"HOSHINOYA Nara Prison in Nara, Japan, has revealed a teaser trailer alongside confirmation that its long-anticipated hotel will open on June 25th, 2026. designboom first reported on the renovation when the initial announcement surfaced in June 2022 and again when more details were unveiled in September 2023. Now, this newly released film gives an early glimpse of the 1908-built complex's new atmosphere as it's brought to life by by Hoshino Resorts."
"The project occupies the former Nara Prison, the sole remaining example of the Meiji government's Five Great Prisons. Built in red brick with a radial plan and a central guard tower, the compound has stood on its site for more than a century. Its transition into HOSHINOYA's ninth property celebrates the architecture itself as the primary experience, with the teaser focusing on the slow reveal of space and the feelings it will bring."
"Nara Prison's transformation for Hoshino Resorts has been led by Azuma Architect & Associates, with principal architect Rie Azuma overseeing the careful adaptation of the historic structure. The original brickwork which was once concealed behind layers of plaster has been exposed and restored. Iron columns and timber surfaces introduce a contemporary register while maintaining a measured dialogue with the existing structure."
HOSHINOYA Nara will open on June 25, 2026, within the 1908-built former Nara Prison. The conversion preserves the red-brick radial plan and central guard tower while foregrounding architectural atmosphere. Azuma Architect & Associates, led by Rie Azuma, directed the careful adaptation of the historic fabric. Original brickwork hidden under plaster has been exposed and restored. Iron columns and timber surfaces introduce contemporary elements that maintain measured dialogue with existing structure. Circulation preserves the proportions of former cell block corridors while adjusted openings allow daylight deeper into the plan. An example guest room shows a linear array of cloistered cells.
Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine
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