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Tokyo 2016 today welcomed the announcement from prestigious luxury travel magazine, Wanderlust, that it has chosen Japan as the world’s top destination for international tourists.

Wanderlust suggested that Tokyo contributed heavily towards the decision, with 80,000 of the hotels offering ‘unbelievable levels of service and comfort’ – all located within an 8km radius of the proposed Tokyo 2016 Olympic Stadium. The city’s ‘fluorescent skyscrapers’ and attractions such as indoor roller coasters were also highlighted by the title at its 2009 Awards.

Tokyo was awarded similar accolades in 2008, including being named one of the world’s top cities for quality of life by Monocle, a noted international lifestyle magazine, and being identified as the world’s top culinary destination by the world-renowned Michelin Guide. Wanderlust agreed ‘whole-heartedly and full-belliedly’ with the Michelin Guide’s award of 227 stars to 173 of Tokyo’s world-class restaurants.

Dr Ichiro Kono, Chair and CEO of Tokyo 2016, said:
“Everybody in Japan will take pride from this award, which has reinforced our desire to welcome the world to Tokyo in 2016 to enjoy the comfort and excitement of our leading hotels, restaurants and attractions while being inspired by the greatest sporting event on earth taking place in the very heart of the city.

“The most compact and sustainable Games ever will provide unprecedented convenience for visitors and an atmosphere that can only be created by the city becoming an Olympic Park. With the highest levels of public safety and an incredibly efficient transport system, Tokyo is the perfect Games setting for travel enthusiasts from across the world.”

Japan’s ‘ancient culture and underlying serenity’ was also praised by Wanderlust, citing ‘the peak of Mount Fuji viewed from a snow-chilled pool; the tranquil temples and gardens of Kyoto; the cherry blossom and family-run ryokans.’ These and countless other tourism must-sees throughout the country can be accessed easily from Tokyo via high-speed bullet trains travelling at a breathtakingly smooth 300 km/h.

In Tokyo itself, the expansion of Haneda airport in Tokyo Bay will offer international travellers even greater convenience up to 2016, while the city’s reliable and efficient public transport system can carry 24 million passengers safely and promptly every day. For those exploring on foot, Ubiquitous Technology – cutting-edge handheld software giving visitors directions and tourist information in several languages – will enhance Tokyo’s visitor-friendliness even further as it seeks to set the stage for heroes through Tokyo 2016.