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HOSHINOYA Nara Prison
Japan's first groundbreaking luxury hotel to preserve and revitalize a former prison designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
Japan's first luxury hotel housed in a former prison opened in Nara City in June 2026. The hotel preserves and revitalizes the Former Nara Prison, a National Important Cultural Property.
Completed in 1908, it is the only surviving red-brick prison in Japan with its entire radial cellblock layout (Haviland system) intact. Its historic architectural design has been preserved while the building has been transformed into a space with modern accommodations.
The hotel has 48 suites, each created by combining 9–11 former cells. High ceilings, large windows, and red-brick walls retain reminders of the building's past as a prison.
The spacious main lounge occupies the former auditorium, where guests can relax with books on architecture and travel. Experiences themed around Japan's period of modernization and Westernization are also available.
This heritage hotel preserves and revitalizes a historic building passed down for more than 100 years, combining cultural-property conservation with a hotel stay.
Highlights
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Japan's first luxury hotel housed in a former prison, opened in June 2026.
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The Former Nara Prison, completed in 1908, is a National Important Cultural Property.
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All 48 guest rooms are suites.
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The spacious main lounge occupies the former auditorium.
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Cuisine inspired by the evolution of Western-style cooking during the Meiji period is served.
Photos
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A hotel imbued with the spirit of the Meiji period
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Separate relaxation areas let guests choose a space to suit the occasion or their mood
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The bedroom's striking tall windows create an escape from the everyday
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The main lounge blends Western-style arches with modern design
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Gastronomy Chronicle offers an innovative culinary experience
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Hotel guests receive free admission to the on-site Nara Prison Museum
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is early check-in or late check-out available?
A
Yes, during the hours listed below. Advance reservations are not accepted, so please ask upon arrival or during your stay. Availability will depend on the circumstances that day.
Early check-in: 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Late check-out: From 12:00 p.m.
Fee: ¥9,680 per room per hour, including tax and service charge
Q
Can I leave my luggage after check-out?
A
Yes, luggage storage is available.
Q
Is there a smoking area?
A
Yes, there is an outdoor smoking area on the property. Smoking is not permitted in guest rooms or other public areas.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available inside the hotel?
A
Yes.
Q
Are there any sightseeing attractions nearby?
A
Hannya-ji Temple and Uemura Farm: About a 5-minute walk
Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park area: About a 20–25-minute walk or 10-minute bus ride
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 星のや奈良監獄
- Postal Code
- 630-8102
- Address
- 18 Hannyaji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
- Phone
- 050-3134-8091
- Check-in
- 3:00 p.m.
- Check-out
- 12:00 p.m.
- Rates
- From ¥147,000 per room per night, meals not included
- Access
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1) About 6 minutes by car from Kintetsu-Nara Station
2) About 10 minutes by car from JR Nara Station - Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official website
- Official website (English)
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