Takarazuka Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Takarazuka, featuring must-visit attractions, best itinerary, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Takarazuka

Takarazuka is a small but culturally rich city located in the Hyogo prefecture in Kansai, Japan. Known for its all-female musical theatre troupe called the Takarazuka Revue, this city has a lot to offer in terms of history, culture, and natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Takarazuka

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Takarazuka Revue Theater
  • Takarazuka Trick Art Museum
  • Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum
  • Takarazuka Garden Fields
  • Kiyoshikojin Seicho-ji Temple
  • Ikeda Castle
  • Takarazuka Municipal Museum

Natural Attractions of Takarazuka: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Rokko
  • Takarazuka Green Area
  • Tsutakawa Park
  • Karamatsu Falls
  • Nakayama Waterfall
  • Minoh Waterfall

Hiking/Biking Routes of Takarazuka

Nature lovers will enjoy Takarazuka’s numerous hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the mountains and scenic landscape. Some of the popular routes include:

  • Mount Rokko hiking trails
  • Takarazuka Green Area walking trails
  • Shonai Green cycling course
  • Mima cycling course

Best Things to Do in Takarazuka: Activities and Tours

  • Watch a Takarazuka Revue show
  • Take a relaxing stroll in one of the city’s gardens or parks
  • Go hiking or biking on one of the many trails
  • Visit the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum
  • Explore the Ikeda Castle ruins
  • Attend a tea ceremony
  • Try a traditional Japanese pottery class

Week-Long Itinerary for Takarazuka

Day 1: Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum, Lunch at a local restaurant, Takarazuka Revue Theater Show Day 2: Kiyoshikojin Seicho-ji Temple, Nakayama Waterfall, Mima cycling course Day 3: Takarazuka Green Area, Tsutakawa Park, Takarazuka Municipal Museum Day 4: Mount Rokko hiking trails, Karamatsu Falls, Dinner at a local restaurant Day 5: Shonai Green cycling course, Minoh Waterfall, Tea ceremony Day 6: Ikeda Castle ruins, Takarazuka Trick Art Museum, Traditional Japanese pottery class Day 7: Takarazuka Garden Fields, Shopping for souvenirs, Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Takarazuka

Must-Try Dishes

  • Takarazuka Gyunabe: A local dish made with beef, vegetables, and tofu cooked in a clay pot.
  • Kobe Beef: Takarazuka is located near the famous Kobe region, so you can easily find Kobe beef in restaurants around the city.
  • Tsukune: Grilled chicken meatballs that are a popular street food.
  • Okonomiyaki: A savory pancake made with vegetables, meat, and seafood.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Takarazuka is known for its locally brewed sake, which can be enjoyed at local bars and restaurants.
  • Matcha: A type of green tea that is a staple in Japanese culture.
  • Umeshu: Plum wine that is sweet and fruity.

Where to Stay in Takarazuka: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Takarazuka Hotel: Located near the Takarazuka Revue Theater, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • Auberge du Soleil: A charming guesthouse with a French-inspired design, located in the Minoh Prefectural Park.
  • Takarazuka Washington Hotel: A budget-friendly option located near the Takarazuka Station.

What to Buy in Takarazuka: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Takarazuka Revue merchandise: You can find various souvenirs related to the Takarazuka Revue, including DVDs, posters, and t-shirts.
  • Himeji Castle fan: Takarazuka is located near the famous Himeji Castle, and you can find various souvenirs related to the castle, including paper fans.
  • Locally brewed sake: You can bring home a bottle of locally brewed Takarazuka sake as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Takarazuka

Takarazuka is known for its all-female musical theatre troupe, the Takarazuka Revue. The troupe performs plays that are a mixture of traditional Japanese and western-style musicals. During the performances, the performers wear extravagant costumes and makeup that are a sight to behold.

Best Time to Visit Takarazuka

The best time to visit Takarazuka is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild, and the cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are in full bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of Takarazuka

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Try local food and drinks
  • Take off your shoes when entering a traditional Japanese house or temple
  • Enjoy local attractions and activities

Don’t:

  • Walk on the tatami mats with your shoes on
  • Speak loudly in public places
  • Point with your finger
  • Be late for appointments or meetings

Safety and Health

Safety in Takarazuka

Takarazuka is a relatively safe city, and the crime rate is low. However, it is always best to take basic precautions such as locking your valuables and being aware of your surroundings while traveling.

Health in Takarazuka

Takarazuka has good medical facilities, and the city is well-equipped to handle a medical emergency. It is recommended to carry travel insurance during your visit.

Getting to Takarazuka: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Takarazuka

  • Osaka International Airport: Located 22 kilometers away from Takarazuka, the airport is a popular choice for domestic flights.
  • Kansai International Airport: Located 80 kilometers away from Takarazuka, the airport is a popular choice for international flights.

Bus Stations Near Takarazuka

  • Takarazuka Station: The city’s main bus station that connects to various destinations.
  • Hankyu Bus Terminal: Located near the Takarazuka Station, the terminal connects the city to other parts of Japan.

Other Options

  • Train: Takarazuka is easily accessible by train, and the city has several train stations that connect to other destinations in Japan.
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available in the city, and it is a convenient mode of transportation for short distances.

How to Get Around in Takarazuka

Takarazuka city is relatively small, and you can easily explore it on foot or by bike. Rental bikes are available at several locations throughout the city, including bike-sharing stations.

Where to Go Next from Takarazuka: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Kobe: Located only 30 kilometers away, Kobe is famous for its delicious beef, sake, and scenic views of the harbor.
  • Kyoto: The cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is located 60 kilometers away and is popular for its historic temples, shrines, and geisha culture.
  • Osaka: The third-largest city in Japan, Osaka is located only 25 kilometers away and is famous for its delicious street food, nightlife, and amusement parks.

Conclusion

Takarazuka may be a small city, but it is packed with culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a fan of the Takarazuka Revue or a nature lover, there is something for everyone in this charming city. From exploring historic temples and ruins to hiking on scenic mountain trails, Takarazuka offers a unique travel experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.

Takarazuka Revue Statue Takarazuka Revue Statue Takarazuka Musical Theater Takarazuka Musical Theater Start of the abandoned railway hike Start of the abandoned railway hike First tunnel of the abandoned railway hike. Get your flashlight ready!! First tunnel of the abandoned railway hike. Get your flashlight ready!! Cross the bridge over the rapids on the abandoned railway hike Cross the bridge over the rapids on the abandoned railway hike