Last Updated on March 19, 2024 by Ezra Matiasi
Tokyo is undoubtedly the largest city in Japan. The metropolitan area is approximately 2,194 km2 (844.66 square miles).
However, the city expands outward to approximately 13,572 km2 (5,240 square miles).
Keypoints On What Is Japan’s Largest City
- Tokyo, Japan’s largest city, spans over 13,572 km2 and holds immense global economic importance.
- With a population of 37.5 million, Tokyo’s metropolitan area surpasses the combined populations of Yokohama, Osaka, and Nagoya.
- Tokyo is a major global centre for business and finance, housing 37 Fortune Global 500 companies.
- Tokyo’s cultural influence is profound, showcasing traditional arts and hosting various festivals and customs.
- Tokyo’s attractions include historical landmarks like Sensō-ji Temple and modern marvels like the Tokyo Skytree, making it a key destination for understanding Japan’s significance.
Importance of understanding Japan’s largest city
The city is one of the most economically important cities in the world and also one of the largest.
Tokyo is a major global centre for business and finance. It is home to 37 Fortune Global 500 companies, including Hitachi, Sony, Rakuten, Canon and Casio.
With a population of 37.5 million, it has the largest metropolitan area of any city. Tokyo was formerly called Edo.
The fishing industry flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries, and it became an important political centre of Japan in the 18th century.
In 1868, it replaced Kyoto as the capital. It remains the seat of the country’s central government and the Emperor of Japan.
Tokyo as Japan’s Largest City
What is Japan’s largest city? The simple answer is Tokyo. Tokyo is the main machine of Japan. It is a trendsetter for Japan’s nationwide business.
Tokyo is considered one of his three “command centres” in the global economy, along with New York City and London.
The population of Japan’s capital, Tokyo, is larger than the population of the next three largest cities, Yokohama, Osaka, and Nagoya combined.
Demographics and population
Based on my own research, Tokyo’s population is not an open and shut case.
It can be a little confusing due to the placement of the numbers. 23(Twenty-three) special wards formed the boundaries of the historic city of Tokyo. Today, these 23 special districts have a population of 9.2 million.
These 23 districts were officially dissolved in 1943 when they were merged into the prefecture. Today, Tokyo goes far beyond its original 23 ward boundaries.
An estimated 13 million people live in Tokyo Prefecture, in which Tokyo’s original or historic city was merged.
The metropolitan area, which spans three prefectures, is much larger, with a population of over 36 million; it is the most populous metropolitan area in the world.
Economic impact and importance
Tokyo has developed into one of the world’s leading international economic centres.
Electronics is also one of the major industries in this region. Sony, Hitachi, Toshiba, and NEC are headquartered in Tokyo.
In the Tokyo area, Yokohama (the region’s main port) and Kawasaki produce automobiles, chemicals, steel, machinery, metal products, petroleum products, and ships.
In finance, the Tokyo Stock Exchange is one of the most important financial centres in the world, being the third biggest in the world.
Major automakers Honda Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co are also headquartered in Tokyo and ship Japanese cars all over the world.
Cultural significance
Tokyo is the centre of Japanese culture. Tokyo’s unique culture is reflected in traditional arts such as ikebana (flower arrangement) and origami (folding paper to create objects).
Tokyo’s numerous festivals, ceremonies, customs and celebrations are also part of Japanese culture.
Based on the traditional Hatsumode, Tokyo’s calendar is filled with various festivals and customs, with Mikoshi (portable shrine) accompanying festivals (religious festivals) and his April cherry blossom viewing which is the most popular.
Tourist attractions
Construction of the majestic Meiji Jingu began in 1915 and was completed in 1926. The original building was destroyed in World War II, but was rebuilt in 1958 and remains one of Tokyo’s most important religious sites.
Shinjuku Gyoen. It used to be the residence of the Naito family in the Edo period (17th to 19th century), but was transferred to the Imperial family.
Now a national garden, it was opened in 1949 and is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, combining three types of traditional gardens.
French formal, British landscape, Japanese tradition. The park has about 1,500 cherry blossom trees, making it one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo.
Here is a list of other tourist attractions in Tokyo:
- Ueno Park and Ueno Zoo
- Sensō-ji Temple
- Ginza District
- Tokyo Skytree
- Tokyo National Museum
- Imperial Palace
- Miraikan and Edo-Tokyo Museums
- National Museum of Nature and Science
- National Museum of Western Art
- National Art Center
- Kabuki-za Theatre, Ginza
- Yomiuriland
Wrapping Up
In summary, Tokyo is a very important city for Japan and the world. It is a large city with a large population, a strong economy, a rich culture, and a unique charm.
To understand Japan and its place in the world, it is important to understand Tokyo.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Tokyo’s demographics, economy, culture, and tourism, and is recommended for anyone wanting to learn more about Japan’s largest city.
