The ten oldest companies in the world, listed

1. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is a Japanese hot spring hotel that is considered the oldest hotel in the world, having been in continuous operation since it was founded in 705 AD. The hotel is located in Hayakawa, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, and is situated next to the Hayakawa River in the foothills of the Akaishi Mountains.

The hotel has been owned and operated by the same family for 52 generations and has hosted many famous guests throughout its long history, including shoguns, samurai, and literary figures. The hot springs at Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan are said to have therapeutic benefits, and the hotel offers a traditional Japanese onsen experience with multiple indoor and outdoor baths.

The hotel has maintained much of its traditional Japanese architecture and decor over the centuries, including tatami mat floors, shoji screens, and wooden interiors. Despite its age, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan offers modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and private bathrooms in some rooms. It continues to attract visitors from around the world who are interested in experiencing a piece of history while enjoying the natural beauty and tranquility of the surrounding area.

2. Kongo Gumi

Kongo Gumi is a Japanese construction company that is known for its specialization in the construction of Buddhist temples and other religious structures. Founded in 578 AD, Kongo Gumi is considered the oldest continuously operating company in the world, with a history spanning over 1,400 years.

Kongo Gumi was founded by a Korean immigrant named Shigemitsu Kongō who was invited to Japan to help build the Shitennō-ji Temple in Osaka. Over the centuries, the company has been passed down through the Kongō family, with each successive generation taking over the business. The company has been responsible for the construction of many famous temples throughout Japan, including the Hōryū-ji Temple in Nara and the Shitennō-ji Temple in Osaka.

In addition to its expertise in religious construction, Kongo Gumi has also been involved in the construction of other types of buildings, including homes, offices, and public buildings. The company has faced financial difficulties in recent years and was acquired by the Takamatsu Construction Group in 2006, but it continues to operate under the Kongo Gumi name and maintains a reputation for its expertise in traditional Japanese construction techniques.

3. Stiftskeller St. Peter

Stiftskeller St. Peter is a restaurant located in Salzburg, Austria, and is considered to be the oldest restaurant in Europe, having been in continuous operation since 803 AD. The restaurant is located in the St. Peter’s Abbey, which is one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking world.

Stiftskeller St. Peter offers a traditional Austrian dining experience, serving dishes such as schnitzel, dumplings, and apple strudel, as well as a selection of Austrian wines and beers. The restaurant is housed in a series of interconnected rooms, each with its own unique decor and ambiance, including the elegant Prince’s Room, the rustic Hunting Room, and the cozy Abbey Cellar.

Throughout its long history, Stiftskeller St. Peter has hosted many famous guests, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who is said to have composed part of his opera “The Marriage of Figaro” while dining at the restaurant. Other notable guests include Emperor Charlemagne, Emperor Franz Joseph I, and Johann Michael Haydn, the younger brother of composer Franz Joseph Haydn.

Today, Stiftskeller St. Peter remains a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, who come to enjoy its historic atmosphere and traditional Austrian cuisine.

4. Staffelter Hof

Staffelter Hof is a winery located in Kröv, Germany, and is believed to be the oldest family-owned winery in the world, with a history dating back over 1150 years. The winery has been operated by the same family for over 18 generations, and its current owner, Jan Matthias Klein, is a direct descendant of the winery’s founder.

Staffelter Hof produces a range of wines, including Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc, using traditional winemaking methods and practices that have been passed down through the generations. The winery is situated in the Mosel wine region, which is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Rieslings.

Throughout its long history, Staffelter Hof has faced many challenges, including wars, economic crises, and changes in wine styles and tastes. However, the winery has managed to survive and thrive by staying true to its traditions and producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Mosel region.

Today, Staffelter Hof is considered to be one of the most historic and prestigious wineries in Germany, and its wines are sought after by wine enthusiasts around the world. The winery also offers tastings and tours to visitors, providing them with a glimpse into the history and traditions of this legendary winery.

5. Sean’s Bar

Sean’s Bar is a pub located in Athlone, Ireland, that is believed to be the oldest pub in Europe, with a history dating back over 1,100 years. The pub is situated on the banks of the River Shannon and has been a popular gathering place for locals and visitors for centuries.

