The official name of the eastern country consists of two hieroglyphs, which in Russian transcription are read as "Nihon", which means "the place where the Sun rises." The first ships of Europeans moored to the shores of this amazing and mysterious country only in 1543, and the process of "discovery of Japan" began. Let us and we will discover this country and visit the largest cities in Japan, both in terms of population and occupied area.
7 largest Japanese cities by population:
7
Nagano
Population ≈ 370 thousand
In the very center of the Japanese island of Honshu lies the handsome Nagano, leading his history from April 1, 1897.
A relatively small city with a population of 370 thousand inhabitants. Among the attractions, a large Buddhist center stands out, and picturesque mountain landscapes and a beautiful river valley lie around the city.
There is also a unique park of Dzhigokudani monkeys that live near thermal springs. Like Sapporo, Nagano was fortunate enough to host the 1998 Winter Olympics.
6
Nagasaki
Population ≈ 513 thousand
Another city in Japan that suffered an atomic bombardment from the United States in August 1945. But hardworking residents have restored their city, and today it is one of the most beautiful in the country.
Today, a little more than 513 thousand people live in Nagasaki, and in the area where the epicenter of the explosion was located, a calm peaceful suburb of one-story Japan is now spread.
"Long Cape", as the name of the city is translated from Japanese, was founded in 1579. It is noteworthy that the largest number of Christians live in this eastern city.
5
Hiroshima
Population ≈ 1.199 million
The settlement of the territories of modern Hiroshima began about 300 years before the beginning of our era, and in 1589, on the orders of Terumoto, a beautiful castle was built here.
Near the castle a settlement arose, which was called Hiroshima, which means "Wide Island". Off the coast of the city right in the water is a unique attraction of the Shinto religion - Torii of Itsukushima Shrine.
The city had to endure a terrible tragedy when the Americans dropped a nuclear bomb on it.
4
Kyoto
Population ≈ 1.465 million
For a long period of its history, Kyoto was the capital of the state and the seat of the emperors' residence. But then it was called Heian.
About 1,600 Buddhist temples and more than 400 Shinto Kumrias fit in the city and surrounding Kyoto.
Today, the center of the Kansai region is the largest industrial and financial center of the country with a population of 1 million 465 thousand inhabitants. The oldest capital of Japan is very popular among tourists around the world. But domestic tourism did not pass by the beautiful city. High school and high school students come here for graduation trips. Editorial TheBiggest very much dreams of visiting this major Japanese city.
3
Sapporo
Population ≈ 1.97 million
The most important industrial, cultural and educational center of Japan, the city of Sapporo spread its straight streets and quarters among the most beautiful mountain peaks.
Every year, 2 million tourists come to the Snow Festival to a city with a population of 1 million 970 thousand inhabitants. Around the housing estate there are many resorts where you can ski and relax in the hot springs.
In addition, there are many attractions in the city, and Sapporo itself is known to the world as the city where the 1972 Winter Olympics took place.
2
Yokohama
Population ≈ 3.732 million
The largest port city, located on the western Pacific coast of Honshu Island, has a little more than 3.732 million inhabitants.
The city began its history with the unification of the two villages, and this happened in 1858, and a year later the port opened its moorings for foreign ships. It was in Yokohama that diplomatic missions and consulates of foreign states, including the Russian Empire, were located.
The city has something to see and where to go. First of all, it is a huge city dolphinarium and a historical museum with expositions of unique artifacts.
1
Tokyo
Population ≈ 13.929 million
The eastern capital, so translated from the Japanese name of this largest city in Japan. Until 1868, it was called Edo, in honor of the castle, the former residence of the Tokugawa shogunate.
After the Second World War, as a result of the so-called "Japanese economic miracle", Tokyo became the largest financial capital in the world, with a highly developed infrastructure.
The population of the Japanese capital is 13.929 million people, but millions of tourists visit the city every year. Note that experts and journalists unanimously acknowledge that it is the safest city in the world.
Conclusion
Having been in Japan, one can notice that the big cities of the Land of the Rising Sun differ from European megacities in the special course of life and a peculiar dimension. Despite the Europeanization, they managed to preserve the eastern flavor and national traditions.
The Japanese are very proud of their country, which is considered one of the most closed and conservative nations of the planet, although not without a share of oriental hospitality. TheBiggest asks you to write in the comments which major cities of Japan you have visited or want to visit.
Article author: Valery Skiba