Samurai History

Trace the samurai's journey from their rise in the 12th century to their end in the 19th century, through wars, power shifts, and the Meiji Restoration.

The Eras

Introduction to the Samurai - Japan's Legendary Warriors

Heian Period - The Rise of the Samurai Class

Kamakura Period - Under the Samurai Rule

Kenmu Restoration - The Brief Imperial Rule of Emperor Go-Daigo

Muromachi Period - Rise of Feudal Lords and the Era of the Warring Samurai

Azuchi-Momoyama Period - Unification of Japan

Edo Period - Peace under Tokugawa and End of the Samurai Era

Meiji Period - Westernization of Japan and the Samurai Legacy

Battles & Conflicts

Tengyō no Ran - The Rebellion of Taira no Masakado

Zenkunen no Eki - Former Nine Years' War of Samurai in Heian Era

First Mongol Invasion of Japan - Battle of Bun'ei

Battle of Sekigahara - The Fight for Japan's Unification

Second Mongol Invasion of Japan - Battle of Kōan

Ōnin War - The Birth of Japan's Sengoku (Warring States) Era

Hōgen Rebellion of 1156 - The Japanese Samurai's Ascent to Political Power

Gosannen Kassen - Later Three Years' War of Samurai in Heian Era

Heiji Rebellion of 1160 - Taira no Kiyomori's Domination over Minamoto Clan

Jokyu Disturbance - Emperor Go-Toba's Fight Against the Kamakura Shogunate

Genko War - Emperor Go-Daigo's Quest to Topple the Kamakura Shogunate

Genpei War of 1180 - The Epic Deathmatch between Taira and Minamoto Samurai Clans

Shōchū Incident - Emperor Go-Daigo's First Attempt to Overthrow the Kamakura Shogunate

The Revolt of Taira no Tadatsune