Largest Cities in Japan by Area: The Complete List

Japan’s municipalities vary from tightly packed urban wards to sprawling administrative areas that include mountains, farmland and coastline. Understanding size by land area gives a different view of Japan’s geography than population alone.

There are 94 Largest Cities in Japan by Area, ranging from Aizuwakamatsu,Yurihonjo. Each entry is organized as Prefecture,Country,Area (km²) so you can compare administrative region and size; you’ll find below.

Which city actually covers the largest land area in Japan?

The full ranking below shows exact areas, but broadly speaking the largest municipalities by area tend to be those that include extensive rural zones, mountains or multiple islands—many are found in Hokkaido and other less densely populated prefectures. Check the list for the current top entry and its area in km².

How is “area” defined and why does it vary so much between cities?

“Area” refers to the official administrative land area of each city measured in square kilometers, not population or built-up extent. Differences come from how municipalities were merged, whether they include uninhabited land or islands, and historical boundary decisions; see the Area (km²) column for details.

Largest Cities in Japan by Area

Images and Descriptions

Takayama

Officially the largest city in Japan by area, its vast size is due to a 2005 merger with nine neighboring municipalities. The city’s territory is mostly mountainous forest, with a historic, preserved town center attracting many tourists.

Hamamatsu

Stretching from the Pacific coast to the Southern Japanese Alps, Hamamatsu’s large area resulted from major mergers. It’s known for its musical instrument manufacturing, eel production, and diverse geography including Lake Hamana.

Nikko

Home to a UNESCO World Heritage site, Nikko’s enormous area includes most of the scenic Nikko National Park. The city’s boundaries encompass mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, blending rich history with stunning natural beauty.

Kitami

One of Hokkaido’s largest cities, Kitami’s size is a result of mergers. It is a major agricultural hub in the Okhotsk region, famous for producing onions and peppermint, and experiences some of Japan’s coldest winter temperatures.

Shizuoka

Formed by the merger of several cities and towns, Shizuoka City is a long, narrow municipality running from Suruga Bay to the Akaishi Mountains. It’s famous for green tea production and its view of Mount Fuji.

Asahikawa

As Japan’s coldest major city, Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido. Its broad area supports a thriving urban center surrounded by vast agricultural lands and natural parks, serving as a gateway to Daisetsuzan National Park.

Sapporo

The capital of Hokkaido and one of Japan’s most populous cities, Sapporo has a large administrative area to support its urban and suburban growth. It is famous for its snowy winters, the annual Snow Festival, and its ramen.

Niigata

Located on the Sea of Japan coast, Niigata is a major port city with a large area that includes Sado Island. Its size grew after absorbing surrounding towns, making it the largest city on Japan’s west coast.

Akita

The capital of Akita Prefecture, this city’s expansive area stretches from the Sea of Japan to the Ōu Mountains. It is known for its high-quality rice and sake, the Kanto Festival, and the distinct Akita-inu dog breed.

Izu

Occupying a large portion of the Izu Peninsula, this city was formed by merging four towns. Its extensive area is characterized by a volcanic, mountainous landscape, hot springs (onsen), and a beautiful coastline popular with tourists.

Kyoto

While known for its historic central district, Kyoto’s full municipal area is vast, extending into the mountainous regions to its north. This large territory includes dense forests and rural communities alongside its world-famous temples and gardens.

Tsuruoka

As the largest city in the Tohoku region by area, Tsuruoka’s territory was expanded significantly by mergers. It boasts a diverse landscape, from the Sea of Japan coast to the sacred Three Mountains of Dewa (Dewa Sanzan).

Nagaoka

The second largest city in Niigata Prefecture, Nagaoka’s considerable area is the result of absorbing nearly a dozen surrounding municipalities. It is famous for its spectacular fireworks festival and is a key transportation hub.

Gifu

The capital city of Gifu Prefecture, Gifu expanded by merging with neighboring towns. Its area includes the urban center along the Nagara River, famous for cormorant fishing, as well as surrounding mountains and rural landscapes.

Toyama

The capital of Toyama Prefecture, this city’s large area stretches from the Toyama Bay to the Northern Japan Alps. Its size is due to a major 2005 merger, giving it a rich geography from sea level to high mountains.

