Of all the places you have been to, skipping this one would be an obvious choice. Yes, we’re talking about a prison here. Without a doubt, staying behind the bars while holidaying is never a good idea or an ideal holiday option. But Hoshinoya Nara Prison could change your perception. What was once a historic prison in Japan has transformed into a reimagined luxury retreat where guests can experience refined hospitality. The former correctional facility is now an indulgent stay. Hoshinoya Nara Prison is one of the most unusual examples of prisons converted into hotels, combining its historic architecture with a contemporary luxury experience.
A little sneak peek at the history
Built in 1908, Nara Prison was amongst Japan’s ‘Five great Meiji Prisons,’ a Western-inspired penitentiary designed by Architect Keijiro Yamashita. The red brick building, which was originally a prison, became a correctional facility before its doors closed in 2017. Later, it was slated to transform into a luxury stay.
The ultimate transformation
Despite being a closed-off prison, Hoshinoya’s doors opened less than a decade later. It manifested as an all-new entity—The Hoshinoya Nara Prison Hotel and its Museum. Wondering how it would feel to live in a prison? The hotel has changed the interiors, offering a modern take on Japanese hospitality. The hotel comprises 48 rooms; each suite is built from the former cells and quarters.
Remoulding the interiors
The property is renovated, with some definite style changes: wooden panels, warm lighting, hand-laid brick walls, and hand-brushed cerulean paint. Along with that, white-washed ceilings add to an inviting charm. Designer Rie Azuma has transformed the correctional home into an extraordinary hospitality. Although the rooms have changed, the building still reflects its former structure—the cell doors, long pathways and hallways, and high windows. The plush furnishings also make for a resplendent, comfortable stay.
What all you can explore
Although Hoshinoya offers a seamless cocoon of privacy, the hotel does not present the guests with any extravagant wellness program, fitness centre or spa. What was once the vaulted prison chapel is now the lounge that hosts afternoon tea. You can enjoy the fragrance blending workshop, munch on snacks and drink complimentary green tea and sparkling sake. Recline comfortably along the plush chaise and armchairs. Stroll along the courtyard-like yard on the ornamental grasses, or sit and flip through book pages. It’s like finding solace in a place that was once used for solitary confinement.
Prison hotel’s gastronomy
Dining at Hoshinoya is quite interesting; it takes inspiration from the Meiji times when Western ingredients peeked into Japanese cuisine. Dishes here include vegetarian options to kaiseki and wagyu shabu-shabu. Perhaps you might also like a playful exploration of French cuisine, breaded sole in Albert sauce and don’t miss out on the scrumptious fluffy mousse cake.
Other places that you can visit in Nara
You can visit the Nara Prison Museum, learn about the history of Japan’s criminal system, enjoy a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage sites Todai-Ji and Kōfuku-ji and take a trip around Nara Park to observe the beautiful deer that roam the place.
FAQs
What is Hoshinoya Nara Prison Hotel?
Hoshinoya Nara was initially a 100-year-old prison that later got transformed into a luxury hotel
What are some of the places that you can explore in Nara?
You can visit the UNESCO Heritage temples, the Nara Prison Museum, and Nara Deer Park
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