The Kamakura period, which lasted from the 12th to the 14th century, was a time of political upheaval and marked the rise of the shogunate.

The 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack by the Aum Shinrikyo cult shocked Japan and led to increased scrutiny of religious groups.

The Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which create a stunning tunnel-like effect.