7 Cultural Properties You Can Stay At in Japan: From Former Nintendo Headquarters to Nara Prison Museum
Japan offers travelers a unique opportunity to stay in nationally designated cultural properties, where historic buildings have been transformed into hotels, and ryokan. These accommodations blend architectural heritage with modern comfort, allowing guests to experience Japan’s past while enjoying contemporary amenities. Based on the latest information from official sources and recent announcements, here are seven culturally significant properties where you can stay, each verified for accuracy as of April 2023.
Marufukuro: Former Nintendo Headquarters in Kyoto
Located in Kyoto, Marufukuro utilizes the historic buildings that once served as the headquarters of Nintendo, the company founded in Kyoto and known globally for products like the Nintendo Switch, Wii, and Super Mario. The property consists of three retro buildings from the former headquarters, featuring Art Deco architecture, alongside a newly constructed wing designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. Efforts have been made to preserve the original appearance of the interiors and exteriors, maintaining the building’s historical integrity while offering modern hospitality.
Source: Fun Japan (April 23, 2026)
Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER (Formerly Nagoya TV Tower)
Situated in Nagoya’s Hisaya Ōdori Park, the Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER — formerly known as the Nagoya TV Tower — is Japan’s oldest TV tower, completed in 1954. Standing at 180 meters, it features two main observation decks: an indoor Sky Deck at 90 meters and an outdoor Sky Balcony at 100 meters. In May 2021, the tower was officially renamed following a partnership with Chubu Electric Power. The tower now houses THE TOWER HOTEL NAGOYA on its 4th and 5th floors, which opened on October 1, 2020, and is recognized as the world’s first tower hotel. Designed by artists from the Tokai region, the hotel offers specialty rooms and panoramic views of the city.
Source: Wikipedia – Nagoya TV Tower
Former Nara Prison (Nara Prison Museum)
The Former Nara Prison, located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, is the only surviving structure among the five major prisons constructed during the Meiji era. Designated as an Vital Cultural Property, it has undergone preservation and adaptive reuse. Hoshino Resorts is set to open the Nara Prison Museum on April 27, 2026, as part of this initiative. The museum will allow visitors to explore the penal history of Meiji-era Japan while highlighting architectural preservation efforts. While the facility functions primarily as a museum, it represents a model for the adaptive reuse of historic penal infrastructure.
Source: Holiday Travel (April 23, 2026)
Additional Cultural Properties for Stay
Beyond the highlighted sites, Japan features numerous other nationally registered cultural properties that operate as lodging facilities. These include renovated machiya (traditional townhouses), former government buildings, and wartime facilities repurposed with sensitivity to their historical significance. Stays at such properties are promoted by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs and local tourism boards as a means of supporting heritage conservation through sustainable tourism.
Why Stay in a Cultural Property?
Staying in a culturally designated property offers more than lodging — it provides immersion in Japan’s architectural and social history. Guests can experience original craftsmanship, spatial layouts from bygone eras, and storytelling embedded in the building’s fabric. Modern renovations respect preservation standards while integrating essential comforts such as climate control, private bathrooms, and high-speed internet. This balance ensures authenticity without sacrificing convenience.
Planning Your Stay
Reservations at cultural property hotels often require advance booking due to limited capacity and high demand. Travelers are advised to consult official websites or trusted travel platforms like JAPANiCAN for real-time availability, rates, and cultural context. Many properties offer guided tours, historical exhibits, or seasonal events that deepen the visitor’s understanding of the site’s legacy.
Conclusion
From the creative legacy of Nintendo’s Kyoto origins to the engineering milestone of Nagoya’s historic TV tower and the solemn architecture of Nara’s Meiji-era prison, Japan’s cultural properties offer profound connections to the nation’s story. By choosing to stay in these preserved spaces, travelers not only enjoy a distinctive journey but also contribute to the ongoing protection of irreplaceable heritage. As preservation efforts continue, such stays represent a meaningful way to engage with Japan’s past — one night at a time.