Tokyo Metropolis is a special administrative unit that serves as the capital of Japan and plays a central role in the nation's politics, economy, and culture. It is located in the Kanto region. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is based in Shinjuku Ward and governs a wide administrative area that includes the 23 special wards, the Tama area (comprising 26 cities, 3 towns, and 1 village), as well as the island regions of the Izu and Ogasawara Islands.
Geographic Characteristics
The main part of Tokyo spreads across the southwestern section of the Kanto Plain, facing Tokyo Bay to the east. The area is well-connected to the sea via expressways such as the Shuto Expressway and the Bayshore Route. On the other hand, the western region belongs to the Kanto Mountain Range, where mountains, including Tokyo’s highest peak, Mount Kumotori (2,017 meters), stretch across the landscape. In the Tama area, rich natural environments remain in certain places.
Tokyo also includes southern island territories such as the Izu and Ogasawara Islands. With islands like Okinotorishima and Minamitorishima located in the Ogasawara chain, Tokyo holds the distinction of being the southernmost and easternmost prefecture in Japan.
Capital Functions and Urban Structure
Tokyo serves as the center of Japan’s three branches of government: legislative (the National Diet), executive (central ministries and agencies), and judiciary (the Supreme Court). It also hosts numerous foreign embassies and consulates, major media outlets, universities and research institutions, and global companies, forming one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas. With its extensive rail and road networks and airports (Haneda and Narita), it is a major hub for domestic and international transportation.
With a population of over 14 million, Tokyo is the most populous prefecture in Japan. Although it ranks third smallest in area among Japan’s 47 prefectures, it boasts the highest population density in the country. It is a vibrant city where people and goods are constantly in motion, day and night.
Climate
Tokyo has a humid subtropical climate characterized by distinct seasonal changes. Summers are hot and humid, often with thunderstorms, while winters are generally dry with many clear days. Rainfall is relatively abundant throughout the year, with significant precipitation during the rainy season and typhoon season.
There are regional climate differences within Tokyo. For example, inland areas such as western Tama tend to have a more inland plateau climate, with colder winters. In contrast, the Ogasawara Islands have a subtropical climate, remaining warm throughout the year.
In central Tokyo, the urban heat island effect is prominent, especially around the Otemachi area, where nighttime temperatures tend to be higher. On the other hand, suburban or inland areas such as Nerima Ward and the Tama region often experience more winter days with significantly lower temperatures.
Characteristics and Attractions
Tokyo is one of the world’s leading megacities, yet it also offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, historical heritage, and diverse cultures. From historic sightseeing spots like the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Ueno to modern entertainment districts such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Roppongi, Tokyo showcases a wide variety of faces. It also includes nature-rich regions like Okutama, the Izu Islands, and the Ogasawara Islands, where urban life and nature coexist in harmony.
With its diverse features and functions, Tokyo is a dynamic city that symbolizes both the present and future of Japan, continuously attracting people from around the world.
