Ukon-no-Tachibana, Important tree in Kyoto Imperial Palace, Japan
Ukon-no-Tachibana is a mandarin orange tree located within the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds, positioned near the Shishin-den Hall. The tree is part of a carefully designed landscape that combines imperial architecture with seasonal plants.
The tree was first documented in 959 CE when a specimen was transplanted to this location from a royal estate. Since then, it has remained a permanent feature of the imperial gardens, symbolizing the palace's long history.
The tree forms a symbolic pair with Sakon no Sakura, representing traditional Japanese garden design principles within the imperial grounds. This arrangement reflects the imperial court's dedication to creating harmony between natural elements.
The tree can be viewed during guided tours of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which require advance registration. Visitors should be prepared for outdoor walking and check opening times before planning their visit.
The tree received its name due to its dense foliage and distinctive presence within the imperial grounds. This characteristic makes it stand out noticeably among other trees on the palace grounds.
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