Introduction
Tokyo, officially the Tokyo Metropolis, is the capital and most populous city of Japan. With a population of over 14 million in the city proper in 2023, it is one of the most populous urban areas in the world. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes Tokyo and parts of six neighboring prefectures, is the most populous metropolitan area in the world, with 41 million residents as of 2024. Lying at the head of Tokyo Bay, Tokyo is part of the Kantō region, on the central coast of Honshu, Japan's largest island. It is Japan's economic center and the seat of the Japanese government and the Emperor of Japan. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government administers Tokyo's central 23 special wards, which formerly made up Tokyo City; various commuter towns and suburbs in its western area; and two outlying island chains, the Tokyo Islands. Although most of the world recognizes Tokyo as a city, since 1943 its governing structure has been more akin to that of a prefecture, with an accompanying Governor and Assembly taking precedence over the smaller municipal governments that make up the metropolis. Special wards in Tokyo include Chiyoda, the site of the National Diet Building and the Tokyo Imperial Palace; Shinjuku, the city's administrative center; and Shibuya, a hub of commerce and business. Tokyo, originally known as Edo, rose to political prominence in 1603 when it became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate, and by the mid-18th century, Edo had evolved from a small fishing village into one of the largest cities in the world, with a population surpassing one million. After the Meiji Restoration (1868), the imperial capital in Kyoto was moved to Edo, and the city was renamed Tokyo. Tokyo was greatly damaged by the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake and by allied bombing raids during World War II. Beginning in the late 1940s, Tokyo underwent rapid reconstruction and expansion, which fueled the Japanese economic miracle, in which Japan's economy became the second-largest in the world at the time, behind that of the United States. As of 2025, Tokyo is home to 26 of the world's 500 largest companies, as listed in the annual Fortune Global 500. Tokyo was the first city in Asia to host the Summer Olympics and Paralympics, in 1964, and also hosted in 2021. It hosted three G7 summits, in 1979, 1986, and 1993. Tokyo is an international hub of research and development and an academic center, with several major universities, including the University of Tokyo, the top-ranking university in Japan. Tokyo Station is the central hub for the Shinkansen, the country's high-speed railway network, and the city's Shinjuku Station is the world's busiest train station. Tokyo Skytree is the world's tallest tower. The Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, which opened in 1927, is the oldest underground metro line in Asia. Tokyo's nominal gross domestic output was 120.2 trillion yen in FY2022 and accounted for 21.2% of Japan's economic output, which converts to 8.43 million yen or US$62,291 per capita. Including the Greater Tokyo Area, Tokyo is the second-largest metropolitan economy in the world after New York, with a 2022 gross metropolitan product estimated at US$2.08 trillion. Although Tokyo's status as a leading global financial hub has diminished with the Lost Decades since the 1990s, when the Tokyo Stock Exchange was the world's largest, with a market capitalization about 1.5 times that of the NYSE, Tokyo is still a leading financial hub, and the TSE remains among the world's top five major stock exchanges. Tokyo is categorized as an Alpha+ city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. It ranked 14th in the 2024 edition of the Global Livability Ranking, and has been ranked as the safest city in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
History & Origins
Temperature in degrees CelciusMonth-100102030401875-061908-121942-061975-122009-06Highest tempAverage high tempAverage low tempLowest tempTemperature in Tokyo, Japan.mw-chart-8b43a16f1007c49f784a1e60c1cf5c3ad54de77f6bd6297d353694eefcbef5a154a7c6b9c2f18daec27ed82a317365b4af2131cd4e6782c3154dab8360b22088__zr3023413-cls-15606344:hover{pointer-events:none}.mw-chart-8b43a16f1007c49f784a1e60c1cf5c3ad54de77f6bd6297d353694eefcbef5a154a7c6b9c2f18daec27ed82a317365b4af2131cd4e6782c3154dab8360b22088__zr3023413-cls-15606345:hover{cursor:pointer;fill:rgba(0,0,0,1)}.mw-chart-8b43a16f1007c49f784a1e60c1cf5c3ad54de77f6bd6297d353694eefcbef5a154a7c6b9c2f18daec27ed82a317365b4af2131cd4e6782c3154dab8360b22088__zr3023413-cls-15606346:hover{cursor:pointer}.mw-chart-8b43a16f1007c49f784a1e60c1cf5c3ad54de77f6bd6297d353694eefcbef5a154a7c6b9c2f18daec27ed82a317365b4af2131cd4e6782c3154dab8360b22088__zr3023413-cls-15606347:hover{cursor:pointer;fill:rgba(82,130,235,1)}.mw-chart-8b43a16f1007c49f784a1e60c1cf5c3ad54de77f6bd6297d353694eefcbef5a154a7c6b9c2f18daec27ed82a317365b4af2131cd4e6782c3154dab8360b22088__zr3023413-cls-15606348:hover{cursor:pointer;fill:rgba(255,199,56,1)}.mw-chart-8b43a16f1007c49f784a1e60c1cf5c3ad54de77f6bd6297d353694eefcbef5a154a7c6b9c2f18daec27ed82a317365b4af2131cd4e6782c3154dab8360b22088__zr3023413-cls-15606349:hover{cursor:pointer;fill:rgba(255,132,111,1)}.mw-chart-8b43a16f1007c49f784a1e60c1cf5c3ad54de77f6bd6297d353694eefcbef5a154a7c6b9c2f18daec27ed82a317365b4af2131cd4e6782c3154dab8360b22088__zr3023413-cls-15606350:hover{cursor:pointer;fill:rgba(140,225,196,1)}.mw-chart-8b43a16f1007c49f784a1e60c1cf5c3ad54de77f6bd6297d353694eefcbef5a154a7c6b9c2f18daec27ed82a317365b4af2131cd4e6782c3154dab8360b22088__zr3023413-cls-15606351:hover{cursor:pointer;fill:rgba(0,0,0,0)}
