Each year, readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler weigh in on their favourite islands, cities, hotels, and more. As the world continues to reopen, the results of these lists reflect the kind of destinations travellers have longed to visit and those that they will return to once international travel resumes. In both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler’s annual lists, as well as Green Destinations’ Top 100, Japan’s cities have consistently ranked among the world’s best destinations.
Kyoto ranked in the top five of Travel + Leisure’s 25 Best Cities in the World, while Kyoto came in 3rd, Tokyo 9th, and Osaka 11th in the Top 15 Cities in Asia. In the Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2021, Tokyo ranked first 1st, Osaka 2nd, and Kyoto 3rd in the Best Cities in the World.
Of course, Japan is not only a country where big cities attract people, but also a sustainable destination where 12 cities were ranked in Green Destinations’ Top 100. This annual competition highlights destinations’ sustainable tourism practices and encourages them to share their innovative and effective Good Practice Stories, serving as role models to other destinations, tour operators, and travellers. These Green Destinations include Amami-Oshima Island, Aso City, Kamaishi, Kyoto City, Nagara River Basin, Nanao City and Nakanoto Town, Nasushiobara City, Niseko Town, Sado City, Shodoshima Town, Toyooka City, and Yoron Island.
For more inspiration for your next trip to Japan, explore our dedicated, interactive Japan ebook.
