For those of you who love to travel, you may have stayed in hot spring resorts, theme park hotels, or unique Airbnbs before. But what kind of experience would it be to spend a night or even several days in a “prison”? Japanese hotel brand Hoshino Resorts Group has revitalized and transformed the old Nara Prison into the brand new “Nakuseno-Nara Prison Hotel”!
The old Nara Prison, with a history of 116 years, also known as the Old Nara Juvenile Prison, is Japan’s oldest prison and an important cultural property. The currently under renovation Nara Prison Hotel is set to become Japan’s first luxury hotel converted from a prison!
The Nara Prison Hotel will preserve the original architectural features of this historical site, such as the nostalgic red bricks, and one of the five radial-designed accommodation buildings will also be kept intact to create a historical museum open to the public.
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As for the available hotel rooms, they will be located in the remaining 4 buildings, with a total of 48 rooms expected. The design will retain some features of the prison, with one guest room being created by connecting 9 original single cells, and there will also be a reading room, restaurant, and other facilities for guests to use.
In addition, Hoshino Group will also collaborate with the city government to add facilities such as skateboard parks and sports fields near the hotel to enhance the amenities. The hotel is expected to officially open in the spring of 2026. Would you be interested in experiencing this unique travel experience?
Address: 18 Hannyaji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
Image Source: Hoshino Group, former Nara Prison Official Website
