During the [[Bakumatsu period]], due to its proximity to the landing point chosen by most European vessels, Seigen-ji was used as a site for formal meetings between royal representatives and the captains or crews of those ships. A group of Frenchmen stayed at Seigen-ji for four years beginning in [[1844]], and when the American [[Commodore Perry]] arrived in [[1853]], he established a small coaling station near the temple, along with storage for food and ammunition. | During the [[Bakumatsu period]], due to its proximity to the landing point chosen by most European vessels, Seigen-ji was used as a site for formal meetings between royal representatives and the captains or crews of those ships. A group of Frenchmen stayed at Seigen-ji for four years beginning in [[1844]], and when the American [[Commodore Perry]] arrived in [[1853]], he established a small coaling station near the temple, along with storage for food and ammunition. |