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Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital and largest city of Japan, located on the eastern coast of Honshu at the head of Tokyo Bay.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tokyo is the capital and largest city of Japan, located on the eastern coast of Honshu at the head of Tokyo Bay. It is also the seat of the Japanese government and the Emperor of Japan, and the centre of the Greater Tokyo metropolitan area.

Etymology and status

Tokyo means “Eastern Capital” in Japanese. It is formally Tokyo Metropolis, a prefecture-level unit with special administrative features that distinguish it from a typical city.

Geography and administration

Tokyo is located on the Pacific coast of central Honshu at the head of Tokyo Bay. Its jurisdiction includes the 23 special wards, western suburban municipalities, and island chains such as the Izu and Ogasawara Islands.

Government and economy

Tokyo is the seat of Japan’s national government and the Emperor, and it functions as the country’s principal centre for finance, business, transport, and administration. It is also known as a cultural and transport hub.

Population and metropolitan area

The metropolis has a population of about 14 million, while the wider Greater Tokyo area is one of the world’s largest urban agglomerations.

International significance

Tokyo is a major global city and has hosted major international events, including the Summer Olympics in 1964 and 2021. It was the first Asian city to host the Summer Games.

Key facts

  • Tokyo is officially a metropolis, not a standard city, and is one of Japan’s 47 prefectural-level units.
  • The Tokyo Metropolitan Government administers the 23 special wards, western commuter municipalities, and outlying island chains.
  • Tokyo is Japan’s political and economic centre and hosts the national government and Imperial Palace.
  • Greater Tokyo is among the world’s largest metropolitan areas by population.
  • Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics in 1964 and again in 2021, and was the first Asian city to host the Games.
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Canadian context

Tokyo is a major destination for Canadian travellers, businesses, and students, and it is an important global hub for trade, aviation, and cultural exchange with Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Is Tokyo a city or a prefecture?
Tokyo is officially a metropolis, a prefecture-level administrative unit with city-like functions.
What does the name Tokyo mean?
Tokyo means “Eastern Capital.”
Where is Tokyo located?
It is on the Pacific coast of central Honshu, at the head of Tokyo Bay.
What is Tokyo known for?
Tokyo is known as Japan’s political, economic, and cultural centre, and as a major transport and financial hub.
Has Tokyo hosted the Olympics?
Yes. Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics in 1964 and 2021, becoming the first Asian city to host the Summer Games.
How large is Tokyo?
The metropolis has about 14 million residents, while Greater Tokyo is among the world’s most populous metropolitan areas.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo
    Supports: Location, role as Japan’s capital and economic centre, Tokyo Metropolitan Government jurisdiction, and Olympic hosting history.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Tokyo
    Supports: Tokyo as Japan’s capital and city/metropolis at the head of Tokyo Bay.
  3. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo
    Supports: Meaning of Tokyo, location on Honshu, and role as capital and largest city.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Tokyo-metropolis
    Supports: Tokyo as a metropolis, its administrative status, area, population, and metropolitan context.
  5. GO TOKYO — https://www.gotokyo.org/en/plan/tokyo-outline/index.html
    Supports: Tokyo’s administrative composition and its role as Japan’s political, administrative, and cultural centre.
  6. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/places/asia/japanese-political-geography/tokyo
    Supports: Tokyo’s cultural, financial, and governmental significance and metropolitan population context.