Have you heard about Hoshinoya Nara Prison? It’s Japan’s first (and probably going to be the only) luxury hotel built inside a real-life prison. With the grand opening coming later in 2026, it’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about new Japanese hotels of the year.

If you’re anything like me, just hearing the name Hoshinoya Nara Prison piqued your curiosity. But what will a stay here actually offer to guests, and is it going to be more than just a novelty hotel experience in Japan? In this post, I’m sharing everything we know about Hoshinoya Nara Prison so far, so you can decide whether or not you want a reservation.

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What is Hoshinoya Nara Prison?

Hoshinoya Nara Prison is a brand new luxury hotel in Japan opening on June 25th, 2026. Located in central Nara, what sets this hotel apart from all other accommodation options in the country (and possibly the world) is that it exists inside a renovated prison complex, with rooms being built out of the literal rows of prison cells.

I know that sounds crazy, but what’s even more astonishing is that this isn’t just a novelty place to stay. Hoshinoya Nara Prison is truly a luxury hotel that offers beautifully finished rooms and gourmet dining options, whilst also promising service that is a cut above the rest.

The concept is to exhibit the historic importance of Nara Prison through the elegance of luxury design and elevation. Hoshinoya isn’t trying to hide that the hotel is housed within a prison complex, and instead, celebrates the unique nuances of the buildings. It is a place designed to spark conversation and intrigue, whilst also allowing guests to indulge in comfort during their stay.

Reservations opened in January 2026, with rooms bookable directly through Hoshinoya Nara Prison’s website, or with the assistance of a travel agent (like us).

The History of Nara Prison

You might be wondering why Hoshinoya’s latest hotel is located inside a prison. The answer is because Nara Prison is quite a special complex. It is both the oldest prison in Japan and the last remaining structure of Japan’s “Five Great Prisons”, having been built in 1908 at the tail end of the Meiji Era.

All five of these great prisons were designed by architect Keijiro Yamashita, with the Nara Prison having a particularly striking design. The complex consists of a central watch tower with five long cell block buildings expanding outwards in a starburst shape. It had a capacity of up to 650 prisoners (although at one time it housed 935).

The prison expanded throughout the 20th century, with spaces like a storehouse, interview rooms, and a factory building being added. However, the prison was also severely damaged by earthquakes and typhoons. In 1947, it was renamed the Nara Juvenile Prison, with inmates aged between 16 and 26 years old, and a focus on rehabilitation and education

In 2017, after over 100 years of existence, the prison was officially designated as an Important Cultural Property. That year, Nara Prison was also officially closed due to a declining structural integrity and vulnerability to earthquakes. As the buildings themselves were part of the protected property, Hoshinoya stepped in to renovate and bring new life to Nara Prison.

Staying at Hoshinoya Nara Prison

Japan is well-known for its novel experiences that cannot be found anywhere else, and a stay at Hoshinoya Nara Prison promises just that. It is a mix of history and luxury, with just a tinge of the bizarre for anyone looking for potentially the most unique place to stay in Nara.

If you aren’t already familiar with Hoshinoya’s range of hotels, they are known for their refined, design-led stays rooted in traditional Japanese ryokan culture. The hotels tend to prioritise tranquillity, with an intentionally immersive quality to bring you closer to Japan’s history or traditions.

Hoshinoya Nara Prison looks to be no different, albeit with a prison twist. Don’t expect tatami floors or in-room onsen, but do get excited for excellent service and stunning interiors that respect the prison’s past.

The Rooms

Hoshinoya Nara Prison will have 48 rooms created from rows of cells. The design leans into the existing red brick walls, arched ceilings, exposed concrete, and plenty of wood. This leads to an industrial style space contrasted by cosy lighting and high-quality finishes.

There are three room options: the 9-Cell, the 10-Cell, and the 11-Cell Deluxe. As the names suggest, each is constructed out of converted rows of cells, creating the feeling of an apartment made of lots of small rooms instead of one larger hotel room.

The 10-Cell and the 11-Cell Deluxe both have King beds, whilst the 9-Cell has a Hollywood twin. All rooms also have a bathtub and amenities, including pyjamas and slippers. Hoshinoya Nara Prison’s signature 11-Cell Deluxe offers guests a private dressing lounge and a bespoke collection of music and books.

Dining

Hoshinoya Nara Prison has an in-house gourmet restaurant that serves kaiseki course meals inspired by the Western-fusion food developed in Japan since the Meiji Era. The course menu includes wagyu shabu shabu, a seasonal Japanese set, and a fully vegetarian kaiseki meal, as well as a la carte options. In the morning, the hotel serves both Japanese and Western breakfast options, and in-room dining will also be available.

Activities

Part of Hoshinoya’s charm is its emphasis on a culturally immersive experience for guests, so the range of activities on offer at Nara Prison shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. At present, the activities selection includes a perfume-blending experience, an evening spent listening to Meiji Period music whilst sipping on a drink, and rickshaw tours of ancient Nara.

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Hoshinoya Nara Prison Museum

As part of Hoshinoya’s commitment to sharing the prison’s history, the Nara Prison Museum is opening alongside the hotel. It will tell the story of the complex, share insights into what inmate life was like, and invite visitors to explore the greater concept of freedom.

Opening Date: April 27th, 2026

Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 5 PM

Entrance: ¥3,500 for adults, ¥2,500 for Japanese residents, ¥2,000 for Nara residents, ¥1,500 for ages 15-22, ¥700 for ages 6-14

How to Get to Hoshinoya Nara Prison?

Hoshinoya Nara Prison is located just north of central Nara and Nara Park. From Nara Station, the easiest way to reach the hotel is by taking a taxi. From JR Nara Station to the hotel takes roughly 10 minutes, or about 6 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station, and costs ¥1,300 to ¥1,800 one way.

Alternatively, you can catch a local bus from either station directly to Hannyaji Bus Stop, then walk 5 minutes to the hotel entrance. This will take about 20 minutes and cost approximately ¥250.

Is Staying at Hoshinoya Nara Prison Worth It?

At the end of the day, this is going to come down to personal preference… But, if you’re looking for a more unique stay in Japan without sacrificing comfort or indulgence, then I think you’ll love Hoshinoya Nara Prison. Whilst we’re still waiting for the official opening date, everything we’ve seen so far and the quality of Hoshinoya’s other hotels leaves us feeling pretty certain this will be a stay like no other.

Of course, if you’re easily freaked out by buildings with a more complex history and the idea of staying in a former prison makes you uncomfortable, then this probably isn’t the right choice for you. I will also point out that Hoshinoya Nara Prison doesn’t have a spa, pool, or onsen, so it doesn’t compare to some other luxury hotels in the area in that regard. A stay here would definitely be better suited for those looking for cultural uniqueness rather than ultimate relaxation.

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