city, northeastern Ōsaka fu (urban prefecture), Honshu, Japan, lying along the Yodo River. It prospered as a post station and river port between Kyōto and Ōsaka during the Tokugawa era (1603–1867). In the late 19th century the city declined, but it was revived by the opening of a railway (1910) between Kyōto and Ōsaka. Hirakata then developed as a residential suburb and educational centre, and industries producing textiles, metal products, machinery, and rolling stock gained importance. Pop. (2005) 404,044.