Tara (太良町, Tara-chō) is a town and peninsula located in Fujitsu District, Saga Prefecture, Japan.[1][2] As of March 1, 2017, the town has an estimated population of 9,125.
Geography
Tara is bordered by Isahaya, Ōmura, Kashima and the Ariake Sea. Tara is composed of two traditional sections, which were once independent towns: Tara (多良) and Ōura (大浦). Tara is located near the Kashima Gatalympics, which takes place near Hizen-Iida station.
Ōura harbor is the main port of entry via sea.
History
In May 1, 1889, the boundaries of the villages known as Tara, Ōura, and Nanaura were established.
In February 11, 1955, Tara and Ōura became one town, Tara-chō. Later in March 1 of the same year, a section of Nanaura was absorbed into Tara-chō.
History
Due to influence from Nagasaki, Christianity existed in the area, but after the results of the Shimabara Rebellion, most of the Christians were killed or went underground and became Kakure Kirishitans. There are grave stones that are scattered throughout Tara.
Legends
Local legend has it that a force from the south once tried to invade Tara. The villagers wore demon masks to scare the intruders, and won the skirmish.
There is a legend about the origins of the Doro Mochi Tsuki festival. In the legend, set about 200 years ago, the village was poor. On occasion of the village elder being away on a pilgrimage, the town's people all had the same dream. In the mysterious dream, an itinerant monk came to the village as they were discussing how to pray for rain and in hunger stole some mochi. The villagers blamed him and killed him. Out of regret, they buried him. Rain fell upon the place where he was buried. The villagers believed the rain was due to the monk, and offered mochi to him.
Industry
It is regionally famous for its crabs (of the wanigani variety), mikans, and oysters, the latter of which is in season during the winter.
Education
Tara has one prefectural highschool, Tara High School (佐賀県立太良高等学校), and two junior high schools. There are also two elementary schools and scattered kindergartens.
Transportation
Most travelers come to Tara by National Route 207 or via the Nagasaki Main Line, operated by JR Kyushu. Tara is serviced by the JR Kyushu railroad company. It has two stations and one switchbox.
The closest airport is Saga Airport, followed by one in Nagasaki. National Route 207 runs through the length of the town, and is the only road to Nagasaki Prefecture.
There is no known sea travel, nor are there ferries available.
Language
While standard Japanese is spoken and understood in the area, the locals also speak the local dialect, Saga-ben, which is further broken down into Tara-ben and Ōura-ben. Some examples of speech include:
References
- ^ "佐賀・太良町で「秋だけど・・夏カニフェス」9/26～10/23に開催！旅館9軒で"竹崎カニ"を丸ごと使っておもてなし". newscast.jp. Retrieved 2022-10-21.
- ^ "太良町長選 現職・永淵氏が2期目への立候補表明【佐賀県】｜佐賀のニュース｜サガテレビ". サガテレビ (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-10-21.
External links
Media related to Tara, Saga at Wikimedia Commons- Tara official website (in Japanese)
- Guide to Tara Festivals (in Japanese)
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