Odai, town in Taki District, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Odai is a small town in Taki district, Mie Prefecture on the Kii Peninsula, surrounded by wide fields, rivers, and mountains. The area features dense forests, clear waterways, and scattered homes spread across expansive terrain where a modest population lives connected to the land.
The town originated as a farming village within the ancient Ise Province and remained a stable settlement under a larger estate during the Edo period. Modern Odai took shape after mergers of smaller communities in 1956 and 2006.
The town's character centers on a deep connection to farming and nature, with families tied to the land for generations. Local traditions remain alive through weekend markets, seasonal festivals with traditional music, and a way of life shaped by respect for the natural world.
Most visitors explore the town best by car or local train, which connects Odai to nearby cities and towns. Detailed maps are available, and major roads bring travelers into the region easily, with plenty of time needed to enjoy the hiking trails and natural sights at a relaxed pace.
The town sits along the Miya River, which has been named one of Japan's cleanest waterways multiple times and forms the foundation of daily life for many residents. In 2016, the area gained UNESCO Eco Park status, making it one of only a few places in Japan with this rare designation.
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