Hoshinoya Nara Prison Hotel Opens in Restored 1908 Meiji-Era Penitentiary
The Nara Prison, a Romanesque brick structure completed in 1908, is now home to the Hoshinoya Nara Prison Hotel and the Nara Prison Museum. Designed by Keijiro Yamashita, this facility has five cell blocks radiating from a central hub. Following the transfer of its last inmates in 2017, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property. The site now boasts a luxury hotel with 48 suites, converted from former cells, and a museum. Rie Azuma managed the hotel’s transformation, while landscape design was led by Hiroki Hasegawa. Guests can enjoy Japanese, Meiji-style, and Western breakfasts, along with a French-inspired dinner. The hotel is situated at 18 Hannyajicho, Nara, close to Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park.
Key facts
- Nara Prison was completed in 1908 as the last of Japan's 'Five Great Meiji Prisons.'
- Architect Keijiro Yamashita designed the Romanesque complex, inspired by John Haviland's radial prison design.
- The last inmates were transferred in 2017, and the site was designated an Important Cultural Property.
- The property now houses the Hoshinoya Nara Prison Hotel and Nara Prison Museum.
- Rie Azuma of Azuma Architect & Associates led the hotel conversion; Hiroki Hasegawa of Studio Onsite oversaw landscape design.
- The hotel has 48 suites, each formed from nine, ten, or eleven original cells.
- Dining includes three breakfast sets and a French-inspired Gastronomy Chronicle supper.
- The hotel is located at 18 Hannyajicho, Nara, 630-8102, Japan.
Entities
Artists
- Keijiro Yamashita
- John Haviland
- Rie Azuma
- Hiroki Hasegawa
- Leandra Beabout
- Yoshiaki Ishii
- Masanori Takeishi
Institutions
- Hoshinoya Nara Prison Hotel
- Nara Prison Museum
- Hoshino Resorts
- Azuma Architect & Associates
- Studio Onsite
- Wallpaper*
- Lonely Planet
- Reader's Digest
- The Telegraph
- The Guardian
- Organic Spa Magazine
- Yasui Architects & Engineers
- Ministry of Justice (Japan)
- On-Site Planning and Design Office
- ICE Urban Environmental Lighting Institute
- designboom
Locations
- Nara
- Japan
- Kyoto
- Todai-ji Temple
- Nara Park
- 18 Hannyajicho, Nara, 630-8102, Japan
- 18 Hannyaji-cho, Nara, Japan