The Emperor’s right hand. That’s what Ukyo means. This ward in Kyoto holds a special place in history. It’s where the Imperial Palace once stood. From its position west of the palace Ukyo Ward gained its name. Think of it as the Emperor’s powerful right arm.
Ukyo Ward wasn’t always a single ward. In 1931 nine villages merged to form it. This merging brought together diverse communities. Each had its own unique history and traditions.
The ward expanded again in 2005. The former town of Keihoku joined Ukyo Ward. This significantly increased the ward’s size. It became the largest ward in Kyoto by area.
Ukyo is not just about its size. It boasts stunning natural beauty. Mountains like Mount Atago and Mount Ogura rise majestically. The Katsura River and Arisugawa River wind their way through the landscape. They provide picturesque scenes. Many beautiful temples are nestled among these natural wonders.
Arashiyama is a highlight of Ukyo Ward. This hill is famous for its breathtaking maple leaves. The Togetsukyo Bridge or Bridge to the Moon adds to its allure. This area has attracted many visitors for centuries. It’s easy to see why.
The ward is also home to important Buddhist temples. Ninna-ji with its beautiful pagoda is one. Ryōan-ji with its famous rock garden is another. Tenryū-ji the head temple of the Tenryu branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism stands proudly.
Ukyo’s history is not just about temples. It was also a center of industry. Rohm an electronics manufacturer and Nissin Electric a global electrical equipment company have their headquarters here.
Ukyo Ward also has many schools. Kyoto University of Advanced Science and Kyoto University of Foreign Studies are located there. Many high schools and elementary schools are in Ukyo as well. These institutions contribute to the ward’s vibrancy.
Exploring Ukyo Ward is like peeling back the layers of Kyoto’s rich history. It reveals a fascinating story of nature industry and spirituality. Its unique name its expansive size and its remarkable sights make it truly memorable. This makes the visit to Ukyo Ward worthwhile.