Feudal Japan

1185–1603 CE

A traditional Japanese rock garden with raked white gravel, large rocks arranged on moss patches, surrounded by a wooden fence and lush green trees, viewed from a shaded veranda.

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

Kamakura Period
Azuchi-Momoyama Period
Muromachi Period

Kamakura Period

1185–1333 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

Azuchi-Momoyama Period

1573–1603 CE

The final period of the Sengoku period in Japanese history

A large black Buddha statue seated indoors, with a gilded halo and smaller statues behind, surrounded by flowers, candles, and traditional decorations.

COMING SOON: The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) at Tōdai-ji

Important terms and concepts

Momoyama period

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