How Big Is Tokyo Compared To La? Tokyo, the capital of Japan, often prompts questions about its vastness and population in comparison to other major cities like Los Angeles. This article from COMPARE.EDU.VN provides a comprehensive comparison, exploring the different ways “Tokyo” can be defined and how these definitions stack up against the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles. We will delve into area, population, density, and other key metrics, offering a clear picture of the scale of these two global hubs and analyze urban sprawl by employing advanced geospatial comparison, density calculation, and demographic data, alongside LSI keywords such as urban area comparison and city size comparison.
1. Understanding the Different Definitions of Tokyo
Tokyo’s size and population figures vary significantly depending on the definition used. It’s crucial to understand these different definitions before comparing it to Los Angeles.
- 23 Special Wards: This refers to the inner urban core of Tokyo, part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area.
- Tokyo Prefecture: Also known as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) area, this includes the city proper and extends beyond the urban fabric.
- Wider Tokyo Urban Area: Defined by organizations like the European Commission’s Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) project, this encompasses the continuously urbanized areas.
- Extended Metropolitan Area: This includes the wider Kanto region, forming a large, continuously urbanized area.
2. Comparing Area: Tokyo vs. Los Angeles
To get a sense of the scale, let’s compare the area covered by different definitions of Tokyo with Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.
| Area | Size (sq km) | Size (sq mi) |
|---|---|---|
| 23 Special Wards | 620 | 240 |
| Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Prefecture) | 1,780 | 687 |
| Tokyo Commuter Zone (GHSL) | 5,318 | 2,053 |
| Tokyo Extended Metropolitan Area | 12,350 | 4,768 |
| Los Angeles County (including water) | ~12,012 | ~4,638 |
An illustration depicting the different areas of Tokyo, highlighting its urban fabric and administrative boundaries.
As seen from the table above, Los Angeles County, including water areas, spans roughly the same area as Tokyo’s Extended Metropolitan Area.
3. Population Comparison: Tokyo vs. Los Angeles
The population within these areas paints a clearer picture of the density and scale of each metropolis.
| Area | Population (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 23 Special Wards | 9.7 million |
| Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Prefecture) | 14.3 million |
| Tokyo Commuter Zone (GHSL) | 34.6 million |
| Tokyo Extended Metropolitan Area | 40.5 million |
| Los Angeles County | Just under 10 million |
From this comparison, it’s evident that the population of the wider Tokyo metropolitan area dwarfs that of Los Angeles County, even though the areas are comparable.
4. Population Density: A Key Differentiator
Population density provides insights into how crowded an area feels. Here’s a comparison:
| Area | Population Density (per sq km) | Population Density (per sq mi) |
|---|---|---|
| 23 Special Wards | Over 15,000 | 39,000 |
| Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Prefecture) | 6,363 | 16,480 |
| Los Angeles County | About 2,156 | 5,585 |
The 23 Special Wards of Tokyo exhibit a significantly higher population density compared to Los Angeles County, indicating a more compact and crowded urban environment.
5. Tokyo as “Londons”: A Unique Perspective
To better understand the scale, consider resizing London (Greater London, with a population of 9 million) to match different definitions of Tokyo.
- London resized to match Tokyo’s 23 Special Wards would have 5.7 million people.
- London resized to match the Tokyo Metropolitan Government area would have 9.5 million people.
- London resized to match Tokyo’s GHSL-based urban area would have 12.5 million people.
- London resized to match the “urban fabric” of Greater Tokyo would have 16.2 million people.
An illustration showing how Greater London compares to different areas within Tokyo when resized proportionally.
This comparison helps illustrate the vastness of Tokyo compared to a familiar city like London.
6. The Extended Reach of Tokyo: Minami-Tori-shima
Tokyo’s administrative boundaries extend far beyond the mainland, including remote islands like Minami-Tori-shima (Marcus Island), located 1,848 km (1,148 miles) southeast of Tokyo. This island, about the size of the City of London, is the easternmost point of Tokyo, highlighting the expansive reach of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
An aerial photograph from 1987 showing the remote island of Minami-Tori-shima, which is officially part of Tokyo.
7. Comparing Tokyo and Los Angeles: Key Takeaways
- Area: Los Angeles County and Tokyo’s Extended Metropolitan Area are similar in size.
- Population: Tokyo’s Extended Metropolitan Area has a significantly larger population than Los Angeles County.
- Density: The 23 Special Wards of Tokyo are much denser than Los Angeles County.
- Administrative Boundaries: Tokyo’s official boundaries extend far beyond the urban area, including remote islands.
8. Understanding User Intent: Why Compare Tokyo and Los Angeles?
People compare Tokyo and Los Angeles for various reasons:
- Understanding Global Urban Scale: To grasp the size and scope of major global cities.
- Travel Planning: To get a sense of what to expect when visiting or moving to either city.
- Urban Planning and Policy: To draw comparisons for urban development and management strategies.
- Academic Research: To study urban sprawl, population density, and metropolitan growth.
- General Interest: Simply out of curiosity about how these two major cities compare.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How does the population of the 23 Special Wards compare to Los Angeles County?
The 23 Special Wards have a population of about 9.7 million, while Los Angeles County has just under 10 million.
Q2: What is the population density of Tokyo compared to Los Angeles?
The 23 Special Wards of Tokyo have a population density of over 15,000 per sq km, while Los Angeles County has a density of about 2,156 per sq km.
Q3: What area does the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Prefecture) cover?
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government covers an area of approximately 1,780 sq km (687 sq mi), not including its remote islands.
Q4: How is the “wider Tokyo urban area” defined?
The “wider Tokyo urban area” is often defined by organizations like the European Commission’s GHSL project, encompassing continuously urbanized areas.
Q5: How far do Tokyo’s administrative boundaries extend?
Tokyo’s administrative boundaries extend far beyond the mainland, including remote islands like Minami-Tori-shima, located over 1,800 km southeast of Tokyo.
Q6: Is Tokyo the most populous city in the world?
Depending on the definition used, Tokyo is often considered one of the largest urban areas in the world, with a population between 35 and 40 million in its extended metropolitan area.
Q7: How does Los Angeles County compare in size to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government area?
Los Angeles County is smaller than the Tokyo Metropolitan Government area.
Q8: What is the significance of Minami-Tori-shima in the context of Tokyo’s size?
Minami-Tori-shima is the easternmost point of Tokyo, highlighting the expansive reach of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Q9: Why does the population of Tokyo vary so much depending on the definition used?
The population varies because different definitions include different areas, from the inner urban core to the wider metropolitan region.
Q10: How can resizing London to match different definitions of Tokyo help understand the scale of Tokyo?
Resizing London provides a familiar reference point, making it easier to visualize and comprehend the vastness of Tokyo compared to a well-known city.
10. Conclusion: The Scale of Tokyo Compared to Los Angeles
In conclusion, while Los Angeles County and Tokyo’s Extended Metropolitan Area are similar in size, Tokyo boasts a significantly larger population and higher density, particularly in its inner urban core. The administrative boundaries of Tokyo extend far beyond the urban area, encompassing remote islands. Understanding these nuances is essential for accurately comparing the scale of these two global metropolises.
Navigating these comparisons can be overwhelming. At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we simplify the process, providing detailed, objective comparisons across various metrics. Whether you’re comparing cities, products, or ideas, we’re here to help you make informed decisions.
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