You’d let yourself get locked up here and even pay for it! Nara Prison in Japan

Who would willingly choose to go to prison—and pay a hefty sum for the privilege!? It may sound shocking, but there will certainly be plenty of eager volunteers. The 115-year-old Nara prison in Japan is set to be transformed into a luxury hotel. This historic site, recognized as a cultural heritage landmark in the Land of the Rising Sun, has long since ceased to serve its original purpose. Thanks to the vision of the local hospitality company Hoshino Resorts, Nara is about to get a second life.

The Japanese are a highly practical nation – instead of letting historic sites decay in obscurity or pouring large sums into their maintenance with no hope of return on investment, they allow them to be used commercially. A prime example of such pragmatic action is the Nara prison in Japan. According to “Business Insider,” this 115-year-old facility will be restored by Japanese hotel giant Hoshino Resorts.

Nara Prison was built in 1908, during the Meiji era, which coincided with the reign of Emperor Mutsuhito (1868-1912). Back then, no one could have imagined that one day people would actually pay for the chance to end up there. For decades, the only “guests” at Nara were criminals. Eventually, however, the historic red-brick building was decommissioned, and the inmates were transferred to more modern facilities.

The Japanese will restore a 115-year-old prison! A luxury hotel will be built there

After more than 100 years, Nara has finally been recognized. It is now seen not just as an old, decaying penitentiary, but also as an example of beautiful, historic architecture of the Land of the Rising Sun. In 2017, the site was officially designated as a cultural property of Japan.

Recently, it turned out that this is not the end of the story. The prison will be given a completely new lease on life and will once again be bustling with people—this time not inmates, but tourists. Nara will be fully restored and renovated. The project is being undertaken by the owner of the hotel chain Hoshino Resorts. This is a company with over a century of tradition—only slightly younger than the Nara prison itself. They opened their first resort back in 1914!

A prestigious government project, its elegant red-brick design embodies the ambition and craftsmanship of the Meiji era, when Japan opened its doors to the world. The former detention center features the Haviland system, with a central watchtower overseeing multiple radiating cell wings. To this day, it remains the quintessential model of the “modern prison” in Japan.

– writes Hoshino Resorts on its website.

According to the project developer’s announcement, the hotel in the Nara prison is set to welcome its first guests as early as 2026.