Okayama

A major transportation hub in western Japan, Okayama’s large municipal area was formed through several mergers. It’s known for Korakuen, one of Japan’s three best landscape gardens, and its mild climate.

Hiroshima

While globally recognized for its tragic history and peace advocacy, Hiroshima is also a large city by area. Its boundaries include a significant portion of the Chugoku Mountains as well as several islands in the Seto Inland Sea.

Sendai

The largest city in the Tohoku region by population, Sendai has a large land area that extends from the Pacific Ocean to the Ōu Mountains. It is known as the “City of Trees” for its beautiful tree-lined streets.

Inabe

Located in northern Mie Prefecture, Inabe’s size is a result of a 2003 merger of four towns. The city’s area is largely mountainous and forested, with Mount Fujiwara being a popular destination for hikers.

Akiota

A landlocked city in the mountains of Hiroshima Prefecture, Akiota’s large area is very sparsely populated. It was formed by a merger of two towns and is known for its natural beauty, including Sandan-kyō gorge.

Shinshiro

Located in eastern Aichi Prefecture, Shinshiro’s large area is predominantly mountainous and forested. The city is historically significant as the site of the Battle of Nagashino in 1575, a turning point in Japanese history.

Kitakyushu

A major industrial city and port on the northern tip of Kyushu, Kitakyushu was formed by merging five cities in 1963. Its area covers a strategic location on the Kanmon Straits, connecting Kyushu and Honshu.

Toyooka

Situated in northern Hyogo Prefecture, Toyooka’s large area stretches from the Sea of Japan coast to mountainous interiors. It’s famous for Kinosaki Onsen, a classic hot spring resort, and its efforts to reintroduce the Oriental stork.

Hita

An inland city in Oita Prefecture, Hita’s large size encompasses a basin surrounded by mountains. Historically a prosperous political and cultural center under direct shogunate control, it’s often called the “Kyoto of Kyushu.”

Fukuchiyama

Located in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture, Fukuchiyama is a key transportation hub for the region. Its large area is mostly mountainous and was the historical domain of the warlord Akechi Mitsuhide.

Iida

Nestled in a valley between the Central and Southern Alps, Iida’s long and narrow municipal area follows the Tenryū River. Its size is a result of mergers with numerous villages, reflecting its mountainous geography.

Iwata

Located in western Shizuoka, Iwata is known as the headquarters of Yamaha Motor Company. The city expanded its area by merging with neighboring towns, and it is a hub for both industry and agriculture, particularly melons.

Chichibu

Occupying a large, mountainous basin in western Saitama, Chichibu’s vast area is mostly part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. It is a popular destination for hiking and nature, known for its shrines and night festival.

Miyoshi

Located in the mountainous north of Hiroshima Prefecture, Miyoshi’s large territory resulted from the merger of seven municipalities. It serves as a regional center and is known for cormorant fishing on the Gōno River.

Shobara

One of Japan’s largest cities by area, Shobara is a sparsely populated, mountainous city in northern Hiroshima. Its size comes from a massive merger and includes Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park, known for its scenic beauty.

Nagano

The capital of Nagano Prefecture and host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, the city’s large area is very mountainous. It expanded significantly by absorbing surrounding towns and villages, including the area around the famous Zenkō-ji Temple.

Hamada

A coastal city on the Sea of Japan, Hamada has a large and elongated area due to mergers. It is an important fishing port and commercial center for western Shimane Prefecture, known for its fresh seafood and scenic coastline.

Uda

Located in the mountainous eastern part of Nara Prefecture, Uda’s significant area was formed by merging four towns and villages. The region is rich in history, containing ancient tombs, temples, and part of the historic Ise Kaido road.

Unnan

A large, rural city in Shimane Prefecture, Unnan was created by the merger of six municipalities. Its vast, hilly area is the mythical birthplace of the sake brewing tradition and is rich in Shinto mythology and folklore.

Tottori

The capital of Tottori Prefecture, this city’s large area includes the famous Tottori Sand Dunes, Japan’s only large dune system. Its territory extends from the Sea of Japan coast into the Chugoku Mountains.

