A city designated by government ordinance is a Japanese city that has a population greater than 500,000; has important economic and industrial functions; and is considered a "major city". The classification was created by the first clause of Article 252, Section 19 of the Local Autonomy Law. Designated cities are delegated many of the functions normally performed by prefectural governments. They can also be referred to as a designated city or government ordinance city.

As of 2007, no cities that have been granted this status have later lost it.