Last Updated: Sep 15, 2024
The History of Japan
Japan is an absolutely incredible destination, from its stunning natural landscapes to the buzzing energy of its cities. You don’t need to be a history buff to fall in love with the place, but trust me — getting a grip on Japan’s key historical milestones can totally level up your experience of the country. Whether you’re strolling through ancient temples or exploring the modern cityscapes of Tokyo and Osaka, a little historical context can make all the difference in how you connect with what you’re seeing.
Take Nikko, for example. It’s already jaw-dropping, with its ornate shrines and lush landscapes, but knowing that it’s the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu — the guy who founded the Tokugawa shogunate and ushered in over 250 years of peace — makes it that much more profound. Suddenly, the intricate carvings and the grandeur of Toshogu Shrine aren’t just beautiful — they’re steeped in the legacy of one of Japan’s most powerful historical figures. It turns a pretty walk in the woods into a meaningful dive into Japan’s past.
In this article, you’ll have the chance to get an overview of all of the major periods of Japanese history, from the earliest human settlements to modern times. All in all, whether you’re a history nerd or just a curious traveler, this guide will give you enough context to appreciate Japan on a whole new level.
Jomon Period (14,000 BC — 300 BC)
The Jomon period is where it all begins. Officially Japan’s first known era of human settlement, it stretches from about 14,000 BC to 300 BC. The Jomon people were primarily hunter-gatherers, living off the land while crafting some of the world’s earliest pottery, known for its “cord-marked” designs. Even if the Jomon folks were relatively isolated from the rest of the world, they left behind a remarkable cultural legacy that’s still evident today.
Life during the Jomon was all about balance with nature. These early people lived in semi-permanent pit dwellings, hunting, fishing, and foraging. They also had a rich spiritual life, as seen in their mysterious dogu figurines, which may have been used in rituals. Pottery was their claim to fame, and some of the oldest ceramic works on the planet come from this era.
The Jomon period came to an end as new technologies, particularly rice farming and metalworking, were introduced from the Korean Peninsula around 300 BC, leading to the Yayoi period. This shift brought Japan into the agricultural age, permanently transforming the society and economy of the archipelago.
Want to walk in the footsteps of the Jomon people? Head to Sannai-Maruyama in Aomori Prefecture, where you can see the remains of a massive Jomon settlement. Up here, you’ll also find the other UNESCO-listed sites in Hokkaido and northern Tohoku, offering an even deeper dive into this fascinating prehistoric culture.
Yayoi Period (c. 300 BC — 250 AD)
The Yayoi period marks a major turning point in Japan’s history, starting around 300 BC and lasting until 250 AD. It’s when Japan transitioned from a hunter-gatherer society to an agricultural one, with wet-rice farming and metal tools shaping the landscape. This period gets its name from the Yayoi district in Tokyo, where artifacts from this era were first found.
The defining feature of the Yayoi period is its embrace of rice farming. This shift led to permanent settlements, social hierarchies, and the rise of powerful clan leaders, who competed for resources and land. Bronze and iron tools, weapons, and ritual objects appeared during this time, helping to establish more complex political and social structures. It’s also when Japan’s political centralization began, laying the groundwork for what would eventually come down the line.
By around 250 AD, the Kofun period kicked off as power struggles among the regional leaders intensified. These conflicts led to more organized political entities and, notably, the creation of large kofun tombs, from which the next era gets its name.
To explore the Yayoi period, visit the Yoshinogari Historical Park in Saga Prefecture, where you’ll find reconstructions of Yayoi villages and burial mounds. Another great spot is the Toro Ruins in Shizuoka, which offer a glimpse into ancient rice farming and daily life during this transformative period.
Kofun Period (c. 250–538 AD)
The Kofun period takes its name from the large, keyhole-shaped burial mounds built for the elite. This period saw the rise of the Yamato clan, which began consolidating power, laying the groundwork for the imperial system that would dominate Japan for centuries. It was also a time when Japan started interacting more with its neighbors, especially China and Korea, who influenced its technology and governance.
