In Feudal Japan, the country was controlled by powerful families which were known as the daimyo. The country was also ruled by warlords known as the shogun during this period. The feudal period lasted from the 12th century to the 19th century. While the Emperor remained in power during this time, he only remained as a figurehead, and didn't have any real power when compared to the daimyo and shoguns. The feudal period can further be broken down into three time periods, and these are the Kamakura Period, the Edo Period, the Azuchi-Momoyama Period, and the Muromachi Period.
The Kamakura period of Feudal Japan lasted from 1185 to 1333. During this period, the country was controlled by the Kamakura Shogunate. This period came after the country's medieval era, in which the country was controlled by the Emperor and his family. While the central government remained during the Kamakura period, most functions were only ceremonial. The name of this period is taken from Kamakura, the base from which Yoritomo ruled. During the Muromachi period, the Ashikaga shogunate controlled the country, and it was first created in 1336. This period ended once Oda Nobunaga defeated Ashikaga Yoshiaki. Oda Nobunaga continued to rule the country from this time into what became the Azuchi-Momoyama Period.
This period of Feudal Japan lasted from 1568 to 1600. After Oda Nobunaga nearly united Japan, his general Toyotomi Hideyoshi achieved this task, and this period was named after the Momoyama and Azuchi castle. During the Edo period, approximately 200 daimyo ruled Japan. This period is named after Edo(Tokyo), which became the capital of the country during this time. It was during this time that the Samurai were placed in a class of their own, a class which was higher than the merchants, farmers, peasants, and artisans. In addition to the many internal feuds that existed during Japan's feudal period, they also faced a great outside threat from the Mongolians under Kublai Khan.
Japan Tip #1
If you are planning on traveling to the orient, one fact about japan that you should know is that you must have local currency (yen) on hand before you leave the airport. Taxi, buses and other transportation services do not accept debit or credit cards or any other currency except the yen. |
Japan Tip #2
Another fact about Japan to remember is that it is considered impolite and even rude to offer a monetary tip to a Japanese person. Some finer establishments may reqire a tip type fee, but it will be included in your bill. So remember don't tip your waiter or waitress or the bell boy, or even the taxi driver, instead save your money. |
Japan Tip #3
One of the most confusing facts about Japan is known as the consumption tax. The consumption tax is a feel that is applied to all purchases made in Japan and is currently at 5%. This means that whatever the price of the item you are buying, you need to add an additional 5% to the price. Be aware that some stores include this tax in the price of the item and some stores do not, so it is better to ask if you are in doubt. |
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