It is the period between 1603 and 1867 in the history of Japan . This period was characterized by economic growth , strict caste isolationist foreign policy , policies for environmental protection and enjoyment of popular arts and culture . The shogunate was officially established in Edo on 24 March 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu. The period ended with the return of rule by Emperor Meiji on May 3, 1868 after the fall of Edo.
