Japanese Heritage Transformed: Historic 115-Year-Old Prison Becomes Exquisite Luxury Hotel

• A Meiji-era prison in Japan is being transformed into a luxurious hotel complete with a restaurant and lounge.
• The Former Nara Prison will be turned into a hotel under Hoshino Resorts, with plans to open in early 2026.
• The prison’s iconic red brick design dates back to Western-style detention centers in the late 1800s.

A Japanese resort company is converting an iconic former prison into a 48-room luxury hotel.

The Former Nara Prison, built in 1908 and designated a cultural property in Japan in 2017, is to be renovated by Hoshino Resorts, the company said in a Thursday statement.

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 wrote.

The complex features a star-like design, with five detention wings fanning out from a central command post.

Japanese Ministry of Justice

Hoshino Resorts says the new hotel will have approximately 67,000 square feet of floor space and will include a restaurant, lounge, and a museum for day visitors.

“A prestige project for the government, its elegant red brick structure embodies the ambition and craftsmanship of Japan’s Meiji era as the country opened its doors to the world,” Hoshino Resorts wrote.

The Hoshinoya Nara Prison hotel is expected to open in early 2026, according to Hoshino Resorts.

Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.