Odakyu Electric Railway, which operates a rare think tank function among private railways, is actively involved in community development in municipalities along its line. In collaboration with Kaisei Town, it conducted a survey using “attachment” as a keyword, capturing aspects that existing statistics could not fully grasp. The survey aims to better reflect residents’ needs based on their actual living experiences…

Kaisei Town

Kaisei Town is a historic settlement located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, known for its role in the silk industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town flourished as a key center for raw silk production and trade, contributing to Japan’s modernization and economic growth. Today, it preserves traditional landscapes and cultural heritage, including former silk factories and historic merchant houses.

Kaisei Town

Kaisei Town is a small municipality located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, known for its scenic natural environment along the Sakawa River and its historical role as a post town on the ancient Hakone Road. The area flourished during the Edo period as a key stop for travelers and merchants, and today it preserves cultural heritage sites such as the Kaisei Yagura (ancient tombs) and traditional festivals. Its name, meaning “open and pure,” reflects the town’s enduring connection to nature and history.

Kanagawa Prefecture

Kanagawa Prefecture is a region in Japan located just south of Tokyo, bordering the Pacific Ocean. Its history is deeply tied to the Kamakura period (1185–1333), when the city of Kamakura served as the de facto capital of Japan and a center of samurai culture. Today, Kanagawa is known for its blend of historical landmarks, such as the Great Buddha of Kamakura, and modern cities like Yokohama, which was a key port during Japan’s opening to the West in the 19th century.

Kaisei Town

Kaisei Town, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is a historic area known for its role as a post town on the ancient Odawara Road during the Edo period. The town features well-preserved traditional streetscapes and is famous for its production of kaiseki-style confections, reflecting its cultural heritage. Today, it attracts visitors interested in exploring its history and enjoying local crafts and sweets.

Kanagawa Prefecture

Kanagawa Prefecture is a region in Japan located just south of Tokyo, known for its blend of historical and modern attractions. It was historically a key area during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), when Kamakura served as Japan’s de facto capital, and later became a crucial port region during Japan’s opening to the West in the 19th century. Today, Kanagawa is famous for destinations like Yokohama’s vibrant port, the Great Buddha of Kamakura, and the scenic Hakone hot springs.

Sakawa River

The Sakawa River flows through Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan, originating in the Tanzawa Mountains and emptying into Sagami Bay. Historically, the river has been significant for local agriculture and flood control, with levees and dams built over time to manage its waters. It is also known for its scenic beauty, particularly during cherry blossom season along its banks.

Hakone Road

The Hakone Road, also known as the Old Tokaido Highway, was a vital route connecting Tokyo (then Edo) and Kyoto during the Edo period (1603–1868). It passed through the mountainous Hakone region, serving as a strategic checkpoint for travelers and feudal lords, with notable features like the cedar-lined avenue and ancient stone-paved sections. Today, it is a popular cultural and hiking destination, preserving the historical atmosphere of Japan’s feudal era.

Kaisei Yagura

Kaisei Yagura is a stone tomb located in Kamakura, Japan, believed to date back to the late Kamakura period (13th–14th century). It is traditionally associated with the Hōjō clan, who ruled as regents during that era, and may have served as a burial site for high-ranking samurai or monks. The site is noted for its distinctive yagura (cave tomb) architecture, carved into a hillside, reflecting the region’s historical funerary practices.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a coastal city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, that served as the political capital of the country during the Kamakura period (1185–1333) under the first samurai-led shogunate. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including numerous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, most notably the Great Buddha (Kotoku-in), a massive bronze statue dating back to the 13th century. Today, Kamakura is a popular tourist destination known for its historical significance, scenic beaches, and well-preserved medieval atmosphere.

Great Buddha of Kamakura

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a monumental bronze statue of Amida Buddha located at Kotoku-in Temple in Japan. Cast in 1252, it originally stood inside a large temple hall, but the building was destroyed by a tsunami in the 1498, leaving the statue exposed to the elements ever since. Today, it remains a iconic symbol of Japanese Buddhism and a popular tourist destination.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a major port city in Japan, located just south of Tokyo, that transformed from a small fishing village into a bustling international hub after the opening of its port in 1859. It played a key role in Japan’s modernization during the Meiji period, serving as a gateway for foreign trade and cultural exchange. Today, Yokohama is known for its vibrant Chinatown, historic harbor, and landmarks like the Landmark Tower and Minato Mirai district.