Tokyo is a busy city bustling with people. Here is a list of Tokyo's 23 special wards ranked by population, using the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's latest official estimate.
According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's population estimate for 1 October 2026, Tokyo Metropolis has 14,288,867 residents, of whom 9,983,365 live in the 23 special wards. (Figures such as 37 million refer to the much larger Greater Tokyo area, which includes neighbouring prefectures.)
Tokyo Metropolis covers about 2,199.94 km² (849 sq mi) and is in the Kanto region on Honshu island.
Tokyo is made up of 23 special wards, 26 cities, Nishitama District (three towns and one village) and the Izu and Ogasawara Islands, which are run through four subprefectures (Oshima, Miyake, Hachijo and Ogasawara). This article covers the 23 special wards.
| Rank | Ward | Population (1 October 2026) | Area (km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Setagaya | 957,373 | 58.05 |
| 2 | Nerima | 763,313 | 48.08 |
| 3 | Ota | 761,109 | 61.86 |
| 4 | Edogawa | 709,029 | 49.90 |
| 5 | Adachi | 706,990 | 53.25 |
| 6 | Itabashi | 599,841 | 32.22 |
| 7 | Suginami | 599,714 | 34.06 |
| 8 | Koto | 554,468 | 42.99 |
| 9 | Katsushika | 468,449 | 34.80 |
| 10 | Shinagawa | 429,062 | 22.85 |
| 11 | Kita | 370,341 | 20.61 |
| 12 | Shinjuku | 360,775 | 18.22 |
| 13 | Nakano | 355,957 | 15.59 |
| 14 | Toshima | 306,073 | 13.01 |
| 15 | Meguro | 286,399 | 14.67 |
| 16 | Sumida | 285,910 | 13.77 |
| 17 | Minato | 272,990 | 20.36 |
| 18 | Bunkyo | 250,860 | 11.29 |
| 19 | Shibuya | 237,740 | 15.11 |
| 20 | Arakawa | 228,074 | 10.16 |
| 21 | Taito | 228,029 | 10.11 |
| 22 | Chuo | 184,132 | 10.21 |
| 23 | Chiyoda | 66,737 | 11.66 |
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Population of Tokyo (estimate), figures as of 1 October 2026, published 29 October 2026. The estimates are based on the final results of the 2025 census. Ward areas are from the same table.
In this article, I'll give you details on Tokyo's 23 special wards and rank them by population, starting from the smallest population and ending with the largest. Let's get started!
What is the most populous Tokyo Ward?
As of 1 October 2026, the most populous ward in Tokyo is Setagaya, with 957,373 residents, followed by Nerima (763,313) and Ota (761,109).
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Tokyo Wards Ranked By Population
Chiyoda
Area: 11.66 km2 (4.50 sq mi)
Population: 66,737 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 23 of 23)
Chiyoda has the smallest population of the 23 wards and by far the lowest population density, because much of its land is taken up by offices, government buildings and the Imperial Palace grounds.
- The ward is in central Tokyo and includes the Imperial Palace, the National Diet Building, museums and shrines, so it attracts a lot of visitors.
- It is the centre of Japan's national government: the National Diet, the Prime Minister's Office and many ministries are in the Nagatacho and Kasumigaseki areas.
Chuo
Area: 10.21 km2 (3.94 sq mi)
Population: 184,132 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 22 of 23)
Chuo City is a ward in the heart of Tokyo that blends business and tradition. It has the second-smallest population of the 23 wards.
The ward was formed in 1947 by merging the former Nihonbashi and Kyobashi wards. It includes Ginza, Nihonbashi and Tsukiji.
Facts
- Chuo's business district is home to the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the head office of the Bank of Japan, both in Nihonbashi.
- Daiichi Sankyo, a global pharmaceutical company, has its headquarters in the ward.
