Oyodo Castle and the Historic Area of Taki District, Mie Prefecture: A Complete Guide to the Oyodo District of Meiwa Town
The Oyodo district of Meiwa Town, Taki District, Mie Prefecture, is known as a historical area facing Ise Bay. It was formerly an independent municipality, Oyodo Village and Oyodo Town, and was home to Oyodo Castle. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the area, from its postal code and address to its historical background, culture, and tourist information.
Basic Information on the Oyodo District
Postal Code and Address
The following postal codes are primarily used in the Oyodo district of Meiwa Town, Taki District, Mie Prefecture.
- Ōyodo: 515-0302 Ōyodo, Meiwa-cho, Taki-gun, Mie Prefecture
- Yama-Ōyodo: 515-0303 Yama-Ōyodo, Meiwa-cho, Taki-gun, Mie Prefecture
These place names originate from the main settlements that once made up Ōyodo Village. When writing an address, follow the postal code with the street number, apartment name, building name, etc. For high-rise buildings, it is common to include the floor number.
Using accurate postal codes based on Japan Post’s data ensures smooth mail delivery. It is important to accurately include the street number in the actual address.
Pronunciation
The correct pronunciation of the place names is as follows:
- Oyodo: Ōyodo
- Yamaoyodo: Yamaoyodo
- Takigun: Takigun
- Meiwacho: Meiwacho
- Mie Prefecture: Mieken
Historically, the reading “Oizu” also existed, and both readings were used for Oyodo Village and Oyodo Town: “Ōyodomura,” “Oizumura,” “Ōyodomachi,” and “Oizumachi.” This unique reading reflects the region’s history.
English/Romanization
For international mail and packages from overseas, English notation is required. Using the common Hepburn romanization system, it is written as follows:
Examples of complete addresses in English:
“`
Oyodo (+ street number or apartment name, etc.)
Takigun Meiwacho, Mie
515-0302 Japan
“`
“`
Yamaoyodo (+ street number or apartment name, etc.)
Takigun Meiwacho, Mie
515-0303 Japan
“`
In English address notation, the order is reversed compared to Japanese addresses, with smaller units listed first, followed by larger units. The building name and street number are listed first, and the country name last; this is the international standard.
Map and Location Characteristics
The Oyodo area is located in the central-eastern part of Mie Prefecture, along the coast of Ise Bay. Specifically, it is at the northeastern tip of Meiwacho, and has the following geographical characteristics:
- Located on the right bank of the Sasabue River estuary
- Located on the left bank of the Ohori River estuary
- Located in a coastal area facing Ise Bay
- Situated between Matsusaka City and Ise City
This area has long developed around a fishing port and has deep ties to the sea. When searching on a map, it will be easier to find if you use the northeastern part of Meiwa Town and the Ise Bay coast as landmarks.
History of Oyodo Castle
Overview of Oyodo Castle
Oyodo Castle was a castle located in the Oyodo region of Taki District, Mie Prefecture. Although detailed records are limited, it is an important historical site for understanding the history of this region from the Sengoku period to the Edo period.
Due to its location facing Ise Bay, it is thought to have functioned as a key point for maritime traffic and as a monitoring point for the pilgrimage route to Ise Grand Shrine. Although almost no remains of the castle remain today, it is remembered as part of the region’s historical identity.
Development as a Castle Town
The Oyodo area developed around a fishing port, and records show that there were six or seven sake breweries during the Edo period. This indicates considerable commercial prosperity for the time, suggesting that it was not merely a fishing village, but an economically prosperous town.
It is presumed that the regional economy was stable due to having multiple industrial bases: shipping, fishing, and sake brewing.
Changes in Administrative Boundaries
Establishment of Oyodo Village (Meiji Era)
On April 1, 1889 (Meiji 22), with the implementation of the town and village system, the following areas were merged to form Oyodo Village:
- Naka-Oyodo Village
- Yama-Oyodo Village
- Ohorigawa Shinden
At this time, the pronunciation was “Oyodo-mura” or “Oizu-mura.” The large-scale mergers of the Meiji era consolidated small settlements within Taki District, creating a modern administrative unit.
Promotion to Oyodo Town (Taisho Era)
February 11, 1924 (Taisho 13), Oyodo Village was granted town status and became Oyodo Town. This promotion reflected the region’s population growth and economic development.
Merger into Sanwa Town (Showa Era)
April 1, 1955 (Showa 30), Oyodo Town merged with Kami-Miito Village and Shimo-Miito Village in Taki District to form Sanwa Town. Oyodo Town was abolished on this day.
The name “Sanwa” represents the unification of three municipalities (Oyodo Town, Kami-Miito Village, and Shimo-Miito Village).
Birth of Meiwa Town
September 3, 1958, Sanwa Town and Saimei Village merged to form Kango Town, which was immediately renamed Meiwa Town. The name “Meiwa” has continued to this day, and the Oyodo area remains part of Meiwa Town.
The name Meiwa Town embodies the wish for a bright and peaceful town.
