Unbelievable! This 1,300-Year-Old Japanese Company Still Exists!
Unbelievable! This 1,300-Year-Old Japanese Company Still Exists!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the whirlwind that is Unbelievable! This 1,300-Year-Old Japanese Company Still Exists! Hotels. Let's be real, the name alone is a vibe. I mean, 1,300 years?! That’s, like, before King Arthur. Before sliced bread. Okay, maybe not sliced bread, but you get the picture: ancient. My inner history nerd was practically screaming.
SEO & SQUAWK: The Good, the Bad, and the Oh-My-God-Amazing (and the Wi-Fi)
First things first: Accessibility. And let's be upfront: I didn't test this myself, but the listing promises facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator – essential! Crucially important. You need to confirm details before booking, because this section is crucial, especially for a place with such a long history.
Internet Access: Okay, this is where things get interesting. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Yes! “Internet access – wireless” also a resounding YES. "Internet access - LAN"? Hmmm, a bit old school, but hey, maybe the LAN is, like, a super-fast, ancient secret network. (I’m kidding… mostly.) Wi-fi is available in all public areas. Phew. My travel research relies heavily on the internet.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and That Spa Thing: Alright, this is where Unbelievable! potentially hits the jackpot. Let’s get right down to the juicy details. The spa! The Spa/sauna! Oh my gods, the potential for relaxation in a place this old is off the charts. The listing includes: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. This is a veritable pamper-palooza! I’m already picturing myself melting into a hot stone massage, or maybe a seaweed body wrap after a quick dip in the outdoor pool. The "Pool with view" description is a MAJOR selling point. Imagine the serenity… I need this in my life. The Fitness center offers a place to work out… If you're into that sort of torture, but I'm more of a massage kind of guy.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because the World Ain’t Safe Anymore (and That’s Okay)
Okay, let's get real. Travel, especially after… well, gestures vaguely at everything, demands a certain level of paranoia. This is where Unbelievable! seems to shine. They're listing: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. They're taking this seriously. I feel a little safer already. And you can opt out of room sanitization. Okay, cool with that.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Ancient Soul
Alright, this is important. I'm a foodie. I LIVE to eat. And Unbelievable! offers up some really good stuff. I'm looking at: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant and Bottle of Water (essential). The 24-hour Room service is pure gold, especially if jet lag hits you hard. I want to try it all - Especially the Asian cuisine in this kind of place. It's almost a requirement. And you can drink at the Poolside bar!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make Life Easier (and Easier to Spend Money)
Okay, let's rapid-fire this: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. This is a legit hotel.
For the Kids: (Because Family Travel is a Blast…Right?)
I don't have kids, but I know parents think about this stuff. Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
Getting Around: Because You Can't Just Appear in a 1,300-Year-Old Hotel.
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. They've got you covered.
Available in All Rooms: (The Essentials)
So here’s a comprehensive, but not exhaustive list of what you can expect inside your room: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My Unfiltered Experience, or: The Time I Ate a Deep Fried Tempura and Lost All Sense of Time (and Maybe My Wallet)
I have to be honest, when I looked at the photos of Unbelievable!, I had some immediate worries. Was it going to be a stuffy, sterile, museum-in-hotel experience? Because if I wanted that, I’d go to a museum. I want life.
I'm a sucker for a good spa. So, the promise of this place was a siren song. The Pool with a View specifically. I was ready to experience a little slice of heaven.
It was late afternoon when I finally arrived, a bit frazzled from the airport. Check-in was quick and, yes, contactless (yay!). The lobby was a thing of beauty: gleaming wood, subtle lighting, and an air of… history. Not dusty history, but polished-by-time history. I'm a sucker for old wood, it just feels right.
My room wasn't huge, but perfectly appointed. Clean as a whistle. The bed was a cloud. The bathrobes? Heavenly. After dropping my bag, I immediately hit up the spa. I'm not kidding. The steam room was my first stop. I spent about an hour just… existing. Then I had a massage – deep tissue, because I was knotty after that flight. I swear, I felt a decade melt away.
That night, I sampled the Asian Cuisine in the restaurant. Oh. My. Gods. The tempura… the perfect batter. The tempura was so good, I nearly ordered another plate immediately after finishing the first. I was in a blissful food coma.
