Below is the list of cities and towns in 🇯🇵 Japan whose name begins with the letter A. You will also find some general information about each of them.
| Name | Kanji | Prefecture | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Achi | 阿智 | Nagano | 6,000 |
| Agano | 阿賀野 | Niigata | 41,000 |
| Aioi | 相生 | Hyogo | 30,000 |
| Aira | 姶良 | Kagoshima | 73,000 |
| Aizuwakamatsu | 会津若松 | Fukushima | 118,000 |
| Akabira | 赤平 | Hokkaido | 9,000 |
| Akashi | 明石 | Hyogo | 300,000 |
| Akita | 秋田 | Akita | 309,000 |
| Ako | 赤穂 | Hyogo | 46,000 |
| Amagasaki | 尼崎 | Hyogo | 454,000 |
| Amakusa | 天草 | Kumamoto | 81,000 |
| Amino | 網野 | Kyoto | 19,000 |
| Anan | 阿南 | Tokushima | 68,000 |
| Annaka | 安中 | Gunma | 50,000 |
| Asago | 朝来 | Hyogo | 29,000 |
| Ashibetsu | 芦別 | Hokkaido | 13,000 |
| Ashikaga | 足利 | Tochigi | 143,000 |
| Ashiya | 芦屋 | Hyogo | 95,000 |
| Aso | 阿蘇 | Kumamoto | 26,000 |
| Atami | 熱海 | Shizuoka | 34,000 |
| Atsugi | 厚木 | Kanagawa | 224,000 |
Achi (阿智)
Pronunciation: “ah-chee”
Achi is a small town in Nagano Prefecture known for its beautiful natural scenery, especially during cherry blossom season. Located in a mountainous region, Achi is also famous for its stargazing spots and hot springs. The town’s name means “wisdom” in Japanese.
Agano (阿賀野)
Pronunciation: “ah-gah-noh”
Agano is a city located in Niigata Prefecture. It is known for its agricultural products, especially rice and sake. The city is named after the nearby Agano River, which flows through the region, providing water for its lush farmlands.
Aioi (相生)
Pronunciation: “ah-ee-oh-ee”
Aioi is a small city in Hyogo Prefecture. It is known for its shipbuilding industry and the annual Aioi Peron dragon boat race. The name Aioi means “growing together,” symbolizing the city’s development alongside its industries.
Aira (姶良)
Pronunciation: “eye-rah”
Aira is a city in Kagoshima Prefecture, located near the iconic Sakurajima volcano. It is known for its proximity to hot springs and scenic views of the volcano. The name Aira comes from the historical Aira District, which merged into the modern city.
Aizuwakamatsu (会津若松)
Pronunciation: “ah-ee-zoo wah-kah-maht-soo”
Aizuwakamatsu is a historic city in Fukushima Prefecture, famous for Tsuruga Castle, a symbol of the city’s samurai heritage. The city played a significant role in the Boshin War and is known for its traditional lacquerware and sake production. The name refers to the Aizu region and the old castle town.
Akabira (赤平)
Pronunciation: “ah-kah-bee-rah”
Akabira is a small town in Hokkaido that once thrived as a coal mining community. With the decline of the coal industry, the town has focused on tourism and agriculture. The name Akabira means “red plain,” reflecting the area’s red soil.
Akashi (明石)
Pronunciation: “ah-kah-shee”
Akashi is a coastal city in Hyogo Prefecture, known for the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world. The city is also famous for its fresh seafood, especially Akashiyaki, a local delicacy. The name Akashi means “bright stone,” possibly referring to the city’s coastal rocks.
Akita (秋田)
Pronunciation: “ah-kee-tah”
Akita is the capital city of Akita Prefecture in northern Japan. Known for its rice production and the annual Kanto Festival, where participants balance long poles with lanterns. The name Akita means “autumn field,” reflecting the region’s agricultural roots.
