Below is the list of cities and towns in 🇯🇵 Japan whose name begins with the letter H. You will also find some general information about each of them.
| Name | Japanese Name | Prefecture | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hakodate | 函館 | Hokkaido | 257,000 |
| Hachinohe | 八戸 | Aomori | 221,000 |
| Hachioji | 八王子 | Tokyo | 576,000 |
| Hakuba | 白馬 | Nagano | 9,000 |
| Hamamatsu | 浜松 | Shizuoka | 795,000 |
| Handa | 半田 | Aichi | 120,000 |
| Hanno | 飯能 | Saitama | 80,000 |
| Hanyu | 羽生 | Saitama | 53,000 |
| Higashihiroshima | 東広島 | Hiroshima | 190,000 |
| Hikone | 彦根 | Shiga | 111,000 |
| Himeji | 姫路 | Hyogo | 528,000 |
| Hitachinaka | ひたちなか | Ibaraki | 156,000 |
| Hitachi | 日立 | Ibaraki | 178,000 |
| Hofu | 防府 | Yamaguchi | 113,000 |
| Hokuto | 北杜 | Yamanashi | 45,000 |
| Hyuga | 日向 | Miyazaki | 58,000 |
Hakodate (函館)
Pronunciation: “hah-koh-dah-teh”
Hakodate is a city in Hokkaido, known for its picturesque night views from Mount Hakodate and its historical significance as one of Japan’s first international trade ports. The name Hakodate means “box mansion,” likely referring to an early fortification. Visitors enjoy the city’s blend of European-style architecture and Japanese culture, as well as its fresh seafood, especially squid.
Hachinohe (八戸)
Pronunciation: “hah-chee-noh-heh”
Hachinohe is a coastal city in Aomori Prefecture, known for its vibrant fishing industry and lively morning markets. The name Hachinohe means “eighth area,” referring to the divisions of the region during the Edo period. The city is also famous for its summer festivals and beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline, including Kabushima Island, home to thousands of black-tailed gulls.
Hachioji (八王子)
Pronunciation: “hah-chee-oh-jee”
Hachioji is a large city located west of central Tokyo. The name Hachioji means “eight princes,” a reference to a local legend about eight royal figures. Hachioji is known for its access to nature, including Mount Takao, a popular hiking destination. It also serves as a key suburban hub for commuters into central Tokyo while maintaining a mix of urban and rural environments.
Hakuba (白馬)
Pronunciation: “hah-koo-bah”
Hakuba is a small village in Nagano Prefecture, renowned for its world-class ski resorts and scenic mountain landscapes. The name Hakuba means “white horse,” inspired by a nearby mountain that, when covered in snow, is said to resemble the shape of a horse. Hakuba played a significant role in the 1998 Winter Olympics and remains a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Hamamatsu (浜松)
Pronunciation: “hah-mah-mah-tsoo”
Hamamatsu is a large industrial city in Shizuoka Prefecture, known for its manufacturing industries, particularly musical instruments and motorcycles. The name Hamamatsu means “beach pine tree,” reflecting the city’s coastal location and natural surroundings. Hamamatsu is also famous for its annual kite-flying festival and its rich cultural heritage, including Hamamatsu Castle.
Handa (半田)
Pronunciation: “hahn-dah”
Handa is a city in Aichi Prefecture, historically known for its brewing industry, particularly sake and vinegar production. The name Handa means “half field,” reflecting the area’s agricultural past. Handa is home to many traditional breweries, and visitors can explore the city’s industrial heritage through its museums and old factory tours.
Hanno (飯能)
Pronunciation: “hah-noh”
Hanno is a city in Saitama Prefecture, located northwest of Tokyo. Known for its lush forests and outdoor activities, including hiking and canoeing, Hanno offers a respite from urban life. The name Hanno means “rice field ability,” reflecting the city’s agricultural origins. Visitors can enjoy scenic spots like the Akebono Children’s Forest Park and the Naguri Dam area.
Hanyu (羽生)
Pronunciation: “hah-nyoo”
Hanyu is a city in northern Saitama Prefecture, known for its traditional crafts and historical sites. The name Hanyu means “feather birth,” and the city has a rich folklore associated with cranes and other birds. Hanyu hosts several local festivals throughout the year, and visitors can explore its historical streets lined with old merchant houses.
Higashihiroshima (東広島)
Pronunciation: “hee-gah-shee-hee-roh-shee-mah”
Higashihiroshima is a city in Hiroshima Prefecture, best known for its sake breweries. The name Higashihiroshima means “east Hiroshima,” indicating its location relative to the prefectural capital. The city holds an annual sake festival that attracts thousands of visitors. Higashihiroshima is also home to Hiroshima University, making it a vibrant student city.
Hikone (彦根)
Pronunciation: “hee-koh-neh”
Hikone is a city in Shiga Prefecture, famous for Hikone Castle, one of Japan’s oldest and most well-preserved castles. The name Hikone is derived from local legends and historical figures associated with the area. The city is located near Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Hikone’s historical districts attract tourists interested in Japan’s feudal past.
Himeji (姫路)
Pronunciation: “hee-meh-jee”
Himeji is a major city in Hyogo Prefecture, best known for Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most iconic castles. The name Himeji means “princess road,” reflecting the castle’s graceful appearance. Himeji is also a cultural hub, with numerous traditional festivals and events held throughout the year.
Hitachinaka (ひたちなか)
Pronunciation: “hee-tah-chee-nah-kah”
Hitachinaka is a city in Ibaraki Prefecture, known for its coastal parks and gardens, particularly the Hitachi Seaside Park, which features seasonal flower displays that attract visitors from all over Japan. The name Hitachinaka reflects the city’s historical connection to the Hitachi region. The city is also a major industrial center, with factories producing electronics and machinery.
Hitachi (日立)
Pronunciation: “hee-tah-chee”
Hitachi is a city in Ibaraki Prefecture, and the birthplace of the global electronics company Hitachi, Ltd. The name Hitachi means “sunrise,” symbolizing the city’s position as a key industrial hub. Hitachi also boasts beautiful coastal landscapes and parks, including the Kamine Park, which offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Hofu (防府)
Pronunciation: “hoh-foo”
Hofu is a city in Yamaguchi Prefecture, known for its rich historical and cultural significance. The name Hofu means “defense capital,” referring to its strategic military role in ancient times. Hofu is home to several historic sites, including Hofu Tenmangu Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. The city also celebrates its heritage with traditional festivals.
Hokuto (北杜)
Pronunciation: “hoh-koo-toh”
Hokuto is a city in Yamanashi Prefecture, located near the southern Japanese Alps. The name Hokuto means “northern capital,” reflecting its location. Hokuto is known for its natural beauty, including stunning views of Mount Fuji and its many hot springs and hiking trails. The city is also famous for its organic farms and fresh produce.
Hyuga (日向)
Pronunciation: “hyoo-gah”
Hyuga is a city in Miyazaki Prefecture, located along the coast of Kyushu. The name Hyuga means “facing the sun,” referring to its location on Japan’s eastern seaboard. Hyuga is known for its scenic coastline, including the famous Cape Hyuga and its unique rock formations. The city is a popular spot for surfers and nature lovers.
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