Tahara, Japan, is located in the Aichi Prefecture in central Honshu Island. The area is known for its rich cultural heritage and landmarks including the restored seventeenth century fortress of Nagoya Castle and the Toyota Commenorative Museum of Industry and Technology.

Both Georgetown and Tahara have multiple features in common. Both are relatively small cities but growing fast. Both have an agricultural base as well as car manufacturing plants owned by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Company.

It was the ties to Toyota that led to the sister city relationship that began in 1990. As an homage to Tahara, the Yuko-en on the Elkhorn was developed as a place of peace and is the only official Kentucky – Japan Friendship Garden. The logo with the Japanese ideograph for friendship and a bridge represents our sister city relationship with Tahara and the mission of the Garden.