Takarazuka travel guide

Takarazuka (宝塚市, Takarazuka-shi) is a city located in Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 February 2024, the city had an estimated population of 221,846 in 96,729 households and a population density of 2,200 persons per km².

Takarazuka is a bedroom community city, in which residents typically work in nearby Osaka. The city is known for its hot springs and for its all-female Takarazuka Revue, both of which are now the main draw for visitors. Most people who visit Takarazuka are domestic travellers, with the largest group being middle-aged people and the older crowd. For manga fans, the Tezuka Osamu Manga Museum located here is a must-visit. The manga artist, most well known for creating the character Astro Boy, grew up in the city, watching the Takarazuka Revue as a boy.

The larger hotels in Takarazuka typically cater to either hot spring visitors or the theater-going crowd. As such, rooms may be booked well in advance and vacancies might be few, so do book early.

Getting in

The nearest airport is Osaka-Itami, which is 20 minutes away by car. There is a limited direct Hankyū Bus service to Takarazuka, taking 25 minutes and costing ¥240, but a better option is usually to take the Monorail one stop to Hotarugaike and change there to the Hankyū Takarazuka Line (30 minutes, ¥420). Another nearby domestic airport is Kobe Airport, which is an hour away by car. From there, take the Port Liner to Sannomiya, then take the train (see below). The nearest international airport is Osaka-Kansai, which is 1 hour 20 minutes away by car.

Getting around

Many of Takarazuka's main attractions, hotels and shops are located in the vicinity of the Hankyu Takarazuka Station and the Takarazuka Minamiguchi Station. Most of them are within walking distance. If you are not staying at a local hotel, take note of the last train times at both stations (usually at or around 01:00), or you might find yourself with no transportation out of the city.

Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.