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Ward of Kyoto in Japan

Higashiyama 東山区
Ward of Kyoto
Shirakawa Canal in Gion, Higashiyama-ku, showing the rear of some ochaya
Location of Higashiyama-ku in Kyoto
HigashiyamaLocation of Higashiyama-ku in Japan
Coordinates: 34°59′50″N 135°46′35″E / 34.99722°N 135.77639°E / 34.99722; 135.77639
Country	Japan
Prefecture	Kyoto
City	Kyoto
Founded	1929
Area
• Total	7.48 km (2.89 sq mi)
Highest elevation	242 m (794 ft)
Lowest elevation	25 m (82 ft)
Population
• Total	36,602
• Density	4,900/km (13,000/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+9 (Japan Standard Time)
Website	www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/higasiyama/

Map

Higashiyama (東山区, Higashiyama-ku, meaning "east mountain") is one of the eleven wards in the city of Kyoto, in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.

History

It was created in 1929 when it was split off from Shimogyō-ku. During the years 1931 to 1976 it also covered the area of present-day Yamashina-ku, which was an independent town until its merger into the city in 1931. The name literally means "Eastern Mountain District".

Due to the restrictions against urban development, the population inside the ward is continually decreasing. Higashiyama-ku has the lowest population of all the wards in Kyoto, and a disproportionate number of elderly people.

Geography

Interposed between the Kamo River and the Higashiyama mountain range, Higashiyama-ku is roughly bounded by the Sanjō street in the north, and the Jūjō street in the south. Historically, this area lay outside the official boundaries of the city of Kyoto. The western part consists mainly of residential areas, whereas the eastern part is covered by forests. In the north, between the Kamo River and Higashi-oji street, there is a commercial district, and in the south there is a semi-industrial zone.

Demographics

Historical population
Year	Pop.	±%
1980	62,077	—
1990	51,171	−17.6%
2000	44,813	−12.4%
2010	40,528	−9.6%
2020	36,602	−9.7%
Source:

Sights

Many of the locations central to the development of 15th-century Japanese culture known as Higashiyama Bunka are found here or in Sakyō-ku. Both the entertainment district of Gion in front of Yasaka Shrine, and the area around the stone-paved roads Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka that lead up to the World Heritage Kiyomizu Temple, enjoy protected status to preserve the traditional style buildings. Other temples and shrines in the ward include Tōfuku-ji, Kennin-ji, Kōdai-ji, and Sanjūsangen-dō.

The Kyoto National Museum is also located inside Higashiyama-ku, as well as the Namikawa Cloisonne Museum.