The signature feature of this period is the massive kofun tombs. These burial mounds are some of the most impressive ancient structures in Japan, with the Daisen Kofun in Osaka — believed to be the resting place of Emperor Nintoku — standing out as the largest. The Yamato clan became the dominant political force during this time, and their influence helped shape the early Japanese state, though Japan was still far from unified.
The Asuka period followed, beginning in 538 AD with the introduction of Buddhism. This marked a major cultural and political shift as Japan began adopting more aspects of Chinese-style governance, laying the foundation for the classical age of Japanese history.
Explore the legacy of the Kofun period by visiting the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group in Osaka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (of which the Daisen Kofun is the largest), or take a closer look at the Ishibutai Kofun in Nara Prefecture, which lets you step inside one of these ancient tombs.
Asuka Period (538–710 AD)
The Asuka period is where we see the formal introduction of Buddhism to Japan, brought over from Korea. This era is named after the Asuka region in Nara Prefecture, where the imperial court was located. The arrival of Buddhism had a profound impact, reshaping everything from governance to cultural practices.
A defining figure of the Asuka period is Prince Shotoku, a major proponent of Buddhism and Chinese-style governance. He’s credited with creating Japan’s first constitution, a code of moral governance, and promoting harmony within the state. Another game-changer was the Taika Reform of 645, which centralized power by restructuring land ownership and establishing a system of taxes and conscription. Buddhism took root during this period, leading to the construction of the first temples and a deepening relationship between religion and the state.
This era ended as the imperial capital moved to Heijo-kyo (modern-day Nara) in 710, signaling the start of the Nara period. Back then, capitals in Japan were often moved for religious and political reasons, with early rulers believing new rulers needed new spiritual homes to avoid the “pollution” of their predecessor’s passing.
Visit Asuka-dera, Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, or the Takamatsuzuka Tomb in Nara’s Asuka area to explore the legacy of the period up close. Both sites offer insight into Japan’s earliest Buddhist influences and its shift towards a more centralized state.
Nara Period (710–794 AD)
The Nara period marks the first time Japan established a permanent capital at Heijo-kyo (modern-day Nara). This period is all about the solidification of Buddhism and the centralized state, heavily influenced by Chinese culture. The imperial court modeled much of its governance after the Tang Dynasty, and Buddhism became deeply intertwined with state affairs, fueling a cultural and architectural boom.
Under Emperor Shomu, Buddhist temples like Todai-ji — home to the Great Buddha of Nara — were constructed, showcasing the power of both the state and the religion. The Nara Period also saw the codification of Japan’s earliest written histories, Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, which detail the origins of the imperial family and early myths. This era marked the beginning of Japan’s classical age, with Buddhism and Confucianism shaping much of the political and cultural landscape.
The Nara Period came to a close in 794 when the capital was moved to Heian-kyo (modern-day Kyoto). The decision to move was partly driven by the growing influence of powerful Buddhist temples in Nara, which emperors wanted to distance themselves from. Kyoto’s more favorable geography, nestled between mountains, also offered better defense and strategic advantages.
Today, Nara is a must-visit for history lovers. Todai-ji, with its massive bronze Buddha, is the most iconic site from this period, while Kofuku-ji and Yakushi-ji stand as testaments to the period’s architectural and religious significance. The Nara National Museum also offers a treasure trove of artifacts from this era, showcasing the cultural achievements of Japan’s first permanent capital.
Heian Period (794–1185 AD)
The Heian period is considered the golden age of classical Japan, when the imperial court flourished in Heian-kyo (modern-day Kyoto). This period is best known for its courtly culture, where the aristocracy indulged in literature, poetry, and the arts. However, beneath this cultural refinement, political power began to shift, first to the Fujiwara clan and later to the emerging samurai class.
