“Where did the name Koyama come from?” That’s a question I often hear as we start our exploration of this charming Tokyo neighborhood. Koyama is a town name in Shinagawa district. Today, we will uncover the story behind Koyama.
Koyama, written as \u5c0f\u5c71 in Japanese, is a district within Shinagawa. It is currently divided into Koyama 1-chome to Koyama 7-chome. The postal code for this area is 142-0062. In 2013, the population of Koyama was 18990 people.
Koyama is bordered by several other neighborhoods. To the north is Koyamadai. To the northeast lies Nishi-Gotanda. To the east and south is Ebara. To the southwest, we find Hatanodai and Hara-machi in Meguro district. To the west is Mita, also in Meguro district.
The entire district of Koyama is on a plateau. Koyama 5-chome and 6-chome are divided by the Tateai River. Koyama is a long and narrow area between the Tokyu Meguro Line and Nakahara-kaido Road. Koyama 7-chome used to be part of the Shirokanedai garden city.
The Tateai River used to be a red-light district. It was called Nishi-Koyama Sany地的. It was approved in 1928 and opened in 1929. Koyama 3-chome has the Musashi Koyama shopping street, which is the longest arcade in Tokyo.
During the Edo period, this area was known as Koyama village. In the Meiji era, it became Koyama village in Ebara district. In 1889, it merged with Naka-Nobu and Togoshi villages. It then became Hira塚 village. At this time, smaller sections of Koyama were created. Along the Tateai River was the Nishi-Koyama pleasure area.
The most accepted theory is that the name comes from a small hill. Koyama Hachiman Shrine is located on this small hill. The shrine protects the area.
Transportation is convenient here in Koyama. The Tokyu Meguro Line has two stations. These are Musashi-Koyama Station and Nishi-Koyama Station. The southern part of Koyama is also near Washizu Station.
Koyama also has many facilities. There is the Shinagawa municipal Osaki elementary school. There is the Shinagawa municipal Koyama elementary school. There is the Shinagawa municipal Ebara sixth middle school. There is the Tokyo metropolitan Koyama High School. There is also the Shinagawa municipal Naka-Nobe kindergarten. The area also has many post offices.
As we conclude our exploration of Koyama, remember its rich history. From its Edo-era origins to its modern-day vibrancy Koyama offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s past.