Hanshin Racecourse

Hanshin Racecourse is a JRA (Japan Racing Association) racecourse located in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture. It is famous for hosting G1 races such as the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas), the Takarazuka Kinen, and the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies. Because the nearest station is Hankyu Railway Nigawa Station, it is also known as Nigawa Racecourse. Access is about a 5-minute walk from Nigawa Station on the Hankyu Imazu Line. The main grandstand, renovated in 1991, is a six-story building; from the 2nd to 6th floors, the front is fully glassed and equipped with air conditioning and heating for comfortable viewing. While race days draw many spectators, on some weekdays when races are not held, the park area is opened free of charge and can be enjoyed like a picnic spot (note: not all weekdays are “weekday open days”). In spring, about 750 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom spectacularly, making it one of Kansai’s top cherry-blossom viewing spots, with events such as pony interactions and visiting food trucks.