It’s a bustling metropolis, a unique blend of ancient tradition and hyper-modern living and now the Japanese capital is also officially the most desirable city in the world.
That’s according to the annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. 168,000 people cast a total of 3 million votes over 22 categories, and the result? Tokyo has been named the world’s ‘most desirable’ city.
‘While the evergreen Sensō-ji temple in Asakusa or the museums of Ueno Park will always attract visitors here, this is a city that doesn’t stand still. The newly regenerated Azabudai Hills neighbourhood, for example, is currently building up an exciting roster of galleries, stays and museums that promise much. Beyond this, the quiet neighbourhoods of Shimokitazawa and Yanaka offer glimpses of old Tokyo, while Rikugien Garden provides a green escape from the neon hustle,’ says Wanderlust, adding: ‘It’s just reward for a city of rare depth, where ancient temples sit alongside futuristic skyscrapers, and world-class dining lies next to hidden ramen shops.’
And we have to agree: Tokyo is pretty special.
As for the rest of the world’s most desirable cities, Singapore came in second, followed by Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro in third. Below the full list of cities that should be on your travel wish list.
These are the most desirable cities in the world, according to Wanderlust
- Tokyo
- Singapore
- Rio de Janeiro
- Sydney
- Cape Town
- Vancouver
- Buenos Aires
- New Orleans
- Hong Kong
- Chicago
And these are the best cities in the world right now, according to us at Time Out.
Did you see Paris has become the latest city to crack down on holiday lets?
Plus: Your guide to cool and unique hotels in Tokyo.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.