Yurihonjo

Located in southern Akita, Yurihonjo is one of Japan’s largest cities by area after a 2005 merger of eight municipalities. Its diverse territory runs from the Sea of Japan to the base of the towering Mount Chōkai.

Sado

The city of Sado covers the entirety of Sado Island in the Sea of Japan. Its massive area makes it unique among Japanese cities. Historically a place of exile, it is now known for its distinct culture, Noh theater, and gold mines.

Kaga

Situated in southern Ishikawa, Kaga’s area was formed by a merger and is famous for its hot spring resorts (Kaga Onsen). The city’s landscape includes coastal areas, plains, and mountains, offering diverse attractions.

Minami-Alps

Named after its location on the eastern slopes of the Southern Japan Alps (Minami Alps), this city’s area is largely mountainous. It was formed by merging six municipalities and is a major fruit-producing region.

Takashima

Occupying the northwestern corner of Shiga Prefecture, Takashima’s large area runs along the western shore of Lake Biwa into the mountains. It is known for its scenic beauty, ski resorts, and numerous hiking trails.

Kanazawa

The capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa’s area is substantial, supporting a historic city center famous for Kenrokuen Garden and well-preserved samurai and geisha districts. It has expanded by absorbing surrounding rural areas over time.

Joetsu

A large city in southern Niigata, Joetsu’s significant area comes from major mergers. It stretches from the Sea of Japan coast deep into mountainous terrain, and is historically known for being the former domain of the warlord Uesugi Kenshin.

Maibara

Located at a key transportation point in Shiga Prefecture, Maibara’s area was formed by merging four towns. It sits on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa and is the gateway to the Hokuriku region via train.

Kiryū

Historically a center for silk production, Kiryū’s area expanded significantly after merging with two villages. Its territory is largely mountainous, with the urban center located in a scenic valley along the Watarase River.

Toyota

Home to the Toyota Motor Corporation, the city is a global automotive hub. Its vast area, second largest in Aichi, resulted from mergers and includes urban factories, suburbs, and extensive mountainous and agricultural regions.

Tsu

The capital of Mie Prefecture, Tsu became one of Japan’s largest cities by area after a massive 2006 merger. Its territory is long and narrow, stretching from the coast of Ise Bay to the mountains bordering Nara Prefecture.

Aizuwakamatsu

Known for its samurai history and Tsuruga Castle, Aizuwakamatsu is a core city of the Aizu region. Its large area encompasses a fertile basin and extends into the surrounding mountains, supporting agriculture and tourism.

Maniwa

A large and sparsely populated city in northern Okayama, Maniwa was formed by merging nine municipalities. Its extensive, mountainous area is known for its natural beauty, including the Kanba Falls and the Hiruzen Highlands.

Ichinoseki

One of the largest cities in the Tohoku region by area, Ichinoseki’s size is the result of major mergers. It serves as a gateway to the Hiraizumi UNESCO World Heritage site and the scenic Geibikei and Genbikei gorges.

Tanabe

Located on the Kii Peninsula, Tanabe is Wakayama’s largest city by area. Its vast territory is mostly mountainous and includes a significant portion of the sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kochi

The capital of Kochi Prefecture, this city on the island of Shikoku has a substantial area that stretches from the Pacific coast into the mountainous interior. It is known for its historic castle and as the birthplace of samurai hero Sakamoto Ryoma.

Fuji

Named after the iconic mountain, Fuji City lies on the southern slopes of Mount Fuji. Its area grew through mergers and is a major industrial hub for paper production, benefiting from the abundant water from the mountain.

Odate

Located in northern Akita, Odate is famous as the birthplace of the Hachiko, the loyal dog, and is a center for the Akita-inu breed. Its area is largely forested and mountainous, typical of northern Tohoku cities.

Hagi

A former castle town known for its well-preserved samurai district, Hagi’s large area is the result of mergers with six surrounding towns and villages. Its territory includes a scenic coastline and several offshore islands.

Ichihara

The largest city in Chiba Prefecture by area, Ichihara is a major industrial center on Tokyo Bay. Its expansive territory extends from the heavily industrialized coastline south into rural, hilly landscapes known as the Boso Hill Range.

