noun
shogun's demesne; area under direct control of the shogun
Historical term for lands directly governed by the Tokugawa shogunate, as opposed to domains held by daimyo.
江戸時代、天領は幕府の直轄地だった。
During the Edo period, tenryō were territories under the direct control of the shogunate.
noun
imperial lands; area under direct control of the Emperor
Historical term for lands directly governed by the Emperor, distinct from shogunate-controlled tenryō.
明治維新後、旧天領は天皇の直轄地として再編された。
After the Meiji Restoration, former imperial lands were reorganized as territories under direct control of the Emperor.
Compound of 天 (ten, 'heaven' or 'imperial') and 領 (ryō, 'territory'). The term historically referred to lands under the direct control of either the shogun or the Emperor.