Japan has given a remarkable new life to a historic prison, transforming the 116-year-old Nara Prison into a luxury hotel with just 48 guest suites.
The Meiji-era building, which dates back to 1908, has been restored by Hoshino Resorts and is now operating as Hoshinoya Nara Prison. It is described as Japan's first luxury hotel created inside a former prison.
From prison cells to luxury suites
The building was used as a juvenile prison until 2017. During its conversion, around 500 original cells were transformed into 48 guest suites and other hotel facilities, including a restaurant.
Luxury travel creator Elona Karafin recently shared a look inside the unusual property. Her own suite was created by combining between nine and 11 former prison cells.
Despite the extensive restoration, several features of the original building have been retained. The suite includes exposed red brick walls that date back to the prison's operational days, along with a lounge area, coffee space and mini bar.
The rooms remain long and narrow because of the building's original structure. Karafin compared the shape to a "train carriage".
Historic design meets modern comforts
The suite also features a walk-in closet and a bathroom with a separate bathtub, shower and toilet.
At the far end of the elongated room is the bedroom, which has a simple layout, a bed and small glass windows.
Restoring the property was not straightforward because of the limitations imposed by its historic structure. The renovation took seven years to complete.
Architect Hiroki Hasegawa worked on the project with the aim of creating a hotel environment that feels distinctly different from its former use as a prison.
Prison courtyard gets a new life
The transformation also extends beyond the rooms. One of the former prison courtyards, once a closed-off space, has been redesigned as a peaceful area for hotel guests.
The project retains elements of the original Nara Prison while adding modern hospitality facilities, creating an unusual combination of historic architecture and luxury accommodation.
A stay at Hoshinoya Nara Prison costs around $316 to $514 per night, depending on the room and booking details.