Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City, is part of the Nagoya City government-designated city. To the west of the ward is a commercial district centered around Imaike, one of Nagoya City's most famous downtown areas, while to the north is a quiet residential area. The eastern part of the ward is an educational district with many universities, high schools, and prep schools, and is lined with stylish boutiques and coffee shops, making it a youthful place. The area from Higashiyama Park to Heiwa Park is hilly, and the area around Kakuozan is also at a higher elevation than the surrounding area. In the eastern part of the ward is Nagoya Higashiyama Forest, one of the largest in Japan, covering an area of 410 hectares, part of which is home to Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.