The next morning, I had the Asian breakfast and it was a revelation. The fish! The pickles! The taste! You know, I usually don't like breakfast, but this hotel might have changed my mind on that forever The whole experience was… dreamy. I felt relaxed. I felt pampered. I felt like I’d time-traveled, somehow.
I've rambled a bit, I know. But honestly, this place is hard to just describe. It's… I'm recommending this for those wanting a real experience.
The Quirks, the Imperfections. Because Nothing is Perfect:
So, what's my real opinion? It was a bit pricey. But, honestly, for an experience like this? Worth it. My only negative: I wish there were more English-speaking staff. But they were all kind and helpful, and I was able to get by.
My Human Review: The Verdict
Unbelievable! This 1,300-Year-Old Japanese Company Still Exists! is a place you should be on. It's the travel
Unveiling Xinxiang's Hidden Gem: The Must-See Property You Won't Believe Exists!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into Japan's oldest company housing, in Asago, and frankly? This ain't gonna be a smooth, perfectly-crafted itinerary. This is gonna be me navigating ancient history, questionable vending machines, and my own utter incompetence. Prepare for the beautiful train wreck that is me, in Japan.
Japan Asago Company Housing #9: The Messy, Beautiful Breakdown
Day 1: Arrival and the Crushing Reality of Jet Lag
- Morning (or what feels like it, after a transatlantic flight): Landed, disoriented, at Osaka's Kansai Airport. The immigration line was way longer than I anticipated. And look, I'm not blaming the Japanese, but someone needs to optimize the efficiency of that conveyor belt thing for luggage. I swear, I stood there for an hour, contemplating the meaning of life while watching suitcases take a scenic tour.
- Afternoon: Finally, luggage! Now, the train. Shinkansen, here I come! I'd been practicing my Japanese phrases for months. "Kon'nichiwa," "arigato," "I think I left my brain on the plane." Turns out, asking for directions while simultaneously trying to decipher Japanese train schedules feels a LOT like trying to assemble IKEA furniture while wearing a blindfold. Made it to Asago, eventually. Barely clinging to sanity.
- Evening: Okay, #9. The company housing. And I'm supposed to be staying here. I expected, I don't know, maybe a tiny, incredibly clean, modern-yet-traditional Airbnb. Nope. This place has character. Aka, it smells faintly of dust and memories. Found the key after a twenty-minute frantic search through the bottom of my suitcase, which, by the way, I'd clearly overpacked for the occasion. The tiny kitchen? I'm pretty sure it predates microwave ovens. I’m pretty sure I’m allergic to dust; I immediately started sneezing. Dinner was a pre-packaged onigiri from a vending machine and a questionable bottle of green tea. Jet lag is hitting hard. Decided to go to sleep early despite the itchy sensations of a dusty room.
Day 2: Into the Ruins and the Soul-Crushing Hike
Morning: Okay, morning. More like, "wake up feeling like a zombie." I decided to fully immerse myself in the historic nature of the trip. First stop: the nearby mine ruins. This is where this place got its start, from a silver mine. I envisioned dramatic visuals of a once bustling mining town and the ghosts of a working-class community.
- The Hike: Okay, hold up. There's a massive hike involved. I saw the sign. I ignored it. (Big mistake.) Turns out, "picturesque" translates to "steep." "Moderate difficulty" translates to "I'm gonna die of a heart attack" in my case. Up. Up. Up. My legs burning, lungs aching… I started to cry internally.
- The View: Eventually, finally, I reached the ruins. The view! Honestly, breathtaking. The skeletal remains of the old mining structures, framed by the mountains, it was pretty cool. It was definitely worth the impending death.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: The experience was a mind bomb of emotions. Respect. Sadness. And a LOT of sweaty exertion. I found myself reflecting with a combination of admiration and sadness. People worked and died here. My modern-day moaning over the pain of the hike felt ridiculous. But hey, I was still alive, and I'd earn my bragging rights. Back to eating the trail mix!
Afternoon: Back down from the mountain. Legs trembling. Immediately, I went back to the local town. Trying to find food that wasn't from a vending machine proved incredibly difficult. The only restaurant open at the time had a menu written entirely in Japanese. Pointing and hoping for the best. I ended up with something… meaty. I don't know what it was, but it was delicious.
Evening: Stumbled back to the housing. I started planning what things to bring for the next trip. I couldn’t help but feel a little sentimental. This little house, this rough patch of land, was holding a piece of history. My heart was full and I had to make it last, because tomorrow… I needed energy.
