Dating back over fourteen centuries to the era of Prince Shotoku, Kongo Gumi is celebrated globally as the oldest continually operating company in existence. Originally founded by master carpenter Kongo Shigemitsu, the firm has spent generations reconstructing and preserving Japan's sacred temples, grand castles, and historic landmarks through centuries of wars and natural disasters. While it operates primarily as an active specialist in traditional woodworking rather than a standard tourist attraction, its historic headquarters and profound architectural lineage make it a revered pilgrimage stop for history and architecture enthusiasts. Standing near the legendary grounds of Shitenno-ji, it remains a living testament to Japan's enduring spirit of artisanal craftsmanship.
- Historic Businesses
- Traditional Architecture
- Temple Carpentry
- Japanese Heritage
- Living History
- Woodworking
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