Nishijin

[1] Nishijin is notable for its textile production, and is the birthplace of nishijin-ori, a high-quality, well-known silk brocade fabric, woven with colourful silk yarn and gilt or silver paper strips.

[2]: 140 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.

[3] In the latter half of the Heian period, the textiles called ōtoneri no aya (大舍人の綾) and ōmiya no kinu (大宮の綾, "silk of ōmiya") were produced, and unique, thick and heavy textiles were used for the decorations of temples and shrines.

[3] The name Nishijin derives from Yamana Sōzen, a daimyō 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.

[4] After the Ōnin War, weaving craftsmen who had been scattered throughout the country returned to Kyoto and resumed their activities.