Hoshino Resorts, a prominent Japanese resort company, on September 28, unveiled its plan to convert the iconic Former Nara Prison, a cultural property in Japan, into a luxurious 48-room hotel.
The prison “will be reborn as a luxury hotel where guests can enjoy an extraordinary stay in its iconic red brick building with refurbished interiors,” Hoshino Resorts said in a recent statement.
Built in 1908 and recognized as a cultural treasure in 2017, this historic prison is set to undergo a remarkable transformation.
Hoshinoya Nara Prison
The Hoshinoya Nara Prison Hotel will occupy an impressive 67,000 square feet of floor space, housing a restaurant, lounge, and even a museum to cater to day visitors.
The prison’s unique star-like design, characterized by five detention wings radiating from a central command post, will serve as a captivating backdrop for visitors.
Anticipated to open its doors in early 2026, the Hoshinoya Nara Prison hotel holds a special place in the hearts of pop culture enthusiasts.
Fans of the hit Japanese Netflix series, “Alice in Borderland,” may find the prison familiar, as two episodes from the series’ “Jack of Hearts” arc were filmed within its historic walls, adding a touch of cinematic allure to the project.
Key facts about Hoshinoya Nara Prison
- Building area: 6,226 ㎡
- 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
Historical significance of the prison
Historically, the Nara prison was one of Japan’s first Western-style detention facilities, dating back to the Meiji era. Located east of Osaka city in Nara, it initially served as the Nara Juvenile Prison, housing inmates aged 16 to 26. Inmates at this facility were engaged in vocational training, mastering skills like hair cutting and license plate production in workshops.
The prison complex itself boasts a Romanesque-style main gate that stands as a testament to its architectural significance. Adjacent to this gate is a central watch house, offering guards a panoramic view of all five wings of the prison. Innovative grilles on the second level allowed guards to monitor cells on both levels simultaneously.
Within the single-man cells, inmates had access to basic amenities such as toilets, sinks, and small windows. However, the heavy wooden doors lacked knobs, ensuring they couldn’t be opened from the inside, even if unlocked. The entire complex was designed to accommodate approximately 635 inmates.
Plans to convert this historic prison into a hotel were initially proposed in 2017 when it ceased operations and received its cultural site designation. Over the years, renovations have been underway to fortify the structures against earthquakes, although the project’s opening, originally slated for 2021, encountered delays, as reported by the Mainichi Shimbun.
This endeavor is hailed as a prestigious project, celebrating the Meiji era’s ambition and craftsmanship as Japan embraced globalization.
Hoshino Resorts
Initially established as a Japanese inn/ryokan in 1914 in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture, Hoshino Resorts has evolved into a highly influential hotel management company. The resort is run by 4th-generation family member Yoshiharu Hoshino.
Offering a unique experience focused on the local charms and Japanese-style hospitality, the company has expanded out of Karuizawa since 2001 and now operates more than 60 accommodations both in and outside Japan.