Historical Eras 時代
From the rise of the mounted warrior to the Meiji Restoration — over a thousand years of samurai history across six defining periods.
Azuchi-Momoyama Period
The Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1603) was Japan's era of reunification under Nobunaga and Hideyoshi. It produced spectacular castle architecture and flamboyant arts.
Explore era →Edo Period
The Edo period (1603-1868) was Japan's longest era of peace. Tokugawa shoguns ruled under strict order, producing rich urban culture before the Meiji Restoration.
Explore era →Heian Period
The Heian period (794-1185) was Japan's imperial golden age and the era when samurai first emerged. Learn how warrior clans rose as court aristocracy declined.
Explore era →Kamakura Period
The Kamakura period (1185-1333) was Japan's first warrior government. It shaped samurai culture and ended when Mongol invasions and internal conflict broke its power.
Explore era →Muromachi Period
The Muromachi period (1336-1573) saw the Ashikaga shogunate rule Japan, produce its greatest arts, and collapse into the Sengoku civil war. Learn its rise and fall.
Explore era →Sengoku Period
The Sengoku period (1467–1615) was Japan's century of civil war. Feudal lords called daimyō fought to unify the country. Learn its causes, key figures, and end.
Explore era →