With Hanseki Hokan (the return of land and population to rule by the Emperor) on August 1, 1869, Naochika became governor of Kujira Domain, and the domain was abolished along with others in Haihan-chiken (abolition of domains and establishment of prefectures) on August 29, 1871.
そして明治2年（1869年）6月24日の版籍奉還で直哉は櫛羅藩知事となり、同4年（1871年）7月14日の廃藩置県で廃藩となった。