With more people visiting Tokyo than ever before, we’re not the only ones that can vouch for the capital being one of the greatest cities in the world. Time Out's annual Best Cities survey offers further proof, as it has just ranked Tokyo as the No 31 city in the world for 2025.
For this worldwide survey, Time Out asked urbanites around the world what it’s like to live, work and play in their respective cities right now. From there, our line-up of global city experts, writers and editors weighed in to compile this annual list of the world’s best cities.
While lifestyle factors like the availability of good food and nightlife are always an important part of the assessment, the survey also delves into the deeper side of city living, asking people if it is easy to make friends, find love and even access nature. Thanks to these in-depth responses, we've been able to gain unique insight on what it's truly like living in the world's greatest cities.
While we can’t deny there’s a major difference from last year’s eighth place ranking, Tokyo still offers plenty of excitement, as there are always so many new things popping up across the city. Plus, the cheap yen has made Japan a hotspot for travellers looking to get a bargain on world-class shopping and dining.
In the new hotspots department, Tokyo has recently welcomed a host of new lifestyle complexes including the dazzling Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado with its rooftop garden and the massive Azabudai Hills development, which offers green spaces and art intertwined with unique architecture. You can also look forward to a host of new attractions and facilities coming this year, including a new lifestyle hub in Harajuku and a semi-underground park in Ginza.
In the Best Cities survey, Tokyo was praised highly for its public transportation, with 73 percent of respondents rating the city's trains and buses a great part about living and getting around the city. Tokyo was also ranked high for its plethora of great restaurants, with 72 percent of residents enjoying the city’s dining options.
While Tokyo scores many points for great liveability, another key factor is whether the city makes locals happy. Despite the drop in ranking, it seems like nothing has dampened Tokyoites’ views on their city: 70 percent of respondents stated that Tokyo makes them happy, and 62 percent replied that they find joy in their everyday experiences. And that’s what really matters, isn’t it?
Find the full list of the world’s 50 Best Cities here.
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