The number of cities in Japan changes over time as smaller municipalities (towns and villages) merge to form new cities.

According to current data (approximately 2024/2025):

• Japan has approximately 792 cities (in Japanese, Shi - 市).

In addition to cities (Shi), Japan's administrative division includes several other types of municipalities:

• Cities (Shi): Approximately 792
• Towns (Chō/Machi): Approximately 743
• Villages (Son/Mura): Approximately 183
• Special Wards of Tokyo (Tokubetsu-ku): 23

Thus, the total number of all municipalities in Japan is over 1,700, but the term 'city' specifically refers to approximately 792 entities.

The largest cities in Japan include Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, and Sapporo.