Soja

Located in a historically rich area of Okayama, Soja’s municipal area contains numerous ancient burial mounds (kofun) and historic temples. It expanded by merging with two neighboring towns, combining urban and rural landscapes.

Ube

An industrial city on the Seto Inland Sea, Ube’s area grew after a 2004 merger. It is known for its coal mining history and is now a center for the chemical and cement industries, as well as being a “sculpture city.”

Kitahiroshima

A mountainous and rural city in northern Hiroshima, Kitahiroshima’s name reflects its location. It was formed by merging four towns and is known for its winter sports, traditional kagura dance, and natural scenery.

Oshu

Formed by the merger of a city and four towns, Oshu is a large city in southern Iwate. It has a rich history as a former stronghold of the Northern Fujiwara clan and is known for its ironware (Nambu tekki) and Maesawa beef.

Iga

Famous as the historical home of the Iga-ryu ninja, the city of Iga is located in a mountain-ringed basin. Its large area, formed by a merger, encompasses the old castle town of Ueno and surrounding rural lands.

Aso

The city of Aso is situated within the massive caldera of Mount Aso, an active volcano. Its large area covers much of the caldera floor and surrounding mountains, a region known for its dramatic landscapes and hot springs.

Kumamoto

The capital of Kumamoto Prefecture, the city has a large area that supports its large population. Known for its impressive castle, it has expanded by absorbing surrounding towns, combining urban centers with fertile agricultural plains.

Saiki

The largest city in Oita Prefecture by area, Saiki was formed by a major merger of eight municipalities. It boasts one of the longest coastlines of any city in Kyushu, with a deeply indented shoreline perfect for aquaculture.

Yamaguchi

The capital of its prefecture, Yamaguchi’s vast area resulted from a merger with four surrounding towns. Known as the “Kyoto of the West,” it has a rich cultural history and a territory that stretches from the Seto Inland Sea to the mountains.

Kameyama

Located at a historical junction of major roads, Kameyama served as a prominent post town in the Edo period. Mergers expanded its area, which now combines its historical center with industrial zones and rural landscapes.

Matsue

The capital of Shimane, Matsue’s area includes parts of Lake Shinji and the Nakaumi lagoon, making it the “Water City.” It expanded by merging with eight towns, and is known for its original castle and Lafcadio Hearn’s residence.

Saku

Located in eastern Nagano, Saku is known for its high-altitude location and clear skies, making it a center for astronomical observation. Its large area in the Saku Basin is a major producer of rice, fruits, and carp.

Hida

A mountainous city in northern Gifu, Hida was formed by merging four municipalities. It is known for the well-preserved old town of Furukawa, often called “Little Kyoto,” and its traditional carpentry and sake breweries.

Kagoshima

The capital of Kagoshima Prefecture, this large city sits on a bay opposite the active Sakurajima volcano, which is part of the city’s territory. Its area expanded with mergers and supports a major port and urban center.

Semboku

A large, sparsely populated city in Akita, Semboku is renowned for its natural beauty. Its vast territory includes Lake Tazawa, Japan’s deepest lake, the historic samurai town of Kakunodate, and numerous hot spring resorts.

Utsunomiya

The capital of Tochigi Prefecture, Utsunomiya is famously known as the “Gyoza Capital” of Japan. Its large municipal area supports a major commercial and industrial hub as well as extensive suburban and rural zones.

Shimonoseki

Located on the southwestern tip of Honshu, Shimonoseki is a major port city overlooking the Kanmon Straits. Its large area, expanded by mergers, is famous for its blowfish (fugu) catch and its role in Japanese history.

Gujo

One of Japan’s largest cities by area, Gujo is a mountainous city in central Gifu. Its size is due to a merger of seven municipalities. It is famous for its pristine rivers, historic castle town, and the Gujo Odori dance festival.

Toyohashi

A major port city in eastern Aichi, Toyohashi is a hub for international trade, particularly for automobile imports and exports. Its area has grown through annexation of surrounding villages to support its industrial and residential needs.

Hachimantai

Named after the scenic Mount Hachimantai, this city’s vast area is largely mountainous and part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. It is a popular year-round destination for skiing, hiking, and hot springs.

