Tokugawa Ieyasu
Before Edo-era (1603-1867), Toyotomi Hideyoshi ruled Japan as Shogun (Momoyama
period 1573-1600). In this era, current Tokyo area was not nice place.
Ieyasu had made effort to improve this area for a decade or more. In 1592,
Hideyoshi launched the attack against Korea and China area to expand his
area. Unfortunately he overestimated his power, and his plan failed. In
1598 Hideyoshi died and the conflict among his vassals started. Ieyasu
had waited for this opportunity.
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He manipulated the rivals' minds and finally exterminated strong rivals
in the Sekigahara Battle and took title of Shogun and established capital
of Japan in Tokyo(Edo). In order to make his regime more stable, he exterminated
remaining members of Toyotomi-family and made new law "Bukesho-hatto"
to control all vassals in Japan and "Kugesho-hatto" to regulate
the emperor's political power in 1615.
* The emperor had the power to grant shogun-position officially, so it
was important to control the emperor. |
Stable Edo-shogunate system
Ieyasu was very clever person and finally succeeded to make the stable
shogunate regime in Edo(Current Tokyo). The Edo era had been peaceful for
very long time.
People say Ieyasu ate Sea bream fried-fish and died due to the Food poisoning
in 1616.
Hotel reservations in Tokyo
He hoped to protect Edo even after his death.
When he died, Ieyasu asked his son "Tokugawa Hidetada (2nd Shogun)"
to bury his body in Kunouzan-Toshogu in Shizuoka-prefecture [West side of Edo] and one year later enshrine
his soul in Nikko in Tochigi-prefecture [East side of Edo]. By doing like
this, he expected his soul and power were able to protect Edo-area. In
April 1617, the emperor granted dead Ieyasu the "Toushou Daigongen"
position which means "Ieyasu is God" and his soul was enshrined
in Nikko Toshogu. Tokugawa Iemitu (3rd shogun) built very gorgeous shrines
in Nikko Toushogu.
Easy access to Nikko from New Tower Town
From new tower town it's easy to visit Nikko area, because you can take
Tobu line "SPACIA" to Nikko from Asakusa Station (Next to Narihirabashi
station.)
 Check "Nikko" Page |
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"Nikko - Kegon waterfall 97m(318ft)"
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