Taito
Area: 10.11 km2 (3.90 sq mi)
Population: 228,029 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 21 of 23)
Taito has the smallest land area of the 23 wards. Taito City (as it is called in English) is home to Ueno and Asakusa.
Facts:
- Taito's landmarks include Ueno Park and its museums, Ueno Zoo and Senso-ji temple in Asakusa. I had a great time staying here.
- Even though it is the smallest ward by area, it has a lot to offer visitors. I enjoyed walking along the river, lawns and greenery of Sumida Park, which felt very relaxing.
Arakawa
Area: 10.16 km2 (3.92 sq mi)
Population: 228,074 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 20 of 23)
The ward is named after the Arakawa River. It borders Taito, Adachi, Sumida, Bunkyo and Kita wards.
The area was mostly farmland during the Edo period. From the Meiji era, factories were built along the riverside and the area became industrial.
Today it is a quiet residential ward, crossed by the Toden Arakawa Line (Tokyo Sakura Tram), Tokyo's last remaining streetcar line run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
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Shibuya
Area: 15.11 km2 (5.83 sq mi)
Population: 237,740 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 19 of 23)
Shibuya is one of Tokyo's best-known commercial and entertainment districts. Shibuya Station, one of the busiest stations in Tokyo, is at its centre.
The Shibuya family lived in a castle in the area for centuries. Shibuya later grew into a major commercial and entertainment district as a railway hub for southwest Tokyo.
Facts:
- In 2015 Shibuya Ward became the first Japanese municipality to issue same-sex partnership certificates.
- The Shibuya Scramble Crossing, in front of the station, is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world.
- Companies headquartered in the ward include Mixi and Tokyu Corporation.
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Bunkyo
Area: 11.29 km2 (4.36 sq mi)
Population: 250,860 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 18 of 23)
Bunkyo City (Bunkyo-ku) is home to Tokyo Dome City, museums and galleries.
The ward also has historic gardens such as Rikugien and Koishikawa Korakuen, and the Chinzanso hotel garden.
Facts:
- The Bunkyo Azalea Festival is held every spring at Nezu Shrine.
- It is a residential area known for its universities, including the University of Tokyo's Hongo campus.
Minato
Area: 20.36 km2 (7.86 sq mi)
Population: 272,990 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 17 of 23)
Minato was established in 1947 by merging the former Akasaka, Azabu and Shiba wards when Tokyo City became Tokyo Metropolis.
Many embassies are located in Minato, along with the Japanese and regional offices of many international companies.
Facts
- Minato includes well-known districts such as Roppongi, Akasaka, Azabu and Odaiba, with many upmarket residential areas.
- Tokyo Tower is in Minato, and so is Shinagawa Station, despite its name.
Sumida
Area: 13.77 km2 (5.32 sq mi)
Population: 285,910 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 16 of 23)
Sumida is in the northeastern part of Tokyo's 23 wards. The Sumida and Arakawa rivers form parts of its boundaries.
During the Edo period, the Sumida River was an important waterway for moving goods and people.
Facts
- It is home to Tokyo's main sumo arena, Ryogoku Kokugikan, and to Tokyo Skytree.
- The banks of the Sumida River are a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.
Meguro
Area: 14.67 km2 (5.66 sq mi)
Population: 286,399 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 15 of 23)
The name "Meguro" is often translated as "black eyes" and comes from Meguro Fudo, the popular name of Ryusenji temple. The present ward was formed from the former towns of Meguro and Hibusuma.
The ward is known for its green spaces, cultural institutions and temples, and the cherry trees along the Meguro River. Amazon Japan has its headquarters in the ward.
Toshima
Area: 13.01 km2 (5.02 sq mi)
Population: 306,073 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 14 of 23)
Toshima borders Nakano, Shinjuku and Bunkyo to the south and Nerima, Itabashi and Kita to the north.
Toshima Ward was created in 1932 from former towns including Sugamo, Takada and Nagasaki. It is home to Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo's major shopping and entertainment districts.
