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Osaka

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See. Kongo Gumi↗ Visit the world's oldest company, a construction firm established in 578 AD. Shiten’nō-ji Temple↗ See one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples, rebuilt multiple times by Kongo Gumi. Osaka Castle↗ Explore the historic castle that Kongo Gumi helped construct. The Datum↗ Find the shiny golden pin marking Osaka's midpoint for road measurements.

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

Stay. Osaka Consider a hotel in Osaka with some of the highest hotel rooms in Japan.

Condé Nast TravelerOct 16, 2026

20 Extraordinary Shops Worth Traveling For, Chosen by The Shopkeepers

From 100-year-old family-run operations to contemporary boutiques, these beautiful shops each offer a distinct sense of place and a dedication to craft.

21 things in this story
  • TruckPlaceFlagship offers thoughtfully designed furniture and home goods.
  • Bird CoffeeCaféHomey café for a drink and donut.
  • Elsewhere
  • Marin MontagutSightParis, FranceGreen shop with whimsical watercolor scenes on ceramics.
  • Notary Ceramics and HomePlacePortland, United StatesOffers minimalist earthenware, porcelain lighting, and bell chimes.
  • James Smith and SonsPlaceLondon, United KingdomMaking umbrellas since 1830 with Victorian storefront.
  • ChommiesPlaceCape Town, South AfricaSells pet items with a painted facade and playful interiors.
  • Caza das Vellas LoretoPlaceLisbon, PortugalOne of world's oldest candle shops, operating since 1789.
  • AlaturcahousePlaceIstanbul, TurkeyFour-story townhouse transformed into a library of rugs.
  • McTavishPlaceByron Bay, AustraliaSurfboard shop and headquarters with wave-like roofline.
  • Il PapiroPlaceFlorence, ItalyFlagship on Via Camillo Cavour for hand-marbled paper goods.
  • Lulu StoriesPlaceLamu Island, KenyaBeachside shop with handwoven kikoy wraps and linen button-downs.
  • Lulu Stories HomeHotelLamu Island, KenyaRustic two-bedroom stay available for booking.
  • Iris HantverkPlaceStockholm, SwedenFlagship location for handcrafted household and cleaning brushes.
  • MoroHotelMarrakech, MoroccoBoutique hotel and shop with scents, skincare, and dresses.
  • SavapilePlaceAthens, GreeceOnly remaining straw-hat maker in Greece, founded in 1960.
  • Campbell's of BeaulyPlaceBeauly, United KingdomOutfitter with original timber counters for bespoke coats.
  • Palace AtelierPlaceJaipur, IndiaConcept store with candy-colored interior and pop art twist.
  • Calzados CorreaPlaceBuenos Aires, ArgentinaShop offering Oxford shoes and coordinating leather belts.
  • Saddler and Co.PlaceDubbo, AustraliaMinimalist shop with heirloom saddles and leather accessories.
  • Zeri CraftsPlaceSalmiya, KuwaitShop with contemporary interpretations of heritage crafts.
  • Antoinette PoissonPlaceParis, FranceStudio invoking 18th-century decorative art of domino papers.
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerOct 4

The Best Affordable Hotels in Japan, From Historic Tokyo Stays to Kyoto Boutiques

Before you start planning your next visit, consult our list of the cheapest nicest hotels in Japan.

9 hotels in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Lonely PlanetAug 17

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
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

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…
Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

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.
Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

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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