japan's oldest prison set to be regenerated as luxury hotel

the first prison-turned-hotel in japan 

Japan’s historic former Nara prison is set to be renovated and reborn as a luxury hotel. The brick building was built in 1908 and is the only surviving example of the ‘Meiji-era Five Great Prison’. After over 100 years of life as a detention center, it still retains its dignity and beauty.

In fact, Nara prison shut down in March 2017 due to concerns about earthquake resistance. Since then, it has been declared an important cultural asset and became a popular tourist spot for visitors as it remained intact since the time it was a prison. Now, the building is on its way to becoming a high-quality hotel, including repair work to withstand earthquakes. 

the Romanesque-style gate holds an arched entrance and a cylindrical tower on either side

all images by The former Nara prison

About the former nara prison

The Nara Prison was built in July 1908 and designed by Keijiro Yamashita, a public worker for the Ministry of Law who designed many prisons and courthouses across the world. Most of the construction work was carried out by prisoners, and the bricks used were supplied from kilns they built themselves. The Romanesque red brick edifice consists of five elongated buildings growing radially from the center, where guards could easily oversee all hallways. From above, its form resembles a palm with outstretched fingers. 

Unlike its extravagant façade that carries the history of a century, inside one encounters a harsh and cold environment. Small single rooms poorly sheltered from the wind and rain are hidden behind heavy doors that are impossible to open from inside. In addition, setting confinement wards are positioned in a circle, enabling the guards to oversee all the five wards from the watchhouse.

a newborn hotel with a timeless beauty 

In collaboration with hotel management company Hoshino Resorts, the historic Nara prison plans to open the new high-quality facility by 2024. The challenge is to preserve the landmark Meiji-era building, which holds a high historical value. The hotel will accommodate many rooms across four of the site’s five buildings. Prison cells with high ceilings will turn into larger suites, while guard quarters will transform into shared spaces. After its sweeping makeover, it will hold the title of the first prison in Japan converted into a hotel. It expects to enhance Nara’s touristic attraction, thus the local economy.

each cylindrical tower features a distinct dome-shaped roof

on the top of the turret is set a lightning rod

the blue-green turret with a characteristic roof is made of copper sheets

inside the turrets, there are staircases that guide to the second floor within the front gate

brick and concrete walls wrap the whole site

this wooden, radially framed ceiling features a high window that allows sunlight to come in

its circular shape has enabled the guards to oversee all the five wards at a time

granite was used in places where lots of people walked because of its excellent abrasion resistance

some parts of the first floor’s ceiling receive light reaching from the second floor

the doors have no knobs, so it’s impossible to be open from the inside, even if they are unlocked

project info:

name: The former Nara prison

location: Nara-shi, Japan