Edo Period

The Edo Period (江戸時代 Edo jidai^?), or Tokugawa period (徳川時代 Tokugawa jidai^?), is a division of the history of Japan when it was ruled by the shoguns of the Tokugawa family, running from 1603 to 1868. Characterized by strict social orders, isolationist foreign policies, and an increase in both environmental protection and the creation and popular enjoyment of arts and culture, Japanese society during this period was controlled by the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional Daimyo.