This unit introduces students to the historical tradition of a non-Western nation seen within the comparative concept of feudalism. This is done partly through a look at Tokugawa Japan and partly through a comparative examination of the concept of feudalism. Although the unit deals mainly with a specific time span in Japanese history, it also prepares students to make broad generalizations regarding the history and development of other world areas. The unit is a slide-based introduction to life in Japan during the late feudal period (1600-1868), known as either the Tokugawa or Edo Period. The slides focus on architecture and defense features of a castle, the rise of castle towns as nascent urban centers, and those individuals who lived in the castle towns. Students interpret the slides in a closed-inquiry fashion to derive some basic features of geography, including the relationship between topography and human activity. Activities are included to provide hands-on experience for students. (EH)