Kamakura Private Tour

Feudalistic relations flourished in Japan as a result of the emerging warrior class, however, Japanese feudalism should not be confused with the type of feudalism in medieval Europe. There were great situational differences between the rising warrior class in Japan and the knight in feudal Europe. Factors that gave rise to the Kamakura period were complex and took 200-plus years to gel. The founder of the Kamakura shogunate was Minamoto no Yoritomo who established his government here, far away from Kyoto with its troublesome court and meddlesome warrior monasteries. This was not just a calculated move to distance himself from the traditional power base in Kyoto, but reflected his desire to remain close to his power base in the Eastern regions where the Minamoto and Hojo held power. Kamakura also proved to be a superior location strategically. Today, visitors can easily see the hills that ring the city on three sides with the sea to the east. This is especially evident from the Hase-dera.