The Heian period is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185.

The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto.

It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences are at their height.

The Heian period is also considered the peak of the Japanese imperial court and noted for its art, especially poetry and literature.

Although the Imperial House of Japan has power on the surface, the real power is in the hands of the Fujiwara clan, a powerful aristocratic family who had intermarried with the imperial family.

Many emperors actually have mothers from the Fujiwara family.

Heian means "peace and tranquility" in Japanese.