Former Nara Prison Main Gate
Credit Former Nara Prison Preservation and Utilization Co., Ltd.
Where History Comes to the Table: Dining within the transformed walls of HOSHINOYA Nara Prison
At first glance, the idea of dining inside a former prison might seem surprising or even unsettling. However, at HOSHINOYA Nara Prison, history isn’t something to escape from—it’s something to be gently transformed.
Opening on June 25, 2026, this carefully restored Meiji-era landmark brings back its distinctive red-brick walls and radial design through one of the most human of rituals: food. Here, in a space once defined by restraint, cuisine becomes an act of care, seasonality, and quiet indulgence—encouraging guests to experience the past not through confinement, but through connection, beauty, and the shared language of the table.
Former Nara Prison Gate
Credit Former Nara Prison Preservation and Utilization Co., Ltd.
Former Nara Prison – Red Bricks Architecture
Credit Former Nara Prison Preservation and Utilization Co., Ltd.
Revitalizing the stunning architecture of the Meiji era—when Japan first opened its doors to the world—HOSHINOYA Nara Prison stands as Japan’s first luxury hotel located within an Important Cultural Property of such unique historical importance.
By blending original architectural details with contemporary sensibilities, the hotel respects its heritage to provide an immersive experience—one that reflects the Western-inspired cultural flourishes that marked the start of Japan’s modernization. It signals the beginning of a new era, transforming the former prison into a luxurious destination.
HOSHINOYA Nara Prison – Living Room
Credit Hoshino Resorts
HOSHINOYA Nara Prison – Living Room
Credit Hoshino Resorts
The interior reveals a beautiful fusion of eras: 100-year-old hand-laid brick walls, once hidden beneath plaster, harmonize with bold iron pillars supporting modern architecture and elegant wood paneling. This design captures the intersection of the building’s deep history and contemporary aesthetics.
Each of the 48 suites features distinct areas for sleeping, living, and dining, creating diverse ways to relax throughout your stay. Surrounded by the weight of historic brick walls, guests can witness the shifting of light and the passage of luxury time.
HOSHINOYA Nara Prison – Lounge Nighttime
Credit Hoshino Resorts
HOSHINOYA Nara Prison – Gastronomy Chronicle
Credit Hoshino Resorts
In the detached dining hall, guests can enjoy Japanese-French cuisine, a sophisticated blend of traditional Western techniques with Japanese elements. A range of immersive experiences and activities that embody the signature HOSHINOYA spirit are also being developed. What was once a space of confinement surrounded by solid, enclosed walls has been transformed into a bright, open sanctuary of luxury—inviting guests to experience a truly unique moment.
HOSHINOYA Nara Prison – Combination Salad
Credit Hoshino Resorts
The A La Carte menu features hamburger steak simmered in a Japanese-style miso sauce, combination salads, desserts, and light snacks.
HOSHINOYA Nara Prison – Shabu Shabu
Credit Hoshino Resorts
Beef and seasonal vegetables simmered in our signature dashi broth. You can also enjoy “Yamato Tachibana Noodles,” infused with Yamato Tachibana, which is said to be Japan’s oldest citrus variety.
HOSHINOYA Nara Prison – Japanese Breakfast
Credit Hoshino Resorts
This Japanese breakfast features a main dish of soy milk hot pot, known for its mellow and rich flavor. It’s a perfect way to nourish your body and awaken your senses at the start of the day.
HOSHINOYA Nara Prison – Western Breakfast
Credit Hoshino Resorts
HOSHINOYA Nara Prison – Teatime
Credit Hoshino Resorts
HOSHINOYA Nara Prison – Lounge Tea Time
Credit Hoshino Resorts
HOSHINOYA Nara Prison – Bedroom Double
Credit Hoshino Resorts
The guest rooms have been reimagined by joining former prison blocks into private, luxury sanctuaries of profound tranquility. In “The 10-Cell” suite, ten individual solitary cells—the smallest units of the original structure—have been seamlessly integrated into one expansive, opulent space.
HOSHINOYA Nara Prison – Former Nara Prison – Exterior
Credit Hoshino Resorts
A dedicated website has been launched featuring a teaser video that provides the first look at the guest rooms, along with architect Rie Azuma’s design philosophy. Along with the video’s debut, the property will start accepting reservations on January 20, 2026.
