- Source:
- PR Times
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Tokyo 1964 and 2020: How the Olympics Have Transformed the City
With just 3 more years until Tokyo is set to host the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, Japan has been busy with preparations for the much-anticipated international sporting event. Not only have big-name anime characters like Goku, Luffy, and Sailor Moon been appointed as official ambassadors, companies are getting ready to welcome foreigners with the help of new technology and unique kimono design projects.
But more importantly, there has been a rush of new hostels, Airbnbs, and hotels in order to comfortably accommodate the thousands of visitors expected to be traveling from across the globe. Many buildings are being converted into hotels precisely for the Olympic and Paralympic games, including the Nara Juvenile Prison, which had housed over 700 minors since 1946 until the end of March 2017.
Source: PR Times
Despite its history as the home for juveniles charged with serious offenses, the facility itself is a beautiful building that has remained mostly unchanged since it was first built in the year 1908. Even designated as an important cultural asset, those behind this new hotel project hope that future guests will be able to experience the historical and cultural background of the site in addition to enjoying the newly renovated space.
Major Japanese hotel network Solare Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd. will be in charge of this conversion from prison to hotel, with assistance from other companies like Muji. The hotel will have around 150 dormitory-type rooms, each retaining its prison cell layout but with brand new interior furnishings. However, guests who are curious to see what the juvenile hall looked like before the renovation will also be able to get a look, as there are plans to preserve one wing of the prison.
Source: PR Times
Source: PR Times
In addition to the rooms, the facility will include restaurants, public baths, cafe bars, community centers, and more. This new kind of hotel is scheduled to open in 2020, so those planning on visiting for the Olympics and Paralympics will have the chance to enjoy this unique hotel experience while rooting on their home country at the games.