Driest Cities in Japan

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · Japan

Driest Cities — Japan

1 Mombetsu 12 33.7"

2 Abashiri 12 34.4"

3 Ozora 12 36.0"

4 Koshimizu 12 36.2"

5 Kamiyūbetsu Tonden Shigaichi 12 37.1"

6 Engaru 12 37.1"

7 Honmachi 12 38.7"

8 Shimo-furano 12 39.4"

9 Kami-furano 12 39.4"

10 Furano 12 39.4"

11 Shibetsu 12 39.9"

12 Motomachi 12 40.0"

13 Honchō 12 40.5"

14 Kitami 12 40.8"

15 Biei 12 41.2"

16 Higashikagura 12 41.3"

17 Asahikawa 12 41.3"

18 Nakashibetsu 12 41.3"

19 Higashikawa 12 41.4"

20 Tōma 12 41.4"

21 Kushiro 12 41.5"

22 Urakawa 12 41.5"

23 Esashi 12 41.9"

24 Shiranuka 12 42.0"

25 Akkeshi 12 42.2"

26 Sarubetsu 12 42.2"

27 Ikeda 12 42.2"

28 Hamanaka-sakuraminami 12 42.2"

29 Shibecha 12 42.3"

30 Rausu 12 42.5"

31 Takasu 12 42.5"

32 Sakaki 26 42.6"

33 Ueda 26 42.6"

34 Wakkanai 12 42.6"

35 Makubetsu 12 42.6"

36 Kamihonbetsu 12 42.7"

37 Monbetsu-honchō 12 42.8"

38 Niikappu 12 42.8"

39 Taiki 12 42.9"

40 Minamishibetsuchō 12 42.9"

41 Shimizu 12 43.1"

42 Memuro-minami 12 43.1"

43 Shikaoi 12 43.1"

44 Shintoku 12 43.1"

45 Otofuke 12 43.2"

46 Obihiro 12 43.2"

47 Fukagawa 12 43.2"

48 Nemuro 12 43.3"

49 Ashibetsu 12 43.3"

50 Shizunai-furukawachō 12 43.4"

51 Ashoro 12 43.4"

52 Saku 26 43.4"

53 Shibayama 03 43.4"

54 Hitokawame 03 43.4"

55 Komoro 26 43.4"

56 Akabira 12 43.5"

57 Utashinai 12 43.5"

58 Nayoro 12 43.6"

59 Yamoto 24 43.7"

60 Ishinomaki 24 43.7"

61 Higashimatsushima 24 43.7"

62 Biratori 12 44.0"

63 Takikawa 12 44.1"

64 Kikusuichō 12 44.1"

65 Misawa 03 44.1"

66 Mukawa 12 44.2"

67 Sunagawa 12 44.5"

68 Naie 12 44.5"

69 Tashiro 03 44.7"

70 Hachinohe 03 44.7"

71 Hiroo 12 44.8"

72 Kuji 16 44.8"

73 Teshikaga 12 44.9"

74 Matsumoto 26 44.9"

75 Kamitakeda 26 44.9"

76 Toyoshina 26 44.9"

77 Azumino 26 44.9"

78 Kamikawa 12 45.0"

79 Matsushima 24 45.1"

80 Satohata 24 45.1"

81 Onagawa Chō 24 45.2"

82 Chikuma 26 45.2"

83 Abira 12 45.3"

84 Shihoro 12 45.4"

85 Obuchi 03 45.5"

86 Ōmachi 26 45.5"

87 Toyota 03 45.5"

88 Hotaka 26 45.5"

89 Ikeda 26 45.5"

90 Mikasa 12 45.5"

91 Bibai 12 45.5"

92 Fukushima 08 45.6"

93 Iizakamachi 08 45.6"

94 Shiogama 24 45.6"

95 Tagajō-shi 24 45.6"

96 Shōbudahama 24 45.6"

97 Towada 03 45.7"

98 Kuriyama 12 45.7"

99 Hakurōmachi 03 45.7"

100 Naganuma 12 45.7"

The driest cities in Japan receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Mombetsu receives just 33.7 inches of precipitation annually.

Dry climates offer benefits including more sunny days, less seasonal affective disorder, lower humidity, and reduced mold and allergen concerns. These cities are often located in the desert Southwest or other arid regions with dramatic natural landscapes.

Water management is a critical concern for the driest cities, many of which rely on distant water sources, desalination, or strict conservation measures. As populations grow in these areas, sustainable water use and drought resilience become increasingly important priorities.

Did You Know?

1. Mombetsu gets just 33.7" of precipitation per year — less than many cities get in a single month.
2. Most of the driest cities are in the desert Southwest, where evaporation often exceeds precipitation by a factor of 10 or more.
3. Water conservation is a way of life in these cities, with many implementing xeriscaping requirements and water usage restrictions.

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