If you’ve ever heard of The Tale of Genji, this is the period it came from. Written by Murasaki Shikibu, it’s considered the world’s first novel and gives us an intimate look at the lives and loves of the Heian elite. Meanwhile, works like The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon offer a witty and vivid portrayal of court life. Buddhism, especially the Tendai and Shingon sects, thrived, blending syncretically with Shinto to create a unique spiritual landscape.
Politically, the Fujiwara clan gained control through a strategy of marrying into the imperial family, a system known as sekkan politics. But as the aristocrats of Heian-kyo became more isolated, provincial warriors (the future samurai) began to rise in power. By the end of the Heian period, these warriors were already starting to shape the next chapter of Japanese history.
The period ended with the Genpei War (1180–1185), a conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans over control of the imperial court. After the Minamoto victory at the Battle of Dan-no-ura near Shimonoseki, Minamoto no Yoritomo established the Kamakura Shogunate, ending the Heian Period and beginning the age of feudal Japan.
Heian-period Kyoto is a treasure trove of historical sites. Visit Kiyomizu-dera and Byodo-in to get a sense of the grand architecture of the time. Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei, a Tendai temple that played a key role in religious and political life, is another must-see. And don’t forget the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the heart of the Heian court, where you can imagine the lavish lifestyles of the aristocracy.
Kamakura Period (1185–1333 AD)
The Kamakura period marked the rise of the samurai as Japan’s ruling class and the establishment of the first shogunate under Minamoto no Yoritomo. After defeating the Taira clan in the Genpei War, Yoritomo set up his military government in Kamakura, far from the imperial court in Kyoto. This period was defined by military rule, and while the emperor still technically reigned, the real power was now in the hands of the shogun.
The nascent samurai code of honor began to take shape during this era, stressing loyalty, martial prowess, and a stoic attitude toward life and death. The Kamakura period also faced external threats, most notably from the Mongol invasions in 1274 and 1281. Both invasions were repelled, thanks in part to fierce samurai resistance and timely typhoons (later called kamikaze, or “divine wind”). However, the cost of these defenses strained the Kamakura government.
The Kamakura Shogunate began to decline in the early 1300s. Dissatisfaction grew among the samurai, particularly after the Mongol invasions, as they weren’t adequately compensated for their service. Emperor Go-Daigo attempted to overthrow the shogunate during the Kenmu Restoration in 1331, and although he was initially defeated, his cause gained support from Ashikaga Takauji, who eventually toppled the shogunate in 1333, ending the Kamakura period.
Today, Kamakura is a treasure trove of feudal history. Visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kotoku-in, an 11-meter-tall bronze statue, or explore Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, which was central to the Minamoto clan. Kamakura’s natural beauty, framed by mountains and the sea, made it a perfect strategic base and still offers a peaceful retreat for visitors interested in Japan’s medieval past.
Muromachi Period (1336–1573 AD)
The Muromachi period began when Ashikaga Takauji established the Ashikaga Shogunate in Kyoto, after overthrowing the Kamakura Shogunate. While this era initially saw a balance of power between the shogunate and the imperial court, the era is best known for its political instability, which eventually gave rise to a century of near-constant civil war.
Culturally, the Muromachi period flourished. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun, was a major patron of the arts, fostering the development of Noh theater, ink painting, and the tea ceremony. This period also saw the rise of Zen Buddhism, which had a profound influence on Japanese aesthetics, from minimalist Zen gardens to the construction of landmarks like the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto.
But as the 15th century wore on, the political situation unraveled. The Onin War (1467–1477) was a succession dispute that left Kyoto in ruins and plunged Japan into chaos. This breakdown of central authority led to the Sengoku Period, where regional warlords known as daimyo vied for power, reducing the Ashikaga Shogunate to a largely symbolic role.