Geography & Climate
The mainland portion of Tokyo lies northwest of Tokyo Bay and measures about 90 km (56 mi) east to west and 25 km (16 mi) north to south. The average elevation in Tokyo is 40 m (131 ft). Chiba Prefecture borders it to the east, Yamanashi to the west, Kanagawa to the south, and Saitama to the north. Mainland Tokyo is further subdivided into the special wards (occupying the eastern half) and the Tama area (多摩地域) stretching westwards. Tokyo has a latitude of 35.65 (near the 36th parallel north), which makes it more southern than Rome (41.90), New York City (40.71) and Beijing (39.91). Within the administrative boundaries of Tokyo Metropolis are two island chains in the Pacific Ocean directly south: the Izu Islands, and the Ogasawara Islands, which stretch more than 1,000 km (620 mi) away from the mainland. Because of these islands and the mountainous regions to the west, Tokyo's overall population density figures far under-represent the real figures for the urban and suburban regions of Tokyo.
The former city of Tokyo and the majority of Tokyo prefecture lie in the humid subtropical climate zone (Köppen climate classification: Cfa), with hot, humid summers and cool winters with occasional cold spells. The region, like much of Japan, experiences a one-month seasonal lag. The warmest month is August, which averages 26.9 °C (80.4 °F). The coolest month is January, averaging 5.4 °C (41.7 °F). The record low temperature was −9.2 °C (15.4 °F) on January 13, 1876. The record high was 39.5 °C (103.1 °F) on July 20, 2004. The record highest low temperature is 30.4 °C (86.7 °F), on August 11, 2013. Annual rainfall averages nearly 1,600 millimeters (63.0 in), with a wetter summer and a drier winter. The growing season in Tokyo lasts for about 322 days from around mid-February to early January. Snowfall is sporadic and occurs almost annually. Tokyo often sees typhoons every year, though few are strong. The wettest month since records began in 1876 was October 2004, with 780 millimeters (30 in) of rain, including 270.5 mm (10.65 in) on the ninth of that month. The most recent of four months on record to observe no precipitation is December 1995. Annual precipitation has ranged from 879.5 mm (34.63 in) in 1984 to 2,229.6 mm (87.78 in) in 1938.
Demographics & Culture
As of October 2012, the official intercensal estimate showed 13.506 million people in Tokyo, with 9.214 million living within Tokyo's 23 wards. During the daytime, the population swells by over 2.5 million as workers and students commute from adjacent areas. This effect is even more pronounced in the three central wards of Chiyoda, Chūō, and Minato, whose collective population as of the 2005 National Census was 326,000 at night, but 2.4 million during the day. According to April 2024 official estimates, Setagaya (942,003), Nerima (752,608), and Ota (748,081) were the most populous wards and municipalities in Tokyo. The least inhabited of all Tokyo municipalities are remote island villages such as Aogashima (150), Mikurajima (289), and Toshima (306).
The Toyosu Market in Tokyo is the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world since it opened on October 11, 2018. It is also one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind. It is located in the Toyosu area of Kōtō ward. The Toyosu Market holds strong to the traditions of its predecessor, the Tsukiji Fish Market and Nihonbashi fish market, and serves some 50,000 buyers and sellers every day. Retailers, wholesalers, auctioneers, and public citizens alike frequent the market, creating a unique microcosm of organized chaos that continues to fuel the city and its food supply after over four centuries. Tokyo had 8,460 hectares (20,900 acres) of agricultural land as of 2003, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, placing it last among the nation's prefectures. The farmland is concentrated in Western Tokyo. Perishables such as vegetables, fruits, and flowers can be conveniently shipped to the markets in the eastern part of the prefecture. With 36% of its area covered by forest, Tokyo has extensive growths of cryptomeria and Japanese cypress, especially in the mountainous western communities of Akiruno, Ōme, Okutama, Hachiōji, Hinode, and Hinohara. Decreases in the price of timber, increases in the cost of production, and advancing old age among the forestry population have resulted in a decline in Tokyo's output. In addition, pollen, especially from cryptomeria, is a major allergen for the nearby population centers. Tokyo Bay was once a major source of fish. Most of Tokyo's fish production comes from the outer islands, such as Izu Ōshima and Hachijō-Jima. Skipjack tuna, nori, and aji are among the ocean products.
