Japan Turns 118-Year-Old Prison Into a Luxury Hotel: Would You Stay Here? A prison is probably not the first place that comes to mind when planning a luxury holiday. But in Japan, a historic former prison has been given a completely unexpected second life as a high-end hotel. HOSHINOYA Nara Prison , located in Nara, opened in June 2026 after the historic building was carefully restored and converted into a 48-room luxury property. The hotel retains many of the former prison's architectural features while adding modern accommodation and hospitality. And yes, the rooms were created from actual former prison cells. From Prison to Luxury Hotel The building was originally constructed in 1908 during Japan's Meiji era and was part of the country's historic prison system. The former Nara Prison is particularly significant because it is the only surviving example among Japan's Five Great Meiji Prisons that remains intact in its original radial layout. It was later designated a ...
Maharashtra Bans Sale of Loose Edible Oil: FDA Warns of Heavy Fines and Jail Term The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered a statewide ban on the sale of loose and unpacked edible oil , in a major food-safety crackdown led by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. The directive requires edible oil to be sold in properly sealed and labelled packaging, with authorities warning that violations can lead to strict legal action, including heavy fines and imprisonment. Why Has Maharashtra Banned Loose Edible Oil? According to the FDA, loose or unsealed oil can be difficult to trace because it may not carry important information such as the manufacturer's details, batch number, manufacturing information or source. The lack of traceability can make it harder for authorities to investigate complaints or identify the source of contaminated or adulterated oil. The FDA's action is also aimed at preventing adulteration and ensuring that edible oil sold to consumers meets fo...