Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima have surprised travel critics by winning places in a comprehensive Lonely Planet poll of the world's top 200 cities, illuminating Japan, with an impressive three entries, as a desirable destination for urbanite travelers.
"While Japan is obviously a wonderful and exciting place to visit, I have to admit I was surprised that there were three Japanese cities in the top 200 because I didn't think that most people would be able to confidently identify that number of cities in Japan," said Tom Hall, Lonely Planet's travel information manager.
Perhaps unsurprisingly on the other hand, Paris, New York and London all featured in the top five for their style, spirit, cuisine and climate among many other things, but Tokyo -- following closely behind -- is also heaped with praise as a true example of a vast conurbation that combines the past, present and future in just one space.