In this study, characteristics of landscape components that may influence the transmission of traditional landscapes encompassing the sense of Ikaruga town, Nara prefecture, were examined through the comparison of photographs taken in the mid-Showa era with ones recently taken at the same places. The results of the comparison showed that in the group of traditional landscapes that still had a sense of Ikaruga town were preserved scenes of a traditional village with traditional earthen walls, old houses with tiled roofs, and temples surrounded by groves of trees. Rural landscapes including pagodas had natural objects at the forefront, which allowed the pagodas to be clearly visible. In the group of traditional landscapes that increased the sense of Ikaruga Town, earthen tracks from the mid-Showa era had been changed to stone pavement, and unkempt hedges had been changed to earthen walls. On the other hand, in the group of landscapes that had lost the sense of Ikaruga town, there was a decrease in the farmland that had provided a clear view towards the pagodas in the mid-Showa era, as it had become urbanized. Furthermore, roadways had appeared in short- and mid-distance views, impeding the view of the scene. This study suggests that it is important to take these results into consideration when drawing up landscape plans for Ikaruga town.
