The
Shinagawa Daiba, known as the name of 'Odaiba', is the relics
of the batteries built on the inner bank of the Shinagawa by
Edo Shogunate for the purpose of preparing for the attacks of
the Black Ships ('invading' Western ships at the end of Edo
period). 'Daiba' is a Japanese word which means batteries. The
construction of the 'Daiba' started in August the next year
after Perry's fleet visited Uraga ln 1850, and 6 batteries were
established in 1 year and 3 months (but only 2 remains). What
we see at Odaiba right now are the 3rd and the 6th Daiba (batteries).
These were designated the national historic sites in 1926.
In 1928,
the 3rd Daiba was repaired by Tokyo Metropolitan, and made open
to the public as 'Daiba Park'. A little offshore hard rock bank
5-7 meters above water have been built and Japanese black pines
have been planted in the surrounding area. In the inner low
area beside the Daiba, the relics of the barracks, powder magazines
etc. of that time have been well preserved. This park is a place
whose historic legends even many Japanese people don't really
know. Different from the bustling central part of Odaiba, you
can quietly soak yourself in Japanese history here.
