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Former Nara Prison

4.2
·551 reviews·Nara, Japan

A historic prison transformed into a unique hotel, offering a glimpse into the past and a novel stay.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for exterior viewing

CrowdLow
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getlstd_property_photo

Former Nara Prison

Best Time

Daytime

Best for exterior viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic prison transformed into a unique hotel, offering a glimpse into the past and a novel stay.

4.2
(551 reviews)

"A beautiful piece of modern Japanese architecture, transitioning from prison to hotel."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Exterior Photography

Capture the unique architecture, but be mindful of neighbors. :camerawithflash:

🏨 Future Hotel Stay

Keep an eye out for the prison hotel opening in 2024 for a truly unique experience! 🛏️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Architectural Transformation

Architectural Transformation

Exterior

Witness a beautiful piece of modern Japanese architecture transitioning from a stern prison to a new hotel.

Historical Atmosphere

Historical Atmosphere

Exterior

Feel the palpable history of a prison that operated until 2017, offering a glimpse into past lifestyles.

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Future Hotel Plans

The Former Nara Prison is undergoing a significant transformation into a hotel, expected to open in 2024. While the full experience will be a hotel, current access might be limited to exteriors during renovation. Check for updates on its new life as a unique accommodation.

Respecting the Neighborhood

Located surprisingly close to residential areas, visitors are urged to be considerate of neighbors, especially when visiting for photography. Parking and noise levels can be a concern for locals, so mindful visits are appreciated.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for exterior viewing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Who’s going to Nara on their Japan trip? 🦌 #japantravel #thisisjapan #nara #visitjapan
@hangrybynature
55.2K likes • 1.1M views

📸 Exterior Photography

Capture the unique architecture, but be mindful of neighbors. :camerawithflash:

🏨 Future Hotel Stay

Keep an eye out for the prison hotel opening in 2024 for a truly unique experience! 🛏️

旧奈良監獄。 100年以上前に竣工されたロマネスク様式の建物。 少し前までは奈良少年刑務所として使われていた。 今後はホテルに生まれ変わるようだ。 Former Nara Prison in Nara, Japan. It was built over 100 years ago. #旧奈良監獄 #日本五大監獄 #ロマネスク様式 #奈良 #nara #prison #formernaraprison
2580otamatowatashi
18 likes • 231 views
Former Nara Prison at night. Kitamachitoiro event. 夜の旧奈良監獄 きたまちといろ #きたまちといろ #奈良きたまち #きたまち宵あかり #奈良 #奈良市 #といろランタン #写真すきな人と繋がりたい #わたしは奈良派 #フォロー募集 #フォロー歓迎 #いいね返し #クリエイター #creator #japan #nara #Nara #kitamachitoiro #Narakitamachi #lanthanum #light
take.creator
77 likes • 1.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Neighborhood Walk

Enjoy a walk up the slope from the bus stop for scenic views. 🚶

思いがけず上手く撮影出来ました! さてここは何処でしょう? ^_^ #旧奈良監獄 #奈良監獄見学 #明治煉瓦建築 #formernaraprison
nowco8
25 likes • 359 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Exterior Photography

Capture the unique architecture, but be mindful of neighbors. :camerawithflash:

🏨 Future Hotel Stay

Keep an eye out for the prison hotel opening in 2024 for a truly unique experience! 🛏️

🚶‍♀️ Neighborhood Walk

Enjoy a walk up the slope from the bus stop for scenic views. 🚶

What Travellers Say

4.2
(551 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Former Nara Prison is noted for its striking modern architecture and the intriguing transformation into a hotel. Visitors appreciate the historical atmosphere and the unique concept of adaptive reuse. However, current access is limited to exteriors due to ongoing renovations, and proximity to residential areas requires considerate visitor behavior.

"The prison was used until 2017. We can se and feel the real lifestyle there.
In 2024, they will be open as prison hotel.
Sounds very interesting!"

Senyuki hosoi

"A beautiful prison,
Now closed and left to decay,
A new life as a hotel.

The walls, once strong and stern,
Now crumble and fade away,
A new chapter to be born.

The bars, once cold and grim,
Now rust and gather dust,
A new purpose to be found.

A beautiful prison,
Now closed and left behind,
A new life awaits."

Jordy Meow (Japon Secret)

"Brunette girl lied to me and I got my head exploded"

liza sanchez

What People Like

Unique architecture
Historical atmosphere
Hotel transformation concept

What People Dislike

Limited exterior access
Residential proximity concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Former Nara Prison is accessible by bus. After getting off the bus, you'll need to walk up a slope to reach the site. It's located surprisingly close to residential areas, so be mindful of your surroundings.

While some visitors may arrive by car, it's important to be considerate of the neighbors. Parking availability might be limited, and it's best to check local regulations or consider public transport.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The prison was operational until 2017 and is currently undergoing renovation to become a hotel, expected to open in 2024. Access may be limited to exterior viewing only during this period. It's advisable to check for the latest updates on visiting status.

As the site is under renovation, official opening hours for public access are not currently available. The best time to view the exterior is during daylight hours. Check for updates regarding the hotel's opening.

Currently, as it's undergoing renovation, there might not be an admission fee for viewing the exterior. Once it reopens as a hotel, standard hotel booking rates will apply.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography of the exterior is generally permitted. However, visitors are reminded to be considerate of the surrounding residential areas and avoid any disruptive behavior.

The unique architecture of the prison, especially its transition into a new hotel, offers many interesting angles for photography. Focus on capturing the blend of old and new.

🎫 🏨 Accommodation

Yes, the Former Nara Prison is being transformed into a hotel and is expected to open in 2024. This unique concept aims to offer guests a memorable stay within the historic prison walls.

The highly anticipated opening of the Former Nara Prison hotel is scheduled for 2024. Keep an eye on official announcements for the exact opening date and booking information.

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