The Muromachi period formally ended in 1573 when Oda Nobunaga, one of the leading daimyo of the Sengoku period (which, confusingly, overlaps with the Muromachi period), ousted the last Ashikaga shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiaki. This event paved the way for Japan’s eventual unification under Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and finally Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Key Muromachi-period sites include Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto, both of which reflect the era’s refined aesthetic. The Ryoan-ji rock garden is another classic example of Zen-inspired design from this culturally rich yet politically turbulent period.
Sengoku Period (1467–1600 AD)
The Sengoku period, also known as the Warring States period, was one of the most chaotic and bloody times in Japanese history. Triggered by the Onin War, this era saw regional warlords known as daimyo battling for control of Japan. The Sengoku period is famous for its military innovations, including the introduction of firearms by Portuguese traders in 1543, which transformed battlefield tactics.
One of the most significant developments during this time was the rise of castle towns, with fortified castles serving as both military strongholds and symbols of power. Fortresses like Azuchi Castle near Omihachiman and Osaka Castle were built during this era, serving not only as defensive structures but also as political centers for the daimyo themselves.
In the end, three legendary figures brought an end to the Sengoku chaos: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Nobunaga was the first to begin unifying Japan in the 1560s, using innovative tactics like firearms to defeat powerful rivals. However, his reign ended abruptly in 1582 when he was betrayed and forced to commit suicide. Nobunaga’s work was continued by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who completed Japan’s unification by 1590, solidifying control through the sword hunt, which disarmed the peasantry and enforced a rigid class system.
After Hideyoshi’s death in 1598, a power struggle erupted, culminating in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Tokugawa Ieyasu emerged victorious, finally marking the end of the Sengoku period shortly thereafter and the beginning of nearly three centuries of peace under the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Sengoku-period sites include Osaka Castle, rebuilt after its destruction, and the battlefield of Sekigahara in Gifu Prefecture, where Tokugawa Ieyasu secured his hold on Japan. Nagashino Castle, where Nobunaga famously used firearms to secure victory, is another key location to explore the military innovations of this turbulent time.
Edo Period (1603–1868 AD)
The Edo period marked over 250 years of peace and stability under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate. After his decisive victory at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu established his shogunate in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) in 1603. This era is characterized by a strict social hierarchy, a policy of national isolation, and the flourishing of Japanese culture and the economy.
The isolation policy effectively cut Japan off from almost all Western influences, with limited trade allowed only with the Dutch and Chinese through Nagasaki. This isolation helped the Tokugawa shogunate maintain tight control over the country, preventing foreign interference. Domestically, the period saw the rise of a vibrant merchant class, which fueled an economic boom driven by agriculture, commerce, and craftsmanship.
Socially, the Edo period was defined by a rigid class system, with samurai at the top, followed by farmers, artisans, and merchants. The samurai, however, found themselves becoming more bureaucratic as peace diminished the need for warriors. Despite this strict hierarchy, urban culture flourished, particularly in Edo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Popular forms of entertainment such as kabuki theater, bunraku (puppet theater), and ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) became central to the vibrant life of Japan’s cities, especially among the merchant class.
Despite this long era of peace, the Edo period began to face internal and external pressures by the 19th century. The arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry and his “black ships” in 1853 forced Japan to open its ports like Shimoda to Western trade, signaling the end of isolationism. The shogunate’s inability to manage these foreign threats, along with growing dissatisfaction among the samurai and merchant classes, ultimately led to its downfall.
The Edo period ultimately came to an end with the Meiji Restoration in 1868, when the Tokugawa shogunate was dissolved, and Emperor Meiji was restored to power. Unlike earlier arcs of history, there are many great examples like Narai-juku and Hida-Takayama where you can go and get a good glimpse of what life would have been like back then.
Meiji Period (1868–1912 AD)
The Meiji period was one of the most transformative times in Japanese history. It began with the Meiji Restoration of 1868, which saw the Tokugawa shogunate overthrown and Emperor Meiji restored to power. What followed was a period of rapid modernization and Westernization as Japan sought to catch up with the Western powers that had begun encroaching on its borders.
