Cities and Towns in Japan that Start with I

Below is the list of cities and towns in 🇯🇵 Japan whose name begins with the letter I. You will also find some general information about each of them.

NameJapanese NamePrefecturePopulation
Ichikawa市川Chiba496,000
Iida飯田Nagano98,000
Iizuka飯塚Fukuoka127,000
Ikeda池田Osaka101,000
Imaichi今市Tochigi84,000
Imaizumi今泉Shizuoka25,000
Imabari今治Ehime157,000
Inagi稲城Tokyo93,000
Inuyama犬山Aichi72,000
Isehara伊勢原Kanagawa101,000
Isesaki伊勢崎Gunma213,000
Ishinomaki石巻Miyagi142,000
Ishigaki石垣Okinawa48,000
Itami伊丹Hyogo198,000
Iwakuni岩国Yamaguchi132,000
Iwamizawa岩見沢Hokkaido82,000
Iwata磐田Shizuoka165,000
IwakiいわきFukushima328,000
Izu伊豆Shizuoka31,000
Izumo出雲Shimane170,000
Iida飯田Nagano98,000
Izunokuni伊豆の国Shizuoka46,000
Iyo伊予Ehime37,000

Ichikawa (市川)

Pronunciation: “ee-chee-kah-wah”
Ichikawa is a city in Chiba Prefecture, located just east of Tokyo. Its name means “market river,” and it was historically an important commercial hub. Today, Ichikawa is known for its residential areas and educational institutions. It’s also home to some beautiful gardens and historical sites, including the Shunkoin Temple.

Iida (飯田)

Pronunciation: “ee-dah”
Iida is a city in Nagano Prefecture, located in the southern part of the prefecture. Known for its scenic beauty and traditional puppet theater, Iida’s name means “rice field.” The city is surrounded by mountains and is famous for its outdoor activities, especially hiking and hot springs.

Iizuka (飯塚)

Pronunciation: “ee-zoo-kah”
Iizuka is a city in Fukuoka Prefecture, located on the island of Kyushu. It has a rich mining history and was once a coal mining town. Today, Iizuka is a mix of industrial and residential areas, known for its historical coal industry museums and local cuisine.

Ikeda (池田)

Pronunciation: “ee-keh-dah”
Ikeda is a city in Osaka Prefecture, known for its historic architecture and cultural heritage. The name Ikeda means “pond field.” Ikeda is home to the famous instant noodle museum, a tribute to the birthplace of cup noodles. It is also known for its traditional sake breweries.

Imaichi (今市)

Pronunciation: “ee-mah-ee-chee”
Imaichi is a small town in Tochigi Prefecture, located near the famous Nikko area. The name Imaichi means “present city,” reflecting its historical role as a trade stop. Imaichi is known for its proximity to scenic areas, including waterfalls and mountains, making it a popular destination for tourists.

Imabari (今治)

Pronunciation: “ee-mah-bah-ree”
Imabari is a city in Ehime Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku. It is famous for its shipbuilding industry and its production of high-quality towels. The name Imabari means “new construction,” reflecting its history as a strategic coastal city. Imabari is also known for the Shimanami Kaido, a popular cycling route that connects Honshu and Shikoku.

Inagi (稲城)

Pronunciation: “ee-nah-gee”
Inagi is a suburban city located in the Tokyo Metropolis. The name Inagi means “rice city,” highlighting its agricultural history. Today, Inagi is a mix of residential areas and natural landscapes, with easy access to the Tama River and several parks. It’s a quiet community, ideal for families and nature lovers.

Inuyama (犬山)

Pronunciation: “ee-noo-yah-mah”
Inuyama is a city in Aichi Prefecture, best known for Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s oldest surviving castles. The name Inuyama means “dog mountain,” and the city is famous for its historical sites and festivals. Inuyama Castle, which offers spectacular views of the Kiso River, is a designated national treasure.

Isehara (伊勢原)

Pronunciation: “ee-seh-hah-rah”
Isehara is a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, located near Mount Oyama, a popular pilgrimage destination. The name Isehara reflects its connection to Ise Shrine, one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrines. The city is known for its rich cultural history and natural beauty, attracting many hikers and tourists.

Isesaki (伊勢崎)

Pronunciation: “ee-seh-sah-kee”
Isesaki is a city in Gunma Prefecture, known for its silk industry and traditional crafts. The name Isesaki means “Ise cape,” and the city has a long history dating back to the Edo period. Isesaki hosts various cultural festivals, including its famous summer festival with a large fireworks display.

Ishinomaki (石巻)

Pronunciation: “ee-shee-noh-mah-kee”
Ishinomaki is a city in Miyagi Prefecture, located on the northeastern coast of Japan. It was one of the cities severely affected by the 2011 tsunami, but has since undergone significant rebuilding. The name Ishinomaki means “stone roll,” referring to the local stone industry. The city is also known for its connection to the famous manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori.

Ishigaki (石垣)

Pronunciation: “ee-shee-gah-kee”
Ishigaki is a city in Okinawa Prefecture, located on Ishigaki Island. The name Ishigaki means “stone wall,” referencing the traditional stone walls that once surrounded villages. Ishigaki is a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life. It is also a gateway to other islands in the Yaeyama Archipelago.

Itami (伊丹)

Pronunciation: “ee-tah-mee”
Itami is a city in Hyogo Prefecture, located near Osaka. The name Itami means “rice paddy,” and the city is historically known for its sake brewing industry. Itami is also home to Osaka International Airport, making it a hub for transportation in the Kansai region. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with many festivals and historical sites.

Iwakuni (岩国)

Pronunciation: “ee-wah-koo-nee”
Iwakuni is a city in Yamaguchi Prefecture, known for its iconic Kintaikyo Bridge, a historic wooden bridge with five arches. The name Iwakuni means “stone country,” reflecting the region’s rocky terrain. Iwakuni is also home to Iwakuni Castle and the Iwakuni Artillery Museum, showcasing its military history.

Izumo (出雲)

Pronunciation: “ee-zoo-moh”
Izumo is a city in Shimane Prefecture, famous for Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Shinto shrines. The name Izumo means “emerging clouds,” and the city is steeped in mythology and tradition. Izumo is also known for its beautiful coastline and historical significance in Japanese mythology.

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