Sakai

A major city just south of Osaka, Sakai has a long history as a key port. While dense, its area is substantial for the crowded Kansai region, growing through mergers and supporting both heavy industry and ancient burial mounds (kofun).

Fukui

The capital of Fukui Prefecture, the city’s large area stretches from the Sea of Japan into the Ryōhaku Mountains. It is known for its dinosaur museum, historic sites related to the Echizen Domain, and traditional crafts.

Miyazaki

The capital of Miyazaki Prefecture, this city enjoys a mild climate and is known as a resort destination. Its large area runs along the coast and includes the Aoshima “Devil’s Washboard” rock formations and extensive agricultural land.

Hitachiomiya

Located in northern Ibaraki, Hitachiomiya’s large area was formed by merging a city and four towns. Its territory is largely hilly and rural, known for its natural scenery along the Kuji River and its numerous campsites.

Tango

Occupying the northern Tango Peninsula, this city is known for its stunning coastline, including the Amanohashidate sandbar, one of Japan’s three most scenic views. Its large area is a result of a merger of six towns.

Takahashi

Located in the mountains of Okayama, Takahashi is home to Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, one of only twelve remaining original castles in Japan and the highest. Its large, rural area resulted from a merger of nine municipalities.

Yabu

A mountainous city in northern Hyogo, Yabu was formed by merging four towns. The area is known for its natural beauty, including the Hachikogen ski resort and Tendaki Falls, and is part of the San’in Kaigan Geopark.

Date

Located on the coast of Uchiura Bay in Hokkaido, Date benefits from a warmer climate than much of the island. It was founded by samurai retainers from Sendai’s Date clan, and its area supports a mix of agriculture and industry.

Kawasaki

A major industrial city in the Greater Tokyo Area, Kawasaki is long and narrow, situated between Tokyo and Yokohama. Though densely populated, its area is significant, accommodating heavy industry, commercial centers, and residential zones.

Yonezawa

Located in a basin surrounded by mountains, Yonezawa is known for its history as the castle town of the powerful Uesugi clan. Its large area is famous for producing high-quality beef (Yonezawa beef), apples, and carp.

Murakami

One of Japan’s largest cities by area, Murakami occupies the northernmost part of Niigata. Its vast territory, expanded by mergers, includes a historic castle town, the scenic Sasagawa Nagare coastline, and salmon-filled rivers.

Myoko

Named after the majestic Mount Myōkō, this city in southern Niigata is a premier destination for winter sports, with numerous ski resorts. Its large, mountainous area is known for heavy snowfall and abundant hot springs.

Echizen

Formed by a merger, Echizen is located in central Fukui. The city is renowned for its traditional crafts, including washi paper, lacquerware, and cutlery, with a history of craftsmanship stretching back over a thousand years.

Oita

The capital of Oita Prefecture, this city is a major industrial center on the island of Kyushu. Its large area includes urban and industrial zones as well as extensive coastline and is famous for its hot springs in nearby Beppu.

Kanoya

The largest city on the Osumi Peninsula in Kagoshima, Kanoya’s area grew after a major merger. It is a key agricultural center, particularly for sweet potatoes and pork, and hosted a major naval air base during WWII.

Iwakuni

Located in eastern Yamaguchi, Iwakuni is known for its historic Kintai Bridge. Its large area, expanded by mergers, stretches from the Seto Inland Sea deep into the mountains and hosts a major U.S. Marine Corps Air Station.

Nanto

A large, rural city in southwestern Toyama, Nanto was formed by the merger of eight municipalities. It is famous for the Gassho-zukuri farmhouses in the villages of Ainokura and Suganuma, which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kasaoka

A port city in Okayama, Kasaoka’s municipal area includes a mainland portion and a chain of 31 offshore islands in the Seto Inland Sea. These islands are a major feature of its geography and a draw for tourism.

Minokamo

Located along the Kiso River in Gifu, Minokamo’s area grew by absorbing a neighboring town. It is known for its blend of suburban life, agriculture, and natural scenery, including the historic Nakasendo trail.

Largest Cities by Area in Other Countries