Modern Changes in Land Ownership and Land Use and Modern Thoughts on Scenic Preservation at the Site of Odawara Castle

Abstract

This study clarifies changes in land ownership and land usage at the site of Odawara castle in modern times and considers corresponding thoughts regarding scenic preservation. The castle buildings were demolished when Odawara castle was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War. Wood and stones were carted off for use as building materials, and no thought was given to scenic preservation. In 1890 the site was purchased by the Okubo family, descendants of the former feudal lord. Two Shinto shrines were constructed. In 1899 the site came under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Department, which intended it for use as an Imperial villa, and this ensured the scenic preservation of the site. The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 caused extensive damage. Odawara town government purchased a portion of the site in order to build two schools. In addition, Odawara town government partially reconstructed the stone walls that had collapsed in the earthquake and built a public park. Later, the remainder of the site was sold to Kanagawa prefectural government, but no full-scale effort at quake-proofing or parkbuilding was mounted. Nevertheless, the site was designated as a scenic district, ensuring its protection.