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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 administrative area called "Nishijin".(ja) What is 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.
In the latter half of the Heian period, the textiles called ōtoneri no aya and 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.Honda (2009), p.4
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.
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