History of Tokyo - During Feudal Period

Tokyo during Feudal Period witnessed the supremacy of the warrior group, samurai, over the feudal lords, daimyo. During monarchy, the feudal lords with agricultural lands under them were very powerful. These feudal lords termed 'daimyos' locally owed allegiance to the Japanese emperor

During the latter half of the 12th century Minamoto Yoritomo, a young warrior, emerged victorious in a civil war between warring clans. This victory brought Yoritomo fame and reverence. He had set his rule in Kamakura, a fishing village near present day Tokyo. The imperial family, however, continued to rule in Kyoto.

In Kamakura, Yoritomo set up a shogunate, or military form of government while he himself became a shogun. Minamoto Yoritomo lay the foundation of shogunate rule or military government in the 12th century which continued to rule Japan till the second half of the 19th century.

The Kamakura Period
The Feudal Period in Tokyo has been made famous by the Kamakura period that lasted from 1192 to 1333. This phase saw the unrivaled ascendancy of the Samurais or warriors. The Samurais underwent severe and strict training schedules, and led a spartan lifestyle. They followed a strict code of conduct and were faithful till their death while defending someone. In the event of failing in their duties, they would often commit 'seppuku' or ritualistic suicide. The samurai warriors followed the ideals of Zen Buddhism.

After the Kamakura period, lawlessness and mutual fights among the different clans became a regular practice. The feudal lords or 'daimyos' who had complete administrative control over their respective lands and inhabitants often took the help of samurai warriors.

Tokyo during feudal period thus witnessed a number of spectacular events that form an interesting phase of Japanese history.