Smallest Cities in Japan

Top 100 cities ranked by smallest cities

Smallest Cities - Japan

1 Daigyōji 07 5,008
2 Konoha 21 5,045
3 Setamai 16 5,045
4 Kaneyama 44 5,045
5 Sumiyoshi 40 5,055
6 Imagane 12 5,072
7 Niseko 12 5,074
8 Sekimachi-higashi 40 5,076
9 Funagata 44 5,101
10 Ochi 20 5,111
11 Chabana 18 5,115
12 Ōta 16 5,134
13 Shimoseki 29 5,144
14 Ōma 03 5,155
15 Utashinai 12 5,162
16 Yamanaka 46 5,179
17 HIgashifushimi 40 5,187
18 Shimomatsumoto 08 5,194
19 Toi 37 5,203
20 Dōjō 34 5,203
21 Naie 12 5,235
22 Yagoshima 08 5,264
23 Shikaoi 12 5,266
24 Fudaba 20 5,291
25 Biratori 12 5,305
26 Kinshi 40 5,363
27 Sato 43 5,364
28 Shimoichi 28 5,378
29 Minamida 16 5,378
30 Higashidate 08 5,392
31 Rausu 12 5,395
32 Kanita 03 5,401
33 Ōyauchi 08 5,412
34 Taiki 12 5,420
35 Nakanokami 18 5,445
36 Naganohara 10 5,495
37 Hamanaka-sakuraminami 12 5,507
38 Daiba 40 5,530
39 Nagi 31 5,578
40 Hachirougata 02 5,583
41 Moroura 33 5,609
42 Waseda-tsurumakichō 40 5,614
43 Tomika 09 5,626
44 Higashi-nihombashi 40 5,628
45 Kuzumaki 16 5,634
46 Ōyama-kanaichō 40 5,659
47 Onagawa Chō 24 5,662
48 Kōzaki 04 5,663
49 Asuka 28 5,681
50 Nishitokorozawa 34 5,686
51 Oshamambe 12 5,694
52 Niikappu 12 5,696
53 Ōhira 24 5,739
54 Togōchi 11 5,740
55 Tatsugō 18 5,753
56 Nozawa 08 5,770
57 Kozawa 12 5,772
58 Ōyama-higashichō 40 5,832
59 Shintoku 12 5,834
60 Suga-inadazutsumi 19 5,842
61 Shihoro 12 5,848
62 Ginoza 47 5,900
63 Matsuzaki 37 5,932
64 Sarugamori 03 5,955
65 Ajima 26 5,973
66 China 18 5,976
67 Iizakamachi 08 5,977
68 Yonedacho Sendo 13 6,000
69 Yoshino 20 6,002
70 Jūjō-nakahara 40 6,006
71 Fujisato 23 6,023
72 Waki 45 6,034
73 Komaba 26 6,068
74 Okugano 36 6,077
75 Nagawa 26 6,088
76 Ōuchi 24 6,110
77 Nakajima 15 6,135
78 Ōmachi 33 6,156
79 Takamori 21 6,189
80 Tanokuchi 37 6,206
81 Hiwasaura 39 6,222
82 Iriya 40 6,226
83 Saruhashi 46 6,229
84 Kawahigashi 18 6,237
85 Kusatsu 10 6,255
86 Matsumae 12 6,260
87 Izumizaki 08 6,265
88 Asakawa 08 6,315
89 Amagi 18 6,350
90 Kōra 35 6,362
91 Miyajuku 44 6,366
92 Tōma 12 6,371
93 Kitasugama 08 6,392
94 Azabu-jūban 40 6,394
95 Misasa 41 6,407
96 Ōishida 44 6,417
97 Ichiba 26 6,426
98 Kawahara 21 6,426
99 Tomondo 28 6,439
100 Kaigan 40 6,444

The smallest cities in Japan (with populations above 5,000) offer a different quality of life compared to major metropolitan areas. Daigyōji has a population of just 5,008. These communities often feature lower costs of living, stronger neighborhood connections, and less congestion.

Small cities can offer significant advantages for residents seeking affordable housing, shorter commutes, and a close-knit community feel. Many serve as regional centers for surrounding rural areas, providing essential services while maintaining a small-town atmosphere.

Despite their smaller size, many of these cities have thriving local economies, good school systems, and access to outdoor recreation. They represent an alternative to the fast-paced lifestyle of major metropolitan areas.

Did You Know?

  • 1. At 5,008 residents, Daigyōji is smaller than a single large apartment complex in New York City.
  • 2. Small cities (5,000-10,000) make up the majority of incorporated places in the United States.
  • 3. Many of the smallest cities serve as county seats or regional service centers for surrounding rural communities.

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