Ōtaki, Chiba facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ōtaki 大多喜町
Town
Ōtaki Castle
Flag Emblem
Location of Ōtaki in Chiba Prefecture
Ōtaki Location in Japan
Country	Japan
Region	Kanto
Prefecture	Chiba Prefecture
District	Isumi District
Area
• Total	129.87 km2 (50.14 sq mi)
Population  (December 1, 2015)
• Total	9,676
• Density	74.5/km2 (193/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+9 (Japan Standard Time)
- Tree	Sakura
Phone number	0470-82-2111
Address	93 Ōtaki, Ōtaki-machi, Chiba-ken 298-0292

Ōtaki (大多喜町, Ōtaki-machi) is a charming town located in the Isumi District of Chiba Prefecture, Japan. It sits right in the middle of the Bōsō Peninsula. This town has a rich history, especially because it was once home to Honda Tadakatsu, a famous general during Japan's Edo period (from 1603 to 1868). He built a very important building here: Ōtaki Castle.

As of December 2015, Ōtaki had a population of about 9,676 people. The town covers a total area of 129.87 square kilometers (about 50.14 square miles).

Geography and Nature

Ōtaki is located in the central part of the Bōsō Peninsula. This area is known for its beautiful natural scenery.

Hills, Mountains, and Forests

The town of Ōtaki is surrounded by many hills and small mountains. A large part of the town, about 70%, is covered by thick forests. This makes Ōtaki a great place for nature lovers.

Rivers Flowing Through Town

Two important rivers flow through Ōtaki. These are the Isumi River and the Yōrō River. They add to the natural beauty of the area.

Neighboring Towns and Cities

Ōtaki shares its borders with several other towns and cities. These include:

• Ichihara
• Kimitsu
• Katsuura
• Kamogawa
• Isumi City
• Mutsuzawa
• Chōnan

Ōtaki Castle: A Historical Landmark

One of the most famous places in Ōtaki is Ōtaki Castle. It has a long and interesting history.

Building the Original Castle

The original Ōtaki Castle was built by Honda Tadakatsu in 1590. He chose a hill as the perfect spot for it. Many samurai warriors and citizens built their homes around the base of the castle. This created a lively town below the castle walls.

Castle's Fate and Rebuilding

Sadly, the original castle was destroyed by fire in 1842. However, a new replica (which means a very accurate copy) of the castle was built in 1975. Today, you can visit this rebuilt castle. Inside, there is a small museum where you can learn more about the castle's history and the area.

Getting Around Ōtaki

Ōtaki has different ways to travel, making it easy to explore the town and its surroundings.

Railways for Travel

You can travel by train using these railway lines:

• Isumi Railway
• Kominato Railway

Main Roads for Driving

If you prefer to travel by car, Ōtaki is connected by important national roads:

• Japan National Route 297: This road can take you to Ichihara or Tateyama.
• Japan National Route 465: This road leads to Mobara or Futtsu.

Images for kids

• 

  Isumi Railway - Isumi Line

• 

  Yōrō Ravine

See also

In Spanish: Ōtaki (Chiba) para niños