Nara Prison Museum by Hoshino Resorts and a tour of the World Heritage Site "Asuka-Fujiwara Palace" | Day trip to enjoy Yamato beef [departing from Osaka/Kyoto]

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Opening on April 27, 2026! !

• Nara Prison Museum by Hoshino Resorts.

A museum reborn using a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, the only one of the five major prisons built during the Meiji era whose entire structure remains intact.

Questions from a beautiful prison

The former Nara Prison is a rare and important cultural property, being the only one of the five major prisons planned by the Meiji government that remains in its entirety.

The concept of the Nara Prison Museum is "Questions from a beautiful prison."

Set against the backdrop of a red brick Western-style building, the story of prisons is told through design and art.

This museum aims to provide visitors with an opportunity to reflect on their own way of life and values.

There is a preservation area and an exhibition area, and in the preservation area, visitors can tour the "Third Dormitory," which consists of 96 solitary confinement cells.

In the exhibition area, visitors can explore three buildings with different themes, learning not only about history and architecture, but also about life in a modern prison, contemporary art, and more.

We aim to deepen each visitor's understanding of their own worldview.

Witness an unprecedented experience that will shake up your everyday routine.

◆Building A: History and Architecture

- An area where you can trace the memories of over 100 years etched into the red brick and learn about the design philosophy of the former Nara Prison and the Meiji-era penal system.

◆Building B: Discipline and Living

- The most thought-provoking area of ​​this museum.

Learn about daily life in prison from the perspective of inmates, examining all aspects such as discipline, meals, and hygiene.

◆Building C: Prison and Art

- Building C, which was formerly the medical office of the old Nara Prison, has been renovated into a modern gallery.

Five groups of artists will exhibit works created in response to the realities of prison life.

*Due to admission procedures, your visit to the Nara Prison Museum may be scheduled after lunch.

Furthermore! Must-see spots within the World Cultural Heritage sites! (*1)

• To the origins of Japan: Asuka and Fujiwara

This is a one-of-a-kind time capsule that visibly proves the moment Japan was born.

Asuka and Fujiwara are not merely ancient ruins; they are historical witnesses that teach us about the roots of the Japanese people and the beginnings of our nation, and are something we can be proud of on a global scale.

◆【World Cultural Heritage Site 1】The miraculous Kitora Tumulus where the Four Divine Beasts are all gathered

・This is the second continental-style mural tomb discovered in Japan, following the Takamatsuzuka Tomb.

The ceiling of the stone chamber features an authentic astronomical chart, while the walls are adorned with beautiful paintings of the Four Symbols (gods believed to protect the four cardinal directions) and the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac.

◆【World Cultural Heritage Site 2】Asuka-dera Temple, Japan's oldest full-fledged temple

・Founded by Soga no Umako, it was Japan's first full-fledged Buddhist temple and was located in the center of the Asuka period.

"The Asuka Great Buddha, Japan's oldest Buddhist statue, is characterized by the fact that its expression subtly differs when viewed from the left or right side."

◆【World Cultural Heritage Site 3】The mysterious stone structure of Asuka: 'Sakafuneishi Ruins'

It is approximately 5.5m long, 2.3m wide, and 1m thick, and has several dish-like indentations on its top surface.

These are mysterious stones, connected by grooves.

Various theories have been proposed regarding the use and purpose of the stone structure. In the past, it was thought to be a facility for brewing unrefined sake into clear sake, but...

Recently, the prevailing view is that it is part of a ritual facility that uses water.

(*1) On June 6, ICOMOS [International Council on Monuments and Sites], an advisory body to UNESCO, recommended its inclusion on the World Heritage List.

A decision on whether or not it will be officially registered is expected to be made in July.

*[Current status of application for World Heritage registration as of June 17th] Review by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 2025 (including on-site inspection)

○Lunch will be a Hankyu Travel original menu! Enjoy a sukiyaki set meal featuring Yamato beef (approximately 100g)♪

It is a highly regarded wagyu beef brand from Nara Prefecture, recognized as one of the finest cuts of beef.

It features a smooth texture that melts in your mouth and a high-quality flavor!

Yamato beef (approx. 100g) sukiyaki set meal

<Menu>

■ Small bowl

Sesame tofu

■Main dish

• Yamato beef sukiyaki small pot (approx. 100g) (onion, napa cabbage, grilled tofu, green onion, mushrooms)

Yamato Nadeshiko Eggs (Soft-boiled Egg)

• Ancient rice somen noodles (for sukiyaki)

■ Side dishes

·salad

・Yamato tea croquettes

■ Meals

・Hinohikari rice from Nara Prefecture

・Nara pickles and others

■Dessert

Today's dessert

*Menu items may vary depending on the season.

*Lunchtime is scheduled from 11:00 to 14:00.