For nearly 700 years, shoguns governed Japan through military strength, political skill, and leadership.
Explore the lives of the shoguns who fought for power, built new governments, and changed the course of Japanese history.
Explore the Shoguns and Great Unifiers
Edo Period (1603-1868)
Tokugawa Yoshinobu
Tokugawa Yoshinobu (1837-1913, 徳川慶喜), the 15th and Last shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1868), returned the political power to the emperor with his hand, brought down the shogunate curtain, realized the bloodless surrender of Edo Castle, and stemmed the great Western powers’ colonization. His difficult decision depends on his beliefs: for the people, for preventing colonization, for the emperor as the raison d'être of the nation, and for the Tokugawa clan, even though whatever would happen to him. It's his determination and Samurai spirit. >> Read More
Tokugawa Ieyasu
Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616, 徳川家康), the 1st shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1868), ushered in a peaceful era during the 260-year Edo period by ending the turbulent period. His vision was onriedo-gongujyodo, meaning "to make the world of peace and purity from the filth of the Warring States period." He was born in Okazaki Castle, moved to Hamamatsu Castle, Edo Castle, and then to Sunpu Castle till the end of his life. >> Read More
Warring States Period (1467–1590)
Oda Nobunaga
Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582, 織田信長) was the most famous Samurai in Japan. He pushed forward to end the turbulent Warring States Period with his foresight, charisma, and overwhelming military and economic power, but was assassinated on the brink of peaceful unification by his vassal at Honnoji Temple. His last song was “Human life of 50 years is fleeting and short, so let us live to the fullest without fear of death.” He sang it before the Battle of Okehazama against the mighty Imagawa Yoshimoto. His preparation was "I surely die if I lose this battle". It was sung before his suicide at the Honnoji Temple.>> Read More
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598, 豊臣秀吉), a supreme Samurai, was promoted from a farmer to a unifier of Japan, taking over his load Oda Nobunaga's will by excelling in military strategy to win without fighting by utilizing traps for his enemies. Osaka Castle and its castle town, built by Hideyoshi, is still the economic center of Japan. His flamboyant tastes left much of the decorative Momoyama cultural legacy, such as the Karamon gate of Fushimi Castle. These are now relocated to Nishi Honganji and Daitokuji Temple. >> Read More
Muromachi Period (1336-1573)
Ashikaga Takauji
Ashikaga Takauji (1305-1358, 足利尊氏), the first shogun of the Muromachi shogunate (1336-1573), defeated the Kamakura shogunate and supported Emperor Go-Daigo (1288-1339, 後醍醐天皇) to restore the emperor's rule, known as the Kenmu Restoration (1333-1336). However, it collapsed. Ultimately, Takauji raised his army to establish the Muromachi shogunate. He built Tenryuji Temple to mourn Emperor Go-Daigo. >> Read More
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358-1408, 足利義満), the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate (1336-1573), governed the nation at the pinnacle of power alongside Samurai, Court Nobles, and Buddhist leaders. The architecture of the Kinkaku-ji, built by him, had to be, from top to bottom, the Buddhist style (Buddhist Yoshimitsu), the samurai style (shogun Yoshimitsu), and the courtly aristocratic style (Grand Minister Yoshimitsu). >> Read More
Ashikaga Yoshimasa
Ashikaga Yoshimasa (1436-1490), the 8th shogun of the Muromachi shogunate (1336-1573), built the Ginkaku-ji. He enjoyed watching the moon there amid the night's darkness, evoking memories of his time as shogun. Despite political setbacks during the 11-year Onin War, he shaped the Higashiyama artistic style, encapsulating the essence of wabi-sabi.>> Read More
Kamakura Period (1185-1333)
Minamoto no Yoritomo
Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147-1199, 源頼朝), the 1st shogun of the Kamakura shogunate (1185-1333), built the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in the center of Kamakura. The Kamakura shogunate relied on the bond between shogun and gokenin (samurai retainers) through "favor and service". His cold political stance was vital in directing and overseeing the brave samurai. >> Read More
Heian Period (794-1185)
Sakanoue no Tamuramaro
Sakanoue no Tamuramaro (758-811, 坂上田村麻呂), the most prominent shogun in ancient times, conquered the Emishi (barbarian tribes) in the Tohoku region. He met the monk who founded Kiyomizudera Temple, took refuge in Kannon Bosatsu (Bodhisattva Kannon), donated a hall dedicated to Kannon, and named the temple Kiyomizudera for the pristine Otowa Falls.>> Read More
What is A Shogun
Shoguns ruled Japan through military and political power rather than royal blood. For nearly 700 years, they governed the nation and shaped the course of Japanese history.
The first shogunate was established by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1185, creating Japan’s first samurai government in Kamakura. After the fall of the Kamakura shogunate, power passed to the Ashikaga clan during the Muromachi period, and later to the Tokugawa shogunate, whose rule brought long-lasting peace and stability during the Edo period.
Shoguns were responsible not only for warfare, but also for diplomacy, relations with the emperor and imperial court, disaster response, trade, culture, and education. The era of samurai rule finally ended in 1868 with the resignation of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun.
Today, many castles, temples, and historical sites across Japan still preserve the stories of the shoguns and the world they created.
Follow the Footsteps of the Shoguns
Discover castles, battlefields, temples, and other places where the stories of the shoguns remain.