I know that Japan was ruled by various military governments up until the Meiji Restoration in the late 1800s, but also that the Japanese Royal family still existed (with nominal power) during that time. But I can't seem to find much information on what their lives were like during this period.

Were there any well known royals during this period? Any esteemed scholars or military leaders? Did the royal family entertain the idea of taking back power from the Shogunates before the Meiji Restoration? Or were they happy with a life of decadence and little power, thus staying out of the historical record?