Since ancient times Yamashina has had a close relation with governments; a garden for monks (Yamashina-dera Temple) was founded by NAKATOMI no Kamatari in 669 and the Imperial mausoleum of Emperor Tenji (Tenchi) was built in the late seventh century.
山科は古代より政権との結びつきが深く、669年には中臣鎌足によって精舎（山階寺）が作られ、7世紀末には天智天皇陵などが作られた。