Tokyo and Kyoto have been voted the world's first and second best big cities once again, followed closely by Osaka in fifth place in the 32nd annual Readers' Choice Awards survey by Condé Nast Traveler!
Every year Condé Nast Traveler's readers cast their votes for the world's best cities and this year the turnout was so large—a record 600,000 voters!—Condé Nast Traveler put together a Top 10 list for small cities and another for big cities!
For the fourth year running Tokyo and Kyoto have been named two of the world's best Top 10 Big Cities but for the second consecutive year Japan's modern and ancient capitals secured their places as the world's top two respectively! Osaka meanwhile made big improvements on its last ranking, jumping from twelfth to an impressive fifth place, thereby cementing Japan's place as top among other countries to have cities featured within "The Best Cities in the World: Best Big Cities" list. Read on below to find out what clinched readers' interests and what to look out for should you plan a trip yourselves!
Tokyo
Tokyo's astounding vibrancy and many memorable contradictions, from the "ultramodern, neon-lit skyscrapers" of Shinjuku to the "tranquil temples, unmatchable street style and centuries-old etiquette" of Nakano, Sangenjaya and many other neighbourhoods once again earned the city the number one spot in this year's Readers' Choice Awards. If we're talking food then it's no surprise Tokyo's in pole position: not only is Tokyo filled to the brim with delicious greasy spoons, it's also home to the most Michelin stars on Earth - we, and the many thousands visiting for Rugby World Cup 2019 will drink to that! Fair to say that Tokyo is in perfect stead to welcome many more visitors both seasoned and new as we approach the Olympic and Paralympic Games next summer!
Kyoto
Boasting hundreds of awe-inspiring temples and shrines, charming little machiya-lined streets that hark back to a bygone era and stunning natural scenery, it's no wonder that Kyoto, Japan's former capital, has maintained second place in this year's ranking either. That being said, Kyoto is by no means a relic of the past - rather, the city is home to thriving arts and culinary scenes and prides itself as being at the forefront of the latest trends, from the Kyotographie photography festival to a thriving gin scene!
Osaka
Trying new and exotic foods—especially those eaten by locals—is becoming an increasingly integral element of tourists' holidays an in a city such as Osaka you really are spoilt for choice. Often referred to as "Japan's kitchen", Osaka has more food than you can shake a stic— I mean skewer at, from takoyaki to kushikatsu and okonomiyaki to "fugu" (河豚, blowfish). What's more, the king of the Kansai region is also the perfect base for touring a number of other major cities, including Kyoto, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama - why visit just the one city when you can visit five?!
Find out more about the other finalists and winners in this year’s Condé Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Award on their website.
To stay up to date with all the latest happenings in Japan follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
