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Osaka

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Digest

See. Kongo Gumi↗ The world's oldest company, a construction firm founded in 578 AD, known for building temples. Shiten’nō-ji Temple↗ One of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples, built in 593 AD, repeatedly reconstructed by Kongo Gumi. Osaka Castle↗ A historic castle, rebuilt multiple times, with significant contributions from Kongo Gumi. The Datum↗ A shiny golden pin marking Osaka's midpoint, installed in 1922 for national roads.

Eat. Dōtonbori The heart of Osaka's food scene, famous for its 'eat yourself into ruin' philosophy. Okonomiyaki Try these fried cabbage cakes, a cross between a pancake, pizza, and omelet. Takoyaki Savor these fried eggy dumplings with octopus bits, a quintessential street food snack.

Stay. Recent coverage hasn't surfaced specific picks yet.

Lonely PlanetAug 17, 2026

The 10 best places to visit in Japan

From Tokyo

15 things in this story
  • DōtomboriNeighborhoodCanalside strip with dazzling nightscapes
  • Elsewhere
  • Kinkaku-jiPlace of worshipKyoto, JapanExquisite pavilion sheathed entirely in gold leaf
  • Ryōan-jiPlace of worshipKyoto, JapanZen rock garden
  • Ghibli MuseumMuseumTokyo, JapanIt is located in Inokashira Park in Mitaka, a western city within the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, in Japan.
  • Maruyama-kōenParkKyoto, JapanPark famous for its cherry blossoms
  • Mt FujiSightFuji, JapanPerfectly symmetrical cone of Japan's highest peak
  • Peace Memorial MuseumMuseumHiroshima, JapanVisit for a heartbreaking, important history lesson
  • ŌkunoshimaSightHiroshima, JapanRabbit Island, home to hundreds of friendly rabbits
  • Yakusugi MuseumAttractionYakushima, JapanLearn about the importance of yakusugi
  • Oku-no-inSightKōya-san, JapanTemple highlight with paths among cryptomeria trees
  • Okinawa and the Southwest IslandsNeighborhoodOkinawa, JapanSemi-tropical archipelago with Japan's best beaches
  • Yaeyama IslandsNeighborhoodOkinawa, JapanThe islands are located southwest of the Miyako Islands, part of the Ryukyu Islands archipelago.
  • Yari-ga-takeTrailKamikōchi, JapanChallenging trek up one of Japan's tallest mountains
  • Imperial PalaceSightTokyo, Japan
  • Kerama IslandsNeighborhoodOkinawa, Japan
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Atlas ObscuraAug 7

Kongo Gumi in Osaka, Japan

Japan is home to about two dozen businesses over a thousand years old, including Keiunkan ( https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/nishiyama-onsen-keiunkan ) and Wasuke ( https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ichimonjiya-wasuke ). Osaka-based construction company Kongo Gumi is the oldest of those, and the oldest company in the entire world. Its history goes all the way back to 578 AD. The founder of…

10 things in this story
  • Kongo GumiPlaceOldest construction company in the world, founded in 578 AD.
  • Osaka CastleSightKongo Gumi contributed to its construction.
  • Shiten’nō-ji TempleSight
  • Elsewhere
  • KeiunkanHotelChūō, JapanThe oldest hotel in the world has been operated by the same family for over 1,300 years, even catering to samurai.
  • WasukeRestaurantTokyo, JapanEstablished over a thousand years ago, this family-run teahouse continues to serve skewers of sweet rice cake to this…
  • Hōryū-ji temple complexSightIkaruga, JapanDestroyed several times throughout its history.
  • Tayasu GateSightTokyo, JapanRestoration contributed to by Kongo Gumi.
  • Kuon-ji TemplePlace of worshipMinobu, JapanKongo Gumi contributed to the five-story pagoda's restoration.
  • Kōbuntei teahouseSightMito, JapanKongo Gumi contributed to its restoration.
  • Kairaku-en gardensGardenMito, Japan偕楽園は金沢の兼六園、岡山の後楽園とならぶ「日本三名園」のひとつで、天保13年（1842年）に水戸藩第九代藩主徳川斉昭によって造園されました。斉昭は、千波湖に臨む七面山を切り開き、領内の民と偕（とも）に楽しむ場にしたいと願い、「偕楽園」をつ…
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Atlas ObscuraJul 21