History and Characteristics of Taki District
Origin of Taki District
Taki District was formerly called “Takenokori“. The reading of “Takenokori” changed to “Takinokori” over time, and later the spelling was changed to “Taki District”.
Such changes in place names are important data in the study of Japanese regional history.
Current Taki District
Taki District, established as an administrative division in 1879 (Meiji 12), currently consists of the following three towns.
- Taki Town
- Meiwa Town
- Odai Town
The population is approximately 42,775 (estimated as of September 1, 2025), the area is 506.98 km², and the population density is 84.4 people/km².
Taki District is located between Matsusaka City and Ise City, and although small, it is focusing on creating a distinctive community. Each town is working to promote migration and settlement, and is promoting its own unique charm.
Culture and Traditions of the Oyodo District
Oyodo Gion Festival
The most important cultural event in the Oyodo district is the Oyodo Gion Festival. This festival is a collective name for the Gion Festivals held in the three districts of the Oyodo district of Meiwa Town: “Higashi-ku,” “Miseko,” and “Yama-Oyodo.”
Festival Characteristics:
- Deity: Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- History: A festival dating back to the mid-Edo period, with a local history of 270 years.
- Date: Formerly held on the 14th and 15th of the 6th month of the lunar calendar.
- Content: Each district holds its own unique Shinto rituals and float processions.
The Oyodo Gion Festival plays a vital role in preserving regional identity and passing on traditions across generations. Through the festival, the bonds among local residents are strengthened, and a love for their hometown is fostered.
Fishing Culture
The Oyodo district, facing Ise Bay, has long been a thriving fishing area. Town development centered around the fishing port led to the development of a food culture blessed with abundant seafood.
Even today, fishing plays a vital role in the local economy, and fresh seafood remains one of the region’s attractions.
Attractions of Meiwa Town and Surrounding Areas
Saigu Ruins and Historical Sightseeing
Meiwa Town is a historical town known for the Saiku Ruins. Saigu was the site of the palace of the Saio (Imperial Princess serving at Ise Grand Shrine) from ancient to medieval times, and is designated as a national historical site.
Located near the Oyodo area, it is a popular base for historical sightseeing, attracting many tourists.
Access and Transportation
Meiwa Town is located in the central part of Mie Prefecture and is accessible via the following methods:
- Railway: Kintetsu Yamada Line passes through (Saiku Station, Myojo Station, etc.)
- Road: National Route 23 passes through, and it is also close to the Ise Expressway
- Distance from Major Cities: Approximately 20-30 minutes by car from Matsusaka City and Ise City
The Oyodo area is located in the northeastern part of Meiwa Town and enjoys convenient transportation due to its location along the Ise Bay coast.
Support for Relocation and Settlement
Each town in Taki District is focusing on relocation and settlement, and Meiwa Town has various support systems in place.
- Childcare support system
- Housing acquisition support
- Employment support
- Acceptance of Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team members
Meiwa Town, including the Oyodo district, is blessed with a rich history and natural environment, and is attracting attention as a relocation destination from urban areas.
The Present and Future of the Oyodo District
Maintaining Local Communities
In the Oyodo district, efforts are made to maintain local communities through traditional events such as the Gion Festival. Such cultural cohesion is extremely important in regional cities facing population decline.
The three districts of Higashi-ku, Miseko, and Yama-Oyodo maintain their individual characteristics while sharing the larger regional identity of Oyodo.
Utilization of Historical Resources
The history of Oyodo Castle and the history of Oyodo as an independent town are valuable resources for the region. By utilizing this historical background for tourism and education, the region’s appeal can be enhanced.
It is also recorded in digital archives such as historical administrative district datasets, attracting attention from researchers and history enthusiasts.
Sustainable Community Development
Meiwa Town as a whole is committed to sustainable community development. The Oyodo district, too, aims to build a community that can be passed on to future generations, while utilizing its history, culture, and natural environment.
- Preservation of Traditional Culture
- Environmental Conservation Activities
- Revitalization of the Local Economy
- Promotion of Youth Settlement
Through these efforts, the Oyodo district exists not merely as a legacy of the past, but as a living community that continues to evolve.
Summary
The Oyodo district of Meiwa Town, Taki District, Mie Prefecture, is a historical region that began with the history of Oyodo Castle, and after passing through the independent municipalities of Oyodo Village and Oyodo Town, became part of the current Meiwa Town.
The area represented by postal codes 515-0302 (Oyodo) and 515-0303 (Yama-Oyodo) is characterized by its fishing culture, which takes advantage of its location facing Ise Bay, the 270-year-old Oyodo Gion Festival, and the strong bonds of its local community.
As part of the Taki District, formerly known as “Take District,” the Oyodo area of Meiwa Town is an important place that embodies the history and culture of Mie Prefecture. Understanding not only basic information such as address, English translation, and map location, but also its deep historical background reveals the true value of this region.
The Oyodo area is expected to continue developing its community while preserving traditions and adapting to the new era. Knowing its history and present is an essential element in understanding the regional culture of Mie Prefecture.
