October 22, 2021
Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs

Tokyo Selected Best City in the World
_{Readers of Condé Nast Traveler (US & UK Editions) rank Tokyo number one in 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards}

Tokyo has been selected Number 1 in Condé Nast Traveler’s US Edition and UK Edition of “The Best Cities in the World: 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards.” Readers of the popular magazine for discerning travelers voted Tokyo for the top of the best cities list for the first time in two years in the US edition, and for the first time ever in the UK edition.
The city’s top ranking may be attributed to a number of initiatives, including tourism promotion programs and improved tourist infrastructure, which were achieved through cooperative efforts between the government and the private sector.
As a truly world-leading city in international tourism, Tokyo is working to further attract visitors by enhancing its appeal as a place where tradition and innovation coexist.

2021 Readers’ Choice Awards

US Edition “The Best Cities in the World (Best Big Cities Category)” (outside of US)

1)　(6)　Tokyo, Japan
2)　－　Osaka, Japan
3)　(1)　Kyoto, Japan
4)　(3)　Singapore
5)　－　Istanbul, Turkey
6)　－　Merida, Mexico
7)　－　Marrakech, Morocco
8)　(7)　Porto, Portugal
9)　－　Bangkok, Thailand
10)　－　Seoul, South Korea
( ) indicates 2020 ranking, - indicates the city was not in last year’s list

UK Edition “The Best Cities in the World” (outside of UK)

1)　(15)　Tokyo, Japan
2)　－　Osaka, Japan
3)　(4)　Kyoto, Japan
4)　(9)　Singapore
5)　(1)　San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
6)　－　Istanbul, Turkey
7)　(3)　Merida, Mexico
8)　－　Marrakech, Morocco
9)　(18)　Porto, Portugal
10)　－　Aspen, USA
11)　－　Bangkok, Thailand
12)　－　Seoul, South Korea
13)　(7)　Charleston, USA
14)　－　San Sebastian, Spain
15)　－　Chicago, USA
16)　－　Alexandria, USA
17)　(8)　Santa Fe, USA
18)　－　New York, USA
19)　－　Greenville, USA
20)　(14)　Salzburg, Austria
( ) indicates 2020 ranking, - indicates the city was not in last year’s list

Comments from Governor Koike Regarding This Year’s Selection of Tokyo

I am delighted and honored that Tokyo was selected by both the US and UK readers of Condé Nast Traveler as the best city in the world for the first time in two years in the US edition, and for the first time ever in the UK edition. I would like to express my gratitude to all who voted.
Even amidst the travel restrictions in place due to the effects of COVID-19, receiving such recognition has once again served as a reminder to myself and all of our residents of the attractiveness of Tokyo as a travel destination.
Despite these difficulties, the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 were a success, thanks to the support and cooperation of people everywhere, and to the careful management of our measures to prevent infections. I am happy to see these efforts have been appreciated by the world.
We will continue to work to further enhance the appeal of the city of Tokyo and we look forward to welcoming people from everywhere once the pandemic has been overcome, with the legacies of the Olympics and Paralympics as a base.

KOIKE Yuriko, Governor of Tokyo

* This press release is also available in other languages. (日本語/中文/한국어)