Cities and Towns in Japan that Start with W

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

NameJapanese NamePrefecturePopulation
Wajima輪島市Ishikawa27,000
Wakayama和歌山市Wakayama364,000
Wakkanai稚内市Hokkaido34,000
Wakuya涌谷町Miyagi16,000
Warabi蕨市Saitama74,000
Watari亘理町Miyagi34,000

Wajima (輪島市)

Pronunciation: “wah-jee-mah”
Wajima is a coastal city located on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is famous for its lacquerware, known as Wajima-nuri, which has a history of over 1000 years. The city is also known for its morning market, one of the largest in Japan, and its beautiful coastal scenery, including the Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces.

Wakayama (和歌山市)

Pronunciation: “wah-kah-yah-mah”
Wakayama is the capital city of Wakayama Prefecture, located in the Kansai region. The name “Wakayama” means “young mountain” in Japanese. The city is known for its historic Wakayama Castle, originally built in the 16th century, and its proximity to sacred sites on Mount Kōya. Wakayama is also famous for its high-quality oranges and other citrus fruits.

Wakkanai (稚内市)

Pronunciation: “wak-kah-nai”
Wakkanai is the northernmost city in Japan, located in Hokkaido Prefecture. The name is derived from the Ainu language, meaning “cold water river.” It is known for its proximity to Russia’s Sakhalin Island and serves as a gateway for ferry services to Rebun and Rishiri Islands. The city is famous for its strong winds and the Cape Sōya Monument, marking Japan’s northernmost point.

Wakuya (涌谷町)

Pronunciation: “wah-koo-yah”
Wakuya is a small town in Miyagi Prefecture, located in the Tōhoku region. The name “Wakuya” means “gushing valley” in Japanese, likely referring to the natural springs in the area. The town is known for being the site of Japan’s first gold mine, discovered in the year 749. Today, Wakuya is primarily an agricultural community, known for its rice production.

Warabi (蕨市)

Pronunciation: “wah-rah-bee”
Warabi is a small city in Saitama Prefecture, part of the Greater Tokyo Area. The city’s name comes from the Japanese word for bracken fern, which was once abundant in the area. Despite its small size, Warabi is densely populated and known for its convenient location, being only 15 minutes by train from central Tokyo. The city is home to several parks and the Warabi Furusato Museum, which showcases local history and culture.

Watari (亘理町)

Pronunciation: “wah-tah-ree”
Watari is a town located in Miyagi Prefecture, in the Tōhoku region. The name “Watari” means “to span” or “to extend across” in Japanese. The town is situated along the Pacific coast and is known for its agriculture, particularly strawberry cultivation. Watari was severely affected by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami but has since been working on recovery and reconstruction efforts.

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