raised to town status on July 6, 1897. The town of Ugo was established on April 1, 1955 by the merger of the town of Nishimonai with the surrounding villages of Miwa, Niinari, Meiji Motonishimonai, Tashiro, and Sendo, all from Ogachi District. Economy The economy of Ugo is based on agriculture, primarily rice cultivation. Ugo is location of the OTC (Orient Technical Center). It is a factory of luxury watches. OTC owned by Orient Watch Co., Ltd. Education Ugo has four public elementary schools and one public middle school operated by the town government, and one public high school operated by the Akita Prefectural Board of Education. Elementary Schools Junior High Schools High Schools Transportation Railway Ugo does not have any railway services. Highway Places of worship : Oldest and most important Shinto shrine in Ugo. The main building of this shrine was built in the Muromachi era with several others having been added over the following 400 years. Like most shrines in Ugo this shrine is surrounded by many cedar trees. : A 15-minute car ride and a 25-minute hike over a well worn mountain trail with many wooden stairs will bring you to the shrine at the top of Ugo's tiny Mt. Taihei. The shrine provides a sweeping view of southern Akita from Yuzawa all the way to Daisen. Especially recommended in fall. : Located next to the Nishimonai post office, this is Nishimonai's main shrine. It is located in the center of a stand of tall cedars. Local attractions : A windy mountain path that leads over the branch of the Dewa mountains that cuts across the western third of Ugo. It leads from Motonishi into Tashiro, and is a popular challenge for cyclists. There are areas to stop and take in the natural environment as well as the local spring water known for extending life – . : The oldest house in Akita prefecture. The main part of the house was built in the first half of the 17th century and the gate house being finished by 1733. : A park complex Located in Nishimonai and Niinari. There is a small golf course with driving range (which doubles as a ski slope in the winter), picnic areas, a pond, and the Toshitoland spa and restaurant building. Local festivals and events Ugo is well known in Akita for the annual Bon Dance in Nishimonai. Nishimonai Bon Odori