Sean’s Bar has a rich history and has been visited by many famous figures over the years, including Irish writer and poet WB Yeats, who mentioned the pub in his poetry, and American actor John Wayne, who is said to have stopped by for a pint while filming a movie in Ireland.

The pub’s interior is decorated with old photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts that reflect its long history, including a section of the original wattle and daub wall that dates back to the 10th century. The bar also hosts live music sessions and traditional Irish music performances, adding to its lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Despite its age, Sean’s Bar continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to soak up its unique atmosphere, sample its wide selection of Irish whiskeys and beers, and perhaps catch a glimpse of its famous resident ghost, the “Lady in Red.”

6. Monnaie de Paris

The Monnaie de Paris, or the Paris Mint, is the French national mint and the oldest mint in the world still in operation. It was founded in 864 AD and has been producing coins and medals for France and other countries for over a thousand years.

The Monnaie de Paris is located in a historic building in the heart of Paris, near the River Seine and the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral. The building was designed in the neoclassical style by architect Jacques-Denis Antoine and features a grand courtyard, a museum, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.

The Monnaie de Paris produces a range of coins, including circulation coins, commemorative coins, and collector coins. It also produces medals for a variety of purposes, such as military honors, sports events, and cultural celebrations.

In addition to its role as a mint, the Monnaie de Paris also hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year, showcasing the history and art of coin and medal production. The museum within the building features a collection of historic coins and medals, as well as temporary exhibitions on various topics related to numismatics and art.

Overall, the Monnaie de Paris is an important cultural institution in France, and a popular destination for visitors who are interested in history, art, and the production of coins and medals.

7. The Royal Mint

The Royal Mint is the mint of the United Kingdom, responsible for producing coins for circulation in the UK, as well as for many other countries around the world. The Royal Mint has been producing coins for over 1,100 years, with a long and fascinating history.

The Royal Mint has its headquarters in Llantrisant, Wales, where it produces coins using modern technology and innovative design. In addition to producing coins for circulation, the Royal Mint also produces commemorative coins, including those to mark important national events and anniversaries, as well as special coins for collectors.

The Royal Mint has a rich history and has been located in various locations throughout the UK over the years. It has produced coins for many different countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and many more. The Royal Mint is also known for producing bullion coins and bars, which are popular among investors.

The Royal Mint is an important institution in the UK and a symbol of British history and culture. Its coins and medals are highly respected and sought after by collectors around the world.

8.Barovelli’s

A clothing store located in Rome, Italy, Barovelli’s has been operating since 900 AD.

9. Genda Shigyo

A Japanese construction company, Genda Shigyo has been operating since 927 AD.

10. Château de Goulaine

Château de Goulaine is a historic castle located in the Loire Valley of France, near the city of Nantes. The castle was built in the 15th century and has been owned by the same family, the Goulaine family, for over 1,000 years.

The castle is known for its beautiful architecture, gardens, and historical significance. It has been designated as a French historical monument and is open to the public for tours and events.

In addition to its stunning architecture and gardens, Château de Goulaine is also famous for its wine production. The castle has a long history of producing Muscadet wine, which is made from grapes grown in the surrounding vineyards. The castle’s wine cellar is one of the oldest in the Loire Valley, dating back to the 16th century.

Overall, Château de Goulaine is a popular tourist destination in France, offering visitors a chance to explore a beautiful historic castle and taste some of the region’s finest wines.

Bonus: What is the oldest company in Canada?

The oldest company in Canada that is still in operation today is the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC). It was founded in 1670 by English royal charter and played a significant role in the early exploration and development of Canada. Originally established as a fur trading company, the HBC eventually expanded into other areas, including retail and real estate.

Today, the Hudson’s Bay Company is a major retail corporation that operates department stores in Canada and the United States. Despite its long history, the company has faced some challenges in recent years, including declining sales and financial difficulties. However, it remains an important and iconic Canadian institution with a rich history and legacy.