--- title: "List of Largest Cities in Japan" url: https://33travels.com/largest-cities-in-japan-by-population/ author: "Lena Marchetti" published: 2026-02-08 updated: 2026-04-06 place: "Japan" --- # List of Largest Cities in Japan Japan’s major cities blend centuries-old neighborhoods with modern business districts, shaping Japan’s culture, economy and transport networks. From coastal ports to inland hubs, these urban centers give a quick lens into how people live and work across the country. There are **10 Largest Cities in Japan by Population**, ranging from Fukuoka to Yokohama. For each city, you’ll find below the columns Prefecture,Country,Population (people, year, source) so you can compare administrative location and the data behind the numbers — you’ll find below. ## Are these population figures for city limits or metro areas? Most lists of this kind use city proper (the administrative boundaries) unless otherwise noted; metropolitan or greater urban area totals are typically larger and listed separately by source, so check the Population (people, year, source) entry for which was used. ## How current and reliable are the population numbers? Counts are usually from national census data or official municipal estimates; the year and source in the Population column tell you how recent the figure is, and you can follow that source for methodology and updates. ## Largest Cities in Japan by Population | City | Prefecture | Country | Population (people, year, source) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Yokohama | Kanagawa | Japan | 3,748,000 (2020 Census, Statistics Bureau of Japan) | | Osaka | Osaka | Japan | 2,725,000 (2020 Census, Statistics Bureau of Japan) | | Nagoya | Aichi | Japan | 2,328,000 (2020 Census, Statistics Bureau of Japan) | | Sapporo | Hokkaido | Japan | 1,957,000 (2020 Census, Statistics Bureau of Japan) | | Fukuoka | Fukuoka | Japan | 1,616,000 (2020 Census, Statistics Bureau of Japan) | | Kawasaki | Kanagawa | Japan | 1,542,000 (2020 Census, Statistics Bureau of Japan) | | Kyoto | Kyoto | Japan | 1,464,000 (2020 Census, Statistics Bureau of Japan) | | Saitama | Saitama | Saitama | 1,324,000 (2020 Census, Statistics Bureau of Japan) | | Hiroshima | Hiroshima | Japan | 1,199,000 (2020 Census, Statistics Bureau of Japan) | | Sendai | Miyagi | Japan | 1,086,000 (2020 Census, Statistics Bureau of Japan) | ## Images and Descriptions ![Yokohama](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/yokohama.jpg) ### Yokohama Japan’s largest city proper after Tokyo’s special wards, Yokohama is a major port and commercial center with waterfront attractions, Chinatown, and a strong tech and shipping economy that blends modern urban life with historical harborside districts. ![Osaka](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/osaka.jpg) ### Osaka A bustling commercial and cultural hub in western Japan, Osaka is famed for its food scene, lively neighborhoods like Dotonbori, and major industries in commerce and manufacturing; it’s also a transport and entertainment center. ![Nagoya](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/nagoya.jpg) ### Nagoya Nagoya anchors the Chūbu region with a strong automotive and manufacturing base (home to Toyota supply chains), notable museums and castles, and a growing international business profile tied to industry and logistics. ![Sapporo](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sapporo.jpg) ### Sapporo Hokkaido’s largest city, Sapporo is known for its snowy winters, the annual Snow Festival, beer and ramen culture, and as a gateway to outdoor recreation and agriculture-based food industries. ![Fukuoka](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/fukuoka.jpg) ### Fukuoka Fukuoka is Kyushu’s largest city and a dynamic startup and logistics hub with lively food streets (yatai), beaches, and cultural festivals; it’s often noted for a high quality of urban life and rapid growth. ![Kawasaki](https://florafaunafun.com/wp-content/uploads/lists/placeholder.jpg) ### Kawasaki Sandwiched between Tokyo and Yokohama, Kawasaki combines heavy industry and high-tech manufacturing with cultural sites, popular riverfront areas, and a large commuter population feeding the Greater Tokyo economy. ![Kyoto](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/kyoto.jpg) ### Kyoto Famous worldwide for its temples, shrines, traditional culture and historic districts, Kyoto is also a university city and cultural tourism magnet, balancing heritage conservation with a modern local economy. ![Saitama](https://florafaunafun.com/wp-content/uploads/lists/placeholder.jpg) ### Saitama Part of the Greater Tokyo area, Saitama is a major suburban city with large residential zones, shopping and stadiums, growing local industry, and strong commuter links to central Tokyo. ![Hiroshima](https://33travels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/hiroshima.jpg) ### Hiroshima Known globally for the WWII atomic bombing and its peace memorials, Hiroshima is a regional economic center with shipbuilding, automotive industries, and scenic islands reachable by ferry. ![Sendai](https://florafaunafun.com/wp-content/uploads/lists/placeholder.jpg) ### Sendai The largest city in Tōhoku, Sendai is a green, academic and commercial center known for its autumn festival, strong retail and service sectors, and role as a transportation and administrative hub for the region.