Feudal Japan

Feudal Japan

1185–1603 CE

Traditional Japanese temple with tiled roof and wooden architecture, surrounded by visitors and trees.

Feudal Japan is the era of the shogun and samurai, and the beginning of Zen Buddhism

Kamakura Period

Muromachi Period

Kamakura Period

1185–133 CE

Military rule begins in this era of samurai and shoguns

a sculpture of a man who sits cross legged and stares out at us with a tall conical cap

VIDEO: The First Shogun of Japan, Minamoto no Yoritomo

Amida Buddha with a halo around his head in gold

VIDEO: Who is Amida Buddha (Amitabha Buddha)?

Important terms and concepts

Kamakura period

Silk Painting

Amida Buddha

Pure Land Buddhism

Western Paradise

Genshin

Shogun

Minamoto no Yoritomo

Muromachi Period

1336–1573 CE

Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan, surrounded by lush greenery and a reflective pond.

VIDEO: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto

Illustration of classical and ancient motifs with text 'Coming Soon' on red and green background, featuring head sculptures and a column.

Tea ceremony

Zen rock garden with raked gravel and large stones, surrounded by a wooden wall and trees in the background.

VIDEO: What is karesansui? | Dry gardens at Zen Buddhist monasteries

Important terms and concepts

Zen Buddhism

Western Paradise

Karesansui (dry gardens)

Monastery

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