Taiki, town in Watarai district, Mie prefecture, Japan
Taiki is a small town in Watarai District of Mie Prefecture with fewer than 8,000 residents located along the coast of Ise Bay. The town spreads over roughly 230 square kilometers with scattered homes, rice fields, and forests that give the landscape a rural character.
Taiki was an important forestry center during the Edo period with timber from the region being used widely. Over time the local economy shifted to fishing and dairy farming, which remain the foundation of the town's livelihood today.
The Takihara-no-miya shrine sits at the heart of Taiki's community life, coming alive during local festivals when residents gather in traditional clothing to share food and music. These regular celebrations show how the town keeps its customs alive and connected to daily life.
The town is well connected by the Kisei Main Line which links Taiki to larger cities, and buses or cars make it easy to travel within the town and to neighboring areas. The best time to visit is during warmer months when weather conditions are most pleasant and outdoor activities are easily accessible.
The local economy has used wild ayu sweetfish from rivers for religious offerings and festivals for over 2,000 years, especially at the Onbe Festival which celebrates the harvest. This ancient ritual shows how deeply the community is tied to its natural resources and spiritual practices.
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