Jōetsu Population 2026
Jōetsu has a population of 189,430, making it the #131 biggest city in 🇯🇵 Japan, located in Niigata. Roughly 0.2% of Japan's population lives here. It is about 51× smaller than Tokyo, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
189,430
Rank in Japan
#131
Coordinates
37.15°N, 138.24°E
~10 m elevation · Asia/Tokyo
Distance to capital (Tokyo)
208 km
129 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Niigata
| City | Population | Rank in Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Niigata | 797,591 | #16 |
| Nagaoka | 266,936 | #90 |
| Shibata | 96,236 | #282 |
| Sanjō | 94,642 | #290 |
| Kashiwazaki | 86,183 | #318 |
| Tsubame | 77,382 | #355 |
| Niitsu-honchō | 65,910 | #424 |
| Murakami | 58,300 | #485 |
Cities near Jōetsu
FAQ
What is the population of Jōetsu?
Jōetsu has a population of 189,430 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #131 biggest city in Japan.
What region is Jōetsu in?
Jōetsu is located in Niigata, Japan.
Is Jōetsu the capital of Japan?
No, the capital of Japan is Tokyo, about 208 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.