It was within the current Minami Ward that there existed the Rajo-mon Gate which was the southern main gate to Heian-kyo (ancient capital of Japan), as well as the Temples of To-ji and Sai-ji which were built in the east and the west, respectively, of the gate.
平安京の南の正門である羅城門、その東西に創建された東寺、西寺は現在の南区内に位置していた。