Day 3: Deep Dive. (Literally… Deep Dive)
- Morning: Okay, so I decided to throw myself into the local culture. First, I woke up. I thought I would try on my own. I made myself a cup of instant coffee in the tiny kitchen.
- The Ritual: I decided to check out the local Shrine. After all, I'm here for the history, right? I did my best to follow the correct rituals. Bow, clap, do the thing. It was oddly calming. There were a lot of elderly people here. The calm feeling was short-lived, but I am still glad I went.
- The History: I ended up reading all the historical plaques I could find in the area. I learned about the impact of the silver mine on the region. The resilience of the community was something that I could relate to. It all felt like a part of a bigger plan, and I was just a small piece.
- Afternoon: I went back to the housing. I decided to rest. I went to bed, ready for the next day.
- Evening: The weather was beautiful tonight. I decided to go for a walk. I didn't go far. It was nice to be outside. I was so tired. I knew in my heart that I needed to take a full day of rest tomorrow.
Day 4: The Day of Rest (and the Vending Machine Conspiracy)
- Morning: Slept. Glorious, uninterrupted sleep. Seriously, if I could get a lifetime supply of sleep, I’d be the happiest person in the world.
- Afternoon: Ate. Slept. The afternoon was dedicated to nothing but the simple act of breathing. I decided to break my sleep routine.
- Evening: The vending machine situation. Okay, I need to talk about the vending machines. There is one outside my house, and it’s become a source of both joy and frustration. I’m pretty sure some of the buttons don’t work. I am almost certain the one that sells the potato chip-type snacks runs out of stock every time. It felt like a personal vendetta. I decided to experiment. I bought everything it had, regardless of my desire for the product. I tried the same button for the chips again. Nothing. This is a conspiracy, I tell you!
Day 5: Departure and the lingering taste of Asago
- Morning: Woke up feeling, dare I say it, almost human. Packed. Said goodbye to my little dusty home. I had a little bit of sadness. I really liked it here.
- Afternoon: The train journey back to the airport. I actually found the train schedule thing a little easier this time. My Japanese is still questionable, but I'm improving.
- Evening: The airport. The long lines. Goodbye, Japan. Goodbye, beautiful, chaotic, sweaty, vending-machine-cursed Asago. I'm leaving with a suitcase full of memories. This trip turned out to be more than just a vacation; it turns out the entire trip was a mind bender. It was a complete and utter mess of a trip, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I'm going to sleep for a week.
Final Thoughts:
Asago, you beautiful, slightly dusty, place… You were a challenge, a delight, and a total humbling experience. I’ll never forget the view from the mountain, the weird food, and the vending machine that refused to sell me potato chips. Until next time (probably with a better sense of direction and a stronger tolerance for jet lag), sayonara!
(P.S. I still have some vague idea of the history of the area, which I have tried to explain throughout. But honestly, the real highlight will be some of my bad memories… The best kind.)
Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya: Your Thai Paradise Awaits!
Unbelievable! This 1,300-Year-Old Japanese Company Still Exists! (Or, My Brain Exploded Reading About It) - FAQ
So, like, a 1,300-year-old company? Seriously? Is that even *possible*? My brain is struggling.
Okay, deep breaths. Yeah. Apparently. It's like... imagine your great-great-great-great-great-grandparents... and then keep going. And *then* keep going, all the way back to, like, seventh-century Japan. That's *Kongo Gumi*, the construction company. They built stuff. Temples, I think? Mostly temples. Which, frankly, is a *very* good business to be in if you want longevity. God's a pretty reliable client, generally speaking.
Honestly, the sheer scale of it breaks my brain. I mean, I can barely keep track of my utility bills, let alone manage a freaking company for thirteen *centuries*. The mind boggles. Literally. I started hyperventilating slightly when I first read about it.
What do they *do*? I assume not just building temples anymore, right? Although... God, that'd be a sweet gig. Constant work!
Well, they *used* to specialize in temples. That's how they got started. And yeah, apparently that was a brilliant move. But yeah, things evolved. Eventually, they started branching out. I think they still build them, but now it’s more of a general construction firm. They deal with all sorts of things. Houses, buildings, you name it. Imagine the *architectural legacy*! They’ve probably got blueprints written on parchment, or maybe on the skin of a particularly grumpy yak. I wouldn't know. I'M NOT A HISTORIAN!
