What is the second largest city in Japan?

Yokohama holds the distinction of being Japan's second-largest city by population, consistently maintaining a significant number of residents, typically around 3.7 million people. Located just south of Tokyo on Tokyo Bay, it serves as the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture and is a major economic, cultural, and commercial hub within the Greater Tokyo Area. Its proximity to the capital, coupled with its vast urban sprawl, contributes to its substantial population figures, placing it right after Tokyo's special wards.

The city's rise to prominence is deeply rooted in its history as a vital port. Following Japan's end to its isolationist policy in the mid-19th century, Yokohama was one of the first ports opened to foreign trade in 1859. This pivotal event transformed it from a small fishing village into a bustling international gateway, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultures. It became a site for many of Japan's "firsts" during the Meiji era, including the nation's first foreign trading port, Chinatown, English-language newspaper, and even its first railway station in 1872.

Today, Yokohama remains a dynamic and cosmopolitan city, blending its rich historical past with modern innovation. Although much of the city was devastated by the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and subsequently by World War II bombings, it has been resiliently rebuilt. Notable landmarks like the Minato Mirai 21 waterfront district, the Yokohama Landmark Tower, and its vibrant, extensive Chinatown attract visitors from around the globe. Its continued importance as a major international port and a center for high-tech industries solidifies its role as a leading urban center in Japan.