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Back on Top: Tokyo Voted World’s Best Big City in Condé Nast Poll

TOKYO – After a two-year break, Tokyo has been named the “Best Big City in the World” in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

Japan’s capital reclaimed the top spot in the U.S. edition rankings for the sixth time, having previously won the title from 2016 to 2019, and again in 2021.

Editors of the luxury and lifestyle magazine noted, “Tokyo continues to thrill with its contradictions: ultra-modern, neon skyscrapers and tranquil temples, unmatchable street style, and centuries-old etiquette. Like a fever dream you don’t want to wake up from, this Japanese capital also has more Michelin stars than any other place on Earth and is—no surprise—one of the world’s best food destinations.”

“I would like to express my appreciation to all the readers who voted,” Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said.

“Tokyo is a city where visitors can experience a distinctive culture, with traditional shrines and temples coexisting alongside innovative anime and the latest pop culture in a rare charm that entices the world. The downtown area is lined with functional high-rise buildings, while there are also spaces of natural beauty, surrounded by lush greenery and water. Along with traditional Japanese food, visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines from around the world. This result reaffirms for me how the appeal of Tokyo is well recognized by people around the world,” she added.

Tokyo outranked Singapore, Sydney, Madrid, and London, which placed second, third, seventh, and tenth, respectively.

The Condé Nast Traveler U.S. Readers’ Choice Awards were based on votes from over half a million survey respondents. - Words by Florenda Corpuz, Photo by Din Eugenio