How can digital twins transform our cities? A view from Japan 

About the OECD #ResilientPlaces blog series 
In an era of unprecedented economic, environmental and geopolitical changes, local and regional leaders are uniquely placed to turn these changes into opportunities to improve the well-being of all citizens, strengthen resilience and boost competitiveness. Following the OECD Regional Development Policy Ministerial Committee meeting in Warsaw, Poland (19–20 May 2025), the OECD Champion Mayors, local and regional leaders, as well as stakeholders, continue to share innovative solutions to reinforce local and regional resilience in this blog series.

Our cities are leading the way in the digital transition. They are hubs for the firms and talent expanding the digital frontier, and they’re also where digital tools are reshaping the way we govern. One of the most promising of these tools is the urban digital twin, a technology that could redefine how we design, manage and future-proof our cities. 

Japan’s “urban digital twin” 

An urban digital twin is a dynamic 3D model of a city that mirrors its real-world counterpart using data from sensors, satellites, drones and government records. It allows policy makers to simulate changes, test responses to shocks, and evaluate development scenarios in a virtual environment. 

Japan’s national 3D city modelling initiative, PLATEAU, launched in 2020, is now in its fifth year. A key strength of the project lies in its commitment to common standards: all city models conform to the standards of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) and use an open data scheme – which allows for interoperability and innovation. Today, PLATEAU supports more than 250 municipalities and is transforming how people understand, design, and manage their cities. 

Better planning 

As Minister for urban policy as well as real estate policy at Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, I’ve seen the practical benefits of digital twins first-hand.

Japanese planning regulations, such as those governing floor-area ratio and building-to-land ratio, are often difficult to visualise. With 3D city models, both developers and local authorities can easily develop designs that comply with these regulations while maximising the potential of the land. 

We are also working to streamline permitting processes, which often involve time-consuming, paper-based submissions to multiple departments. In one local government, the use of digital twins has reduced the number of preliminary consultations at service counters by approximately 54%.

With pilot projects underway with local governments, we aim to digitise workflows — saving time, reducing friction, and increasing transparency. 

Extending the reach 

While digital twins are often associated with flood simulations or disaster resilience, they also support broader economic, cultural and social goals. In Kyoto, my hometown, the technology is being used to help visitors plan their trips and preserve historic cityscapes, including the iconic Kyo-machiya townhouses.  

At the same time, many local authorities are grappling with overtourism. Digital twins are enabling the development of virtual tourism content that combines immersive 3D models with detailed facility and business information. These tools also help local authorities, informing smarter planning and reducing congestion in popular areas. 

Learning as well as leading 

By 2027, we aim to expand PLATEAU to 500 municipalities – covering roughly 30% of all Japanese cities, towns and villages. We are pleased that its impact and ambition has been generating attention worldwide from countries seeking to replicate our approach. However, we are keen to learn as well as lead.

The upcoming RDPC Ministerial Meeting offers a timely opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and shape the next phase of urban digital twin innovation together. We are keen to learn from international examples too. 

The future of urban governance is here — and it’s digital.

 
To make the most of it, we need open data, shared standards, and above all, global collaboration. PLATEAU is one step in that direction — but the real transformation will come when cities everywhere begin to see themselves not only on a map, but in a model of what’s possible. 

OECD support for the digital twin transition in cities
The OECD provides essential guidance for cities implementing digital twin solutions, including the Smart City Data Governance report and its broader Programme on Smart Cities and Inclusive Growth, as well as a Japan-specific case study Hachioji City — Utilising 3D city models and Augmented Reality to enhance local public engagement, all offering insights on data frameworks, governance, and citizen participation