Nakano
Area: 15.59 km2 (6.02 sq mi)
Population: 355,957 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 13 of 23)
Nakano Ward was established on 1 October 1932, when the towns of Nakano and Nogata were merged into the former Tokyo City.
Nakano Station is only about five minutes by train from Shinjuku. The area around it, including the Nakano Broadway shopping complex, is known for anime, manga and collectibles shops, cafes and bars.
Shinjuku
Area: 18.22 km2 (7.03 sq mi)
Population: 360,775 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 12 of 23)
Shinjuku Ward is home to the huge entertainment, business and shopping district around Shinjuku Station.
Shinjuku Station is widely cited as the busiest railway station in the world by passenger numbers.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is in Nishi-Shinjuku, and many Japanese companies have their headquarters or offices in the ward's skyscraper district.
Kita
Area: 20.61 km2 (7.96 sq mi)
Population: 370,341 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 11 of 23)
Kita means "north", and Kita Ward is in the northern part of Tokyo's 23 wards. It borders Adachi, Arakawa, Itabashi, Bunkyo and Toshima wards, and Saitama Prefecture across the Arakawa River.
The ward is known as a down-to-earth residential area. Its landmarks include Asukayama Park, a famous cherry blossom spot, and the Lycée Français International de Tokyo is in Takinogawa.
Shinagawa
Area: 22.85 km2 (8.82 sq mi)
Population: 429,062 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 10 of 23)
Shinagawa Ward has natural lowlands and uplands, as well as reclaimed land along Tokyo Bay. The eastern edge of the Musashino Terrace ends in the ward's uplands.
Shinagawa was the first post town on the Tokaido road during the Edo period, and the area still has many hotels today.
Note that Shinagawa Station, a major Shinkansen stop, is actually in neighbouring Minato ward.
Katsushika
Area: 34.80 km2 (13.44 sq mi)
Population: 468,449 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 9 of 23)
Katsushika Ward is in the northeast of Tokyo's 23 wards. It borders Adachi, Sumida and Edogawa wards, as well as Chiba and Saitama prefectures.
Facts:
- Shibamata, the setting of the long-running Tora-san film series, is in Katsushika.
- The Tokyo Detention House in Kosuge, one of Japan's seven facilities with an execution chamber, is in the ward.
Koto
Area: 42.99 km2 (16.60 sq mi)
Population: 554,468 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 8 of 23)
Koto is a ward on Tokyo Bay, historically known for its working-class and industrial areas.
Redevelopment on land reclaimed from Tokyo Bay has created modern commercial and residential areas. Its main districts include Kameido, Kiba, Kiyosumi, Monzen-nakacho, Shirakawa and Toyosu.
Facts
- Toyosu Market, Tokyo's main wholesale fish and produce market, has been in Koto since 2018.
- Waterfront areas such as Toyosu and Ariake have seen large new apartment developments.
Suginami
Area: 34.06 km2 (13.15 sq mi)
Population: 599,714 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 7 of 23)
Suginami Ward (Suginami City in English) was created in 1932. The history of the area goes back to the early Edo period.
The ward has many shotengai, retro covered shopping streets that give a window into everyday Tokyo life, such as the Asagaya Pearl Center.
In 1970, dozens of high school students in the ward were taken to hospital after exposure to photochemical smog, which raised public awareness of air pollution.
Itabashi
Area: 32.22 km2 (12.44 sq mi)
Population: 599,841 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 6 of 23)
The ward's name means "plank bridge", after a wooden bridge over the Shakujii River that dates back centuries.
Nerima Ward was split off from Itabashi on 1 August 1947.
The Itabashi Fireworks Festival, held on the Arakawa River in summer, is one of the largest fireworks displays in Tokyo.
