On our arrival in Tokyo, we will stay near the Sengakuji Temple.  The temple is dedicated to a  fascinating story about a group of samurai known as the “47 Ronin”.  Detailed information is available all over the web and I like the information located at 47ronin.com…..for THAT information check out this web site 47 Ronin.

Japanese history since the unification of the country under samurai rule is remarkable in the society’s attainment of art, literature, architecture, and political structure. The Edo period, as it is called, begins with a civil war and consolidation of power and ends with the dramatic modernization of Japan under Emperor Meiji.  Check out some of that information at the Japan Guide web site HERE.

If you are interested in a more in depth look at Japanese society during the Edo Period, a couple of my favorite books include:

Donald Keene’s World Within Walls

Matsuo Basho’s The Narrow Road to Oku

Enjoy!