Nishijin

Nishijin (西陣) is a district in Kyoto spanning from Kamigyō ward to Kita ward. Though it is well known as a district, there is no administractive area called "Nishijin". Nishijin is notable for its textile production, and is the birthplace of, a high-quality, well-known silk brocade fabric, woven with colourful silk yarn and gilt or silver paper strips.

History
In Kyoto, the textile production industry has existed since the 5th century, and it is said that weaving craftsmen gathered in Kuromon Kamichōja-machi (located around the southernmost portion of the modern Nishijin district) in the Heian period.

In the latter half of the Heian period, the textiles called ōtoneri no aya (大舍人の綾) and "silk of " (大宮の綾) were produced, and unique, thick and heavy textiles were used for the decorations of temples and shrines. The name Nishijin derives from Yamana Sōzen, a who fought in the Ōnin War (1467–1477); literally meaning "Western camp", others set up a camp in what would become Nishijin, located west from Horikawa.

After the Ōnin War, weaving craftsmen who had been scattered throughout the country returned to Kyoto and resumed their activities. At that time, the area became known as Nishijin.

There is a historic site of Nishijin between Imadegawa-Ōmiya and Imadegawa-Horikawa. The Imamiya festival of the Imamiya Shrine is known as the festival of Nishijin.

In 2008, Nishijin woven products totalled roughly ¥81.8 billion, with 465 vendors. Weaving machines used in production totalled 4,783 (3,600 power loom, 1,200 hand looms). Around 30,000 people were directly or indirectly engaged in the Nishijin weaving industry.

Geographic location
According to the Guidebook for the Kyoto Town Magistrate's Office (京都御役所向大概覚書), compiled in around 1717, Nishijin was constituted of the area covered by the Horikawa street, Shichihon-matsu street, Kuramaguchi street, and Ichijō street (or Nakadachiuri street).