When did Japanese culture flourish and why?

* Cultural flourishing due to political stability under strong Imperial rule from Kyoto

* Refined court society known for aristocratic rituals, elegant attire, literature poetry music & arts

Late Muromachi(1392-1573)

* Rise of urban culture during Ashikaga's rule(mid-14-16th cent) in Kyoyo city

* Zen Buddhist influence: tea drinking culture(chanoyu) , Noh drama , landscape gardening(karensansui) & ink wash arts