Hanshin Racecourse, Horse racing venue in Takarazuka, Japan.
Hanshin Racecourse is a horse racing venue in Takarazuka, a city in Hyōgo Prefecture, offering two turf tracks and a dirt track for different race formats. The longer turf course measures roughly 2 kilometers, the shorter one about 1.7 kilometers, and the dirt track runs around 1.5 kilometers.
The racecourse opened in 1949 on the site of the former Kawanishi Aircraft Company, after the land was repurposed following the war. In 1955, the Japan Racing Association took over management and began expanding the facilities for larger events.
The Takarazuka Kinen takes place here every June and draws many visitors from across the Kansai region, with people often wearing smart casual outfits for the occasion. Spectators use the open stands to follow the action on the turf, while a lively mood with food stalls and betting counters fills the breaks between races.
On race days, the venue opens in the morning, with admission costing 200 yen and payable at the main entrance. The upper stands give you a good view of the entire track and the surrounding hills of Takarazuka.
The track sits on sloping ground, so from certain stands you can see both the race and the wooded hillsides behind it. On clear days, you can even spot the outline of the Rokko Mountains in the background.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