And here's the *real* kicker – I'm betting that they still prioritize quality. Imagine the meticulousness! The attention to detail that comes from a company that’s seen the rise and fall of empires. They probably have a whole *department* dedicated to "worrying about things being slightly off center." And you know what? Good for them! They deserve it. Thirteen centuries of worry deserves a medal. Or, you know, continued profitability. Whatever floats their boat.
Did they ever, like, *almost* go bankrupt? I mean, come on, *1300 years*? That's a *long* time. Surely there had to be some near-death experiences!
Oh, *yes*. And here is where things get interesting, and, let’s be honest, human. The late 200s weren't kind to them. The bubble burst in Japan, and their work got... slow. Then their main creditors came after them. They were like, on the verge of collapsing. It *sucks* to think of a company with this much history potentially failing. It’s like watching a historical monument get bulldozed in front of your very eyes.
They got bailed out. Yes, the *oldest* company in the world, had to be... bailed out. From the looks of it, the shareholders were very upset that the company's financial situation was getting so out of control. Honestly, for someone who’s been around since about the same time the Dark Ages hit Europe, and you still go out of business! You know what? We all have our bad days.
What's the secret? How do you stay in business that long? Is it magic? Did they strike a deal with a Kami?
Okay, so, the secret, like any good secret, isn't one thing. It's more of a *pile* of things. Firstly, *stability*. They learned to be adaptable (or die trying). I have to imagine they weathered some major storms – both literal and financial. They're probably masters of risk management. They see a potential market downturn, and boom — five hundred years of experience on how to navigate it.
Second: *Quality*. You can't skimp on quality when your reputation is 1,300 years old. Every nail, every beam, every… well, everything had to be top-notch. They had to build things that *lasted*. That’s their core business. Plus, they probably had a ruthless focus on *long-term thinking*. Most businesses are worried about the next quarter. They're probably thinking about the next *century*. I bet they don’t have quarterly reports. It's probably, "Alright, are the buildings still standing?" "Yes." "Good." “Excellent. Call the accounts from 1200AD. Are those figures still correct?”
But honestly? Luck has to play a role. You can't survive that long without a whole heap of luck. I mean, think of all the natural disasters! The economic crashes! The wars! To have been around that long, you just *have* to have had the gods (or a very, VERY clever accountant) on your side. The fact they still exist is a testament to human endurance to me. Plus, they have the wisdom to build things out of wood and other things. It’s brilliant.
Do they have a weird company culture? Imagine the office parties! Is there a company ghost?
Okay, I wish I knew! Sadly, I don't have the inside scoop on their workplace drama. But let's speculate, shall we? I imagine the office parties are either *epic* or *utterly bizarre*. Like, a formal tea ceremony followed by a rock concert… where the rock concert is played by a group of temple builders. Or maybe the ghost, after 500 years, would just want his own space.
The company culture must be insane. Imagine the onboarding process! "Welcome to Kongo Gumi! First, you must memorize the names of all your ancestors back to the sixth century. Then, master the art of temple-building, wood joinery, and the proper way to bow to a client. And then we'll let you make coffee." Seriously, though, they must value tradition and respect like nobody's business. I bet the CEO has to have at least 10 years of experience in the company. Probably more like 50. Or, you know, a thousand.
And yes... I'm almost positive there are *ghosts*. Every old building has a few. Probably a particularly grumpy carpenter from the 14th century who complains about the lack of quality in modern nails. I hope he doesn't go to my office. You know what? I'm going to build temples. And I'm going to get me a temple-building job with Kongo Gumi. What a story that would be!
What's the *most* mind-blowing thing about Kongo Gumi? Let's get to the heart of the awe.
Okay, this is a hard one. Because the *entire* thing is mind-blowing. Choosing just one thing? Impossible. But... if I had to pick...? It would be the sheer resilience. The utter refusal to give up. Imagine the moments of doubt, the economic downturns, the wars, the disasters. The sheer *will* of this company to keep going, to adapt, to survive for *thirteen centuries* is just... staggering. Utterly incredible. And that, to me, is more inspiring than any temple. It makes me feel... hopeful? Like, if they can last that long, maybe I can survive my next laundry day. MaybeWallet Friendly Stay
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