Adachi
Area: 53.25 km2 (20.56 sq mi)
Population: 706,990 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 5 of 23)
Adachi is in the north of Tokyo's 23 wards. It borders Katsushika, Sumida, Arakawa and Kita wards in Tokyo, and the cities of Kawaguchi, Soka and Yashio in Saitama Prefecture.
Facts:
- The ward has the third-largest land area of the 23 wards.
- Kita-Senju Station is one of the ward's main transport hubs.
Edogawa
Area: 49.90 km2 (19.27 sq mi)
Population: 709,029 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 4 of 23)
If you want to see a giant Ferris wheel, the Diamond and Flower Ferris Wheel at Kasai Rinkai Park is in Edogawa.
Edogawa is the easternmost of the 23 wards. It borders Katsushika and Koto wards to the west and the cities of Urayasu and Ichikawa in Chiba Prefecture to the east, across the Edo River.
Facts:
- Most of the ward is residential and popular with families.
- Nishi-Kasai in Edogawa is home to one of the largest Indian communities in Japan.
Ota
Area: 61.86 km2 (23.88 sq mi)
Population: 761,109 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 3 of 23)
Ota Ward was formed on 15 March 1947 by merging the former Omori and Kamata wards. It is the southernmost of the 23 wards and has the largest land area.
The ward's main hubs are Kamata and Keikyu Kamata stations. The Ota Ward Office is near Kamata Station.
Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport) is in Ota, and the ward is also known for its many small manufacturing workshops.
Nerima
Area: 48.08 km2 (18.56 sq mi)
Population: 763,313 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 2 of 23)
Nerima is the second most populous of the 23 wards. It is known as a home of Japan's anime industry, with many animation studios, including Toei Animation.
Nerima is in the northwest of the 23 wards and borders Saitama Prefecture.
It is a largely residential ward with a lot of green space and farmland compared to central Tokyo.
Setagaya
Area: 58.05 km2 (22.41 sq mi)
Population: 957,373 (1 October 2026 estimate, rank 1 of 23)
Setagaya is the most populous of Tokyo's 23 wards. It is in the southwest corner of the wards, next to the Tama River, which separates Tokyo from Kanagawa Prefecture.
The ward is divided into five administrative districts: Setagaya, Kitazawa, Tamagawa, Kinuta and Karasuyama.
Information:
- Large residential areas, good living standards and popular neighbourhoods such as Sangenjaya, Shimokitazawa and Futako-Tamagawa all add to Setagaya's appeal.
- Rakuten Group has its headquarters in Futako-Tamagawa in the ward.
Read more: Setagaya
Tokyo’s Population History
Tokyo has a long history as Japan's largest population centre, dating back to its time as the shogun's capital, Edo.
The population of Tokyo grew rapidly in the 20th century, especially after World War II.
The first national census in 1920 counted about 3.7 million people in Tokyo. Wartime evacuation and bombing cut the population sharply by 1945.
After the war, Tokyo grew quickly with industrialisation and people moving in from other parts of Japan, passing 10 million in the early 1960s.
Tokyo's population has kept growing in the 21st century. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government estimates it at 14,288,867 as of 1 October 2026, even as Japan's overall population falls because of its ageing population and low birth rate.
What is the most populous Tokyo Ward?
The most populous ward in Tokyo is Setagaya, with an estimated 957,373 residents as of 1 October 2026.
Setagaya is in the southwestern part of Tokyo and is known for its residential neighbourhoods, shopping areas and parks.
It is one of the largest wards by area, covering 58.05 square kilometres. The other most populous wards are Nerima, Ota, Edogawa and Adachi.
Which is the least populated ward in Tokyo?
The least populated of the 23 wards is Chiyoda, with an estimated 66,737 residents as of 1 October 2026.
Niijima is sometimes listed as a Tokyo ward, but it is not one. Niijima is a village (Niijima-mura) in the Izu Islands, about 160 kilometres south of central Tokyo, with an estimated 2,148 residents as of 1 October 2026. It is known for its beaches, surfing and marine sports.
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