A major travel magazine has ranked Tokyo and Kyoto as the two best tourist destinations outside the United States.
Condé Nast Traveler has conducted a readers' survey since 1988. The magazine has a circulation of about 800,000.
This year's poll saw Tokyo move up to top spot from 15th place in 2015. The magazine says the Japanese capital is "a mix of contradictions, from ultramodern, neon-lit skyscrapers to tranquil temples, historic shrines, and expansive forests." It notes that Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city.
Kyoto jumped to second spot from ninth place last year. Condé Nast Traveler says the former capital is one of the best-preserved cities in Japan.
The number of Americans visiting Japan topped one million for the first time in 2015. The total for 2016 so far is up more than 20 percent, compared to the same period last year.
◆pole 調査、人気投票
◆top spot 首位
◆contradiction 矛盾
◆neon-lit ネオンに照らされた
◆tranquil 静かな
◆expansive 広大な