Economy & Government
Tokyo's gross regional product was 120.2 trillion yen or US$887.9 billion in FY2022 and accounted for 21.2% of the country's total economic output, which converts to 8.43 million yen or US$62,291 per capita. By sector, Wholesale and Retail was the largest contributor, accounting for 21.5% of the total output. This was followed by Real Estate (13.5%), Professional, Scientific and Technical (12.2%), Information and Communications (11.7%), Finance and Insurance (7.6%), Manufacturing (7.0%), and Healthcare (6.7%). Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery, and Mining combined accounted for less than 0.1% of the economic output. As these numbers suggest, Tokyo's economy is heavily dependent on the tertiary sector. As the Greater Tokyo Area, it has the second-largest metropolitan economy in the world, after Greater New York, with a gross metropolitan product estimated at US$2 trillion. The area's economy is slightly smaller than Canada's economy while being slightly larger than Mexico's, according to IMF estimates from the same year. Tokyo's business districts are concentrated in four central wards: Chiyoda (Marunouchi, Otemachi, Kasumigaseki), Chuo (Nihombashi, Kyobashi, Yaesu), Minato (Shimbashi, Shiodome, Toranomon), and Shinjuku (West Shinjuku). The 23 Special Wards of Tokyo had 73.5 million m2 of office space as of January 2022. In 2025, 26 of the Fortune Global 500 companies were headquartered in Tokyo. Notably, around 20 of them are based in Marunouchi, such as MUFG, Mitsubish Corp. and Hitachi. Tokyo was rated by the Economist Intelligence Unit as the most expensive (highest cost-of-living) city in the world for 14 years in a row ending in 2006, when it was replaced by Oslo, and later Paris. However, years of deflation and an extremely weak yen starting in 2022 due to Japan's low interest rates made the cost of living in Tokyo 31% cheaper than in New York City in 2023, which is roughly the same as in Beijing and Manchester according to the 2023 EIU rankings.
Landmarks & Attractions
In 2019, tourism accounted for slightly more than one percent of Tokyo's total economic output, with 15.18 million foreign visitors spending 1.26 trillion yen, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. According to a 2022 government survey, the most visited areas in Tokyo were: Shibuya: Shibuya Crossing, Yoyogi Park, Hachiko statue Shinjuku: Kabukichō, Shinjuku Gyo-en Ginza: Shopping district, Kabukiza MarunouchiOmotesandō: Meiji Shrine, Takeshita dori Roppongi: Roppongi Hills, Azabudai Hills, National Art Center Tokyo, Suntory Museum of Art, Mori Art Museum Ikebukuro: Shopping district Luxury hotels in Tokyo include the Imperial Hotel (opened in 1890), Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (opened in 1992), Hotel Okura Tokyo (opened in 1962), Meguro Gajoen Hotel, Conrad Tokyo, the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo and Aman Tokyo.
Key Facts
- Tokyo is the capital of Japan
- Population: approximately 14.3 million
- Elevation: 6 meters (20 feet) above sea level
- Area: 2,194.1 km²
- Founded: 1868 AD
- Located in the East Asia region
- Capital and most populous city in Japan
Fun Facts
- With over 14.3 million people, Tokyo is one of the world's megacities
- The Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, which opened in 1927, is the oldest underground metro line in Asia.
- Tokyo serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Japan
Quick Facts About Tokyo
- Country: Japan
- Continent: Asia (East Asia)
- Country population: approximately 122.4 million
- Capital city status: Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the seat of national government, and the location of foreign embassies, parliament, and the head of state's official residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Japan?
The capital of Japan is Tokyo. Tokyo is the seat of national government, hosts most foreign embassies and consulates, and is typically where the head of state and parliament are located.
What continent is Tokyo in?
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is located in Asia, in the East Asia region. As Japan's capital, Tokyo serves as the country's primary connection to the broader Asian political, economic, and cultural sphere.
Why is Tokyo the capital of Japan?
Tokyo was chosen as the capital of Japan for reasons that typically combine geography, history, and politics. Capital city selections often reflect a desire for centrality (being accessible from across the country), historical importance (being a longstanding seat of government or culture), or neutrality (being acceptable to multiple regions or ethnic groups within the country). The specific reasons for Tokyo's designation are detailed in the city's history above.
What is Tokyo known for?
As the capital of Japan, Tokyo is best known for housing the country's central government institutions — parliament, presidential or royal residences, supreme court, and key ministries. It is also typically a major cultural and economic center within Japan, hosting national museums, embassies, and signature monuments. The introduction and history sections above provide detailed coverage of the city's specific notable institutions and landmarks.
Related Pages
- Japan Country Guide — full geography, climate, economy, and culture overview
- Flag of Japan — meaning, history, and design of Japan's national flag
