Scholarly Buddhist sects dominate Nara
Heian Period (794-1185)
Capital established at Heian-kyo (Kyoto) (794)
Saicho (767-822) introduces Tendai Buddhism from China (806)
Kukai (774-835) introduces Shingon Buddhism from China (808)
Last mission to Tang court ends direct Chinese influence (838)
Tale of Genji written by Lady Murasaki (ca. 1002-1019)
Honen (1133-1212) founds Pure Land, or Jodo, sect (1175)
Taira clan takes control of government, ousting aristocracy (1159)
Minamoto clan replaces Taira (1185)