Osaka's midpoint in Osaka, Japan

When driving around a country you will find signs telling you the distance to surrounding places. People use these signs without much thought, but of course such a measurement needs to be based on something. In the case of Osaka, it is a shiny golden pin. The Datum was installed in 1922 after the installation of the 1919 road act. It was at the start and end of seven national roads. The current…

1 sight in this story
  • The DatumSightShiny golden pin marking Osaka's measurement midpoint.
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Lonely PlanetJul 15

Taking the train in Japan - all you need to know

Find your way around Japan by train with this guide to the rail network, with info on tickets and JR Passes, routes and services, and on-board facilities.

24 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →

AfarApr 3, 2025

These Are the Best New Hotels of 2025

Each year, after much consideration and debate, Afar’s global network of editors, writers, and travel advisors anoints the best new and renovated hotels in the world. For 2025, we’ve selected 25 ...

23 things in this story
  • Four Seasons Hotel OsakaHotelPilgrimage-worthy restaurants, rooms evoke an urban ryokan.
  • GensuiHotelCity's first urban ryokan with 21 rooms.
  • Jiang Nan ChunRestaurantCantonese restaurant serving dim sum at lunchtime.
  • Sushi L’Abysse OsakaRestaurantPairs French bites with unique sushi twists.
  • Elsewhere
  • Cape GraceHotelCape Town, South AfricaHandsome lobby lounge with geometric chandeliers.
  • Palazzo TalìaHotelRome, ItalyGrand common spaces, modern furnishings.
  • PopulusHotelDenver, United StatesAwe-inspiring facade, impressive sustainability program.
  • Corinthia Grand Hotel AstoriaHotelBrussels, BelgiumElegant restoration of a historic grand dame.
  • Palais RoyalAttractionBrussels, BelgiumMulticourse, Japanese-inflected tasting menus.
  • Le Petit Bon BonRestaurantBrussels, BelgiumUpdates comforting Belgian classics.
  • Dar Tantora The House HotelHotelAlUla, Saudi ArabiaStylish pool with views out over a date palm oasis.
  • JoontosRestaurantAlUla, Saudi ArabiaUses ingredients from the date palm oasis.
  • Dusit ThaniHotelBangkok, ThailandLarger, modernized guest rooms with park views.
  • Hôtel du Couvent, a Luxury Collection HotelHotelNice, FranceMinimalist decor in a 17th-century space, pool overlooks sea.
  • Janu TokyoHotelTokyo, JapanMore relaxed take on luxury, unique perks.
  • Kibale LodgeHotelKasenda, UgandaAccess to primate tourism, feel-good nonprofit attached.
  • Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, LondonHotelLondon, United KingdomDramatic interiors, statement art, see-and-be-seen F&B.
  • One&Only One Za’abeelHotelDubai, United Arab EmiratesCool new building with restaurants and bars.
  • Stellar JayRestaurantDenver, United StatesRooftop restaurant with a wall covered in dried leaves.
  • Raffles JaipurHotelJaipur, IndiaPersonalized service, ornate interiors nod to historic structures.
  • Regent Santa Monica BeachHotelSanta Monica, United StatesUnbeatable location across from beach, destination dining.
  • Orla by Michael MinaRestaurantSanta Monica, United StatesDraws on chef's Egyptian heritage.
  • Rosewood Schloss FuschlHotelHof bei Salzburg, AustriaMix of traditional and contemporary art, Alpine activities.
Read the full piece at Afar →
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