Shimogyo Ward in Kyoto City is located in the center of Kyoto, and is a thriving downtown area with Kyoto Station and Kyoto Tower. At one time, there were many commercial facilities nearby, which meant there were few residential areas and fewer residents, but recently condominiums have been built and the population is once again on the rise. One of the tourist attractions in this area is Nishi Honganji Temple, the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect, and is visited by many monks. This area is also home to the nationally famous Gion Festival. The sheer scale of the festival floats and the number of street stalls stretching for several kilometers is truly impressive. The area is bustling with tourists.