Takarazuka, city in south central Japan, on Honshu Island, in southeastern Hyogo Prefecture. Takarazuka is a satellite city of Osaka and Kobe. Tourism has been its primary industry since 1913, when Takarazuka Kagekidan—the all-female revue troupe famous for its musical extravaganzas—was created by businessman Kobayashi Ichizo in order to attract visitors to his Takarazuka resort. The performance company is still based in Takarazuka. Kobayashi's business ventures also included a railroad company, now the Hankyu Corporation, which built a rail line from Osaka to Takarazuka.
Takarazuka is a popular resort with amusement parks, pachinko (pinball) parlors, and children's playgrounds. Many traditional Japanese-style hotels and restaurants have been built along the Muko River, which runs through Takarazuka. Nurseries for plants and trees, as well as zoological and botanical gardens, are located in the city. Takarazuka has hot springs that maintain a steady temperature of 48° C (86° F). The springs were in use as early as the 8th century. Population (1999) 210,942.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Takarazuka Information info
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