A key moment of the Meiji period was the abolition of the feudal system in 1871. The traditional domains of the daimyo were replaced by prefectures, and the samurai class was disbanded, making all Japanese citizens legally equal. The government adopted Western political and military models, creating a parliamentary system under the Meiji Constitution of 1889 and introducing universal conscription to form a modern national army. The slogan “Fukoku Kyohei” (“rich country, strong military”) summed up Japan’s goals of building a robust economy and military to resist Western pressure.
Economically, the Meiji period saw Japan’s industrialization take off. The government promoted industries like textiles, shipbuilding, and arms production, establishing state-run factories that were eventually sold to private entrepreneurs known as Zaibatsu. Infrastructure projects such as railroads and telegraph lines connected Japan’s regions, facilitating growth. By the end of the Meiji period, Japan had gone from a feudal society to a modern industrial power.
Culturally, Japan embraced Western ideas in education, fashion, and the arts while preserving key aspects of traditional culture. The Iwakura Mission of 1871, where Japanese officials traveled to study Western institutions, helped bring new ideas back to Japan. Western-style education was introduced, and many Japanese students were sent abroad. Simultaneously, Shinto was elevated to a state religion to reinforce the divine authority of the emperor.
The Meiji period culminated in Japan’s emergence as a global power. Victories in the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) demonstrated Japan’s military strength and earned it recognition on the international stage. By the end of Emperor Meiji’s reign in 1912, Japan had established itself as the dominant power in East Asia, positioned as a modern nation alongside Western countries.
Visitors interested in exploring the Meiji period can visit Meiji Jingu in Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, or explore the Tokyo National Museum, which houses artifacts from this pivotal era. Nagasaki’s Glover Garden offers a look at the influence of Westerners on Japan’s modernization, and Yokohama, one of the first ports opened to foreign trade, remains a symbol of Japan’s entry into the global community during the Meiji period.
TL;DR: A Quick Hit of Japanese History
If you’re pressed for time but still want to level up your Japan trip with some historical context, here’s the quick and dirty version of what you need to know. Japan’s story starts way back with the Jomon and Yayoi periods, where the earliest settlers laid down the foundation of a hunter-gatherer society before shifting to rice farming. Things ramped up during the Kofun period, where powerful clans, like the Yamato, began to establish dominance over the country, and the introduction of Buddhism in the Asuka period shook things up big time. Fast-forward to the Heian period, and you’ve got the height of aristocratic culture in Kyoto, with literature, art, and courtly intrigue taking center stage.
Then comes the Kamakura period, the dawn of feudal Japan, where the samurai took over and military rule replaced imperial power. Things got real messy during the Muromachi Period, with the rise of Zen Buddhism and some of Japan’s most iconic cultural developments, but politically, it was a hot mess that spiraled into the Sengoku period — an all-out civil war between rival warlords. This chaos finally ended when Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu unified the country, kicking off the peaceful yet isolationist Edo period, where the samurai ruled over a blossoming culture for over 250 years.
Finally, Japan took a hard pivot in the Meiji period after the Tokugawa shogunate crumbled. In an attempt to not end up as another colony for a European power, the country modernized at breakneck speed, adopting Western ideas while still keeping its honored traditions. By the end of this era, Japan had transformed into a global power, ready to flex on the world stage. Of course, this trajectory put the country on a collision course with the West that culminated in World War II.
In a nutshell, Japan’s history is a journey of evolution — shifting from clan-based rule, to samurai-led military dominance, and eventually becoming a modern nation-state. Whether you’re walking through ancient temples, exploring feudal castles, or getting lost in Tokyo’s skyscrapers, these key ages are what shaped the Japan you see today. Knowing the basics of this history will make your trip that much more enriching.
Until next time travelers…
