Kobe Population 2026
Kobe has a population of 1,525,152, making it the #8 biggest city in 🇯🇵 Japan, located in Hyōgo. Roughly 1.2% of Japan's population lives here. It is about 6.4× smaller than Tokyo, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
1,525,152
Rank in Japan
#8
Coordinates
34.69°N, 135.18°E
~35 m elevation · Asia/Tokyo
Distance to capital (Tokyo)
424 km
263 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Hyōgo
| City | Population | Rank in Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Himeji | 530,495 | #28 |
| Nishinomiya | 485,587 | #33 |
| Amagasaki | 459,593 | #38 |
| Akashi | 303,601 | #77 |
| Kakogawachō-honmachi | 271,634 | #87 |
| Takarazuka | 226,432 | #110 |
| Itami | 198,138 | #122 |
| Kawanishi | 155,165 | #165 |
Cities near Kobe
- Ashiya93,922 people · ~12 km away
- Nishinomiya485,587 people · ~14 km away
- Akashi303,601 people · ~17 km away
- Takarazuka226,432 people · ~20 km away
- Amagasaki459,593 people · ~22 km away
- Sandachō132,858 people · ~22 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Kobe?
Kobe has a population of 1,525,152 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #8 biggest city in Japan.
What region is Kobe in?
Kobe is located in Hyōgo, Japan.
Is Kobe the capital of Japan?
No, the capital of Japan is Tokyo, about 424 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.