key part of this effort was the creation of a new, more humane prison system,
which why this prison became a powerful symbol of the nation's modernization.
which why this prison became a powerful symbol of the nation's modernization.
“What is freedom?”
This is an eternal open-ended question we all ponder at a quiet corner of our heart.
As you learn about the lives ruled by “disciplines” of the inmates,
you might begin to realize that you too are bound by your own disciplines.
This museum encourages you to reflect on your own definition of freedom,
and liberates you from your current self at the end of the journey.
you might begin to realize that you too are bound by your own disciplines.
This museum encourages you to reflect on your own definition of freedom,
and liberates you from your current self at the end of the journey.
Directors
Taku Satoh, a renowned graphic designer, is overseeing the art direction for the new museum.
His highly regarded work includes the package designs for “LOTTE XYLITOL Gum” and “Meiji Oishii Gyunyu,” art direction for the educational NHK TV programs “Design Ah!”, director of 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT and president of Kyoto University of the Arts.
Adrien Gardère joins the team as Museography Supervisor.
Studio Adrien Gardère is internationally recognized for the design of permanent displays of more than thirteen museums worldwide, including the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, the Musée du Louvre-Lens, or the Royal Academy in London.
We invite you to anticipate a museum that unites the story of Nara Prison with their innovative perspectives.
Cafe & Shop
Inspired by the Western cuisine that were first imported into Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), our menu offers a creative take on classic curry bread and cheesecake, along with refreshing local Nara sodas.
Our shop features exclusive original merchandise and a gallery showcasing items handcrafted through prison work.
Our shop features exclusive original merchandise and a gallery showcasing items handcrafted through prison work.
Visit
Access
About 1-hour
by train from Osaka or Kyoto.
by train from Osaka or Kyoto.
A 13-minute bus ride from Kintetsu-Nara Station.
We’re also easy to access from popular sightseeing spots like Todaiji Temple by a 13-minute walk, and you can also reach us by bus from Nara Park.
18 Hannyaji-cho, Nara 630-8102
Hours
9:00AM5:00PM
Admission
- Adult
- General Admission￥3,500
- Residents of Japan￥2,500
- Residents of Nara Prefecture￥2,000
- Age 15 – 22￥1,500
- Age 6 – 14￥700
- Age 5 and UnderFree
Visitors with a disability certificate and one caregiver can enter for ¥700 each.
Reservations are scheduled to begin around February 2026. Please check this website for the latest information.
StayHOSHINOYA Nara Prison
Opening 2026