Kamakura, city in Kanagawa prefecture, Honshu, Japan.

The city was historically important as the seat of Japan's first military government, established by Minamoto Yoritomo, who set up his headquarters there in 1180 during the Minamoto clan's struggle with the Taira. He kept it as his capital after he was appointed shogun in 1192. Well protected by surrounding hills, Kamakura was also at a safe distance from the enervating court life of Kyoto. The Hojo clan, who took power as shogunal regents after Yoritomo's death, retained Kamakura as their seat of government. The shogunate's patronage encouraged the building and expansion of many temples and shrines in Kamakura, especially Zen temples. Kamakura lost all political importance after 1333 when the last of the Hojo, defeated by the pro-imperial rebellion led by Emperor Go-Daigo, committed suicide there.