Japan: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Japan — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
126,529,100
#10 of 197 countries
Area
377,915 km²
#63 of 248 countries
Density
334.8 / km²
#40 of 245 countries

Japan has a population of 126,529,100 spread across 377,915 km², giving it an average density of 334.8 people per km². It ranks among the 20 most populous countries in the world. This moderate density means a mix of bustling cities and quieter rural areas to explore.

Most Populous Cities

Tokyo
9,733,276
9281 / km²
Yokohama
3,777,491
10095 / km²
Osaka
2,753,862
10227 / km²
Nagoya
2,332,176
4742 / km²
Sapporo
1,973,832
5107 / km²
Fukuoka
1,612,392
6693 / km²
Kobe
1,525,152
5229 / km²
Kyoto
1,463,723
6156 / km²
Saitama
1,324,854
5210 / km²
Hiroshima
1,200,754
3521 / km²

Demographics

Median Age
50.2
Life Expectancy
85.2 yrs
Government
parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Japan is classified as a high income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 67% of US levels, meaning costs are moderate and most travellers will find it reasonably affordable.

Income Level
High income
GDP per Capita
$33,836
Cost of Living
67% of US
Inflation
3.3%
Inequality
32.3
Moderate