Ako (赤穂)
Pronunciation: “ah-koh”
Ako is a city in Hyogo Prefecture known for its salt production and the historical Ako Samurai, featured in the famous story of the 47 Ronin. The name Ako means “red mound,” referring to the area’s distinctive red soil.
Amagasaki (尼崎)
Pronunciation: “ah-mah-gah-sah-kee”
Amagasaki is a large industrial city in Hyogo Prefecture, located between Osaka and Kobe. It has a rich industrial history and is home to many factories and logistics companies. The city’s name means “Buddhist priest cape,” though its origin is unclear.
Amakusa (天草)
Pronunciation: “ah-mah-koo-sah”
Amakusa is a group of islands in Kumamoto Prefecture. Known for its Christian history during Japan’s Edo period, Amakusa has a unique cultural heritage. The region is also famous for its seafood and beautiful coastal landscapes. The name Amakusa means “heaven grass,” a poetic reference to the lush scenery.
Amino (網野)
Pronunciation: “ah-mee-noh”
Amino is a small town in Kyoto Prefecture, known for its scenic coastline along the Sea of Japan. It is part of the Tango Peninsula and is famous for fishing and summer beach activities. The name Amino means “woven fields,” likely referring to the area’s history of agriculture.
Anan (阿南)
Pronunciation: “ah-nahn”
Anan is a city in Tokushima Prefecture. It is known for its proximity to the sea and its local industries, including LED manufacturing. The name Anan means “southern peaceful,” likely referring to the city’s location and tranquility.
Annaka (安中)
Pronunciation: “ahn-nah-kah”
Annaka is a city in Gunma Prefecture, known for its historic post towns on the Nakasendo Road, which connected Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo period. The name Annaka means “peaceful middle,” possibly referring to its location as a stop along the road.
Asago (朝来)
Pronunciation: “ah-sah-goh”
Asago is a rural city in Hyogo Prefecture, known for its picturesque Takeda Castle ruins, often referred to as the “Castle in the Sky” due to the way it appears to float among the clouds. The name Asago means “coming of morning,” symbolizing dawn or new beginnings.
Ashibetsu (芦別)
Pronunciation: “ah-shee-beh-tsoo”
Ashibetsu is a small town in Hokkaido. Once a prosperous coal mining town, it has shifted towards tourism and agriculture. The name Ashibetsu means “reed river,” named after the nearby Ashibetsu River.
Ashikaga (足利)
Pronunciation: “ah-shee-kah-gah”
Ashikaga is a city in Tochigi Prefecture known for Ashikaga Flower Park, which is famous for its stunning wisteria flowers. The city also has historical significance as the birthplace of the Ashikaga Shogunate. The name Ashikaga means “foot support,” possibly referring to its early settlers.
Ashiya (芦屋)
Pronunciation: “ah-shee-yah”
Ashiya is a wealthy city in Hyogo Prefecture, known for its upscale residential areas and luxurious lifestyle. Located between Kobe and Osaka, it is one of Japan’s most affluent cities. The name Ashiya means “reed shop,” likely referring to its historical connection to trade and commerce.
Aso (阿蘇)
Pronunciation: “ah-soh”
Aso is a small city in Kumamoto Prefecture, located near the active volcano Mount Aso, one of the largest calderas in the world. The area is known for its volcanic landscape, hot springs, and agricultural products. The name Aso comes from the ancient Aso Shrine, dedicated to the god of the volcano.
Atami (熱海)
Pronunciation: “ah-tah-mee”
Atami is a coastal hot spring town in Shizuoka Prefecture, known for its relaxing onsen and scenic views of Sagami Bay. The name Atami means “hot sea,” reflecting its geothermal springs and coastal location.
Atsugi (厚木)
Pronunciation: “ah-tsoo-gee”
Atsugi is a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, located near Tokyo. It is known for its proximity to both the mountains and the coast, as well as its military base. The name Atsugi means “thick tree,” possibly referring to the lush forests surrounding the area.
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