Arashiyama’s whispers beckon. Can you hear them?
Ukyo Ward in Kyoto is more than just a name. It’s a story etched in mountains and rivers. It’s a history woven into bamboo forests and ancient temples. Ukyo Ward means ‘on the Emperor’s right’. Imagine the Emperor seated in the Kyoto Imperial Palace facing south. West then becomes his right. Ukyo was the western part of the ancient capital. Nine villages merged to form the ward we know today in 1931. In 2005 it expanded dramatically incorporating the former town of Keihoku. This made Ukyo Ward the largest ward in Kyoto by area a sprawling 292 square kilometers.
The ward boasts a rich tapestry of landscapes. Mountains like Iwatayama and Mount Atago rise majestically. The Arisugawa Katsura and Tenjin rivers carve paths through the land. Ukyo Ward shares borders with other wards including Kita Sakyo Nakagyo Shimogyo Nishikyo and Minami-ku. It also touches the cities of Kameoka and Nantan.
This sprawling ward is dotted with renowned sites. Arashiyama draws visitors with its stunning bamboo groves and the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge the Bridge to the Moon. Ninna-ji Temple captivates with its fine pagoda. Ryoan-ji’s Zen garden a masterpiece of raked stones offers moments of tranquility. Tenryu-ji the head temple of the Tenryu branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism stands as a testament to history. Sagano offers a charming neighborhood with the Sagano Romantic Train adding another layer of enchantment. Uzumasa is a fascinating area. It is home to Koryu-ji a temple that predates Kyoto as the imperial capital. It’s also the heart of Japan’s film industry thanks to the Toei Uzumasa Eigamura studios.
Ukyo Ward is not just about historical places. Modern industry thrives here. Rohm an electronic parts manufacturer and Nissin Electric a global electrical equipment company have their headquarters in this ward. Educational institutions also play a vital role. Several senior high schools and universities including Kyoto Koka Women’s University and Kyoto University of Foreign Studies enrich the intellectual landscape.
So as we stand here at the edge of Ukyo Ward remember this. It is a place where ancient history meets modern innovation. It is a place where nature’s beauty intertwines with cultural richness. It’s a place that offers a captivating blend of the past present and future. Ukyo Ward awaits your exploration.