city, Hyōgo ken (prefecture), Honshu, Japan, on the northeastern slope of Mount Rokkō. The city is a hot-springs resort and is renowned for its female opera company. The opera house, which has been operated by the Railway Society since 1919, has a seating capacity of 4,000, making it one of the largest in the Orient. Takarazuka also has botanical gardens, pools, golf courses, racetracks, a zoo, and educational facilities. The Muko River flows through the city, and the river's banks are lined with hotels and restaurants. Pop. (2005) 219,862.