Tokyo named most liveable city in world by Monocle magazine

The city itself offers a lot of convenient things to the people.

I dont know if Im judging in the wrong way, but Tokyo is one of the few cities around the globe that has indication signs in trains station. Shinjuku station for example has signs in Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese.

Also, Tokyo has several restaurants, train stations, stores, vending machine, convenience store, etc...

I thought this was a joke.

Thanks JT. I needed the laugh!

12 Fukuoka

I've been hearing about how awesome Fukuoka is a for a decade now, since I first met some Marines recently from Okinawa. They were all the way in Miami singing the praises of Fukuoka and the women there. It was the first place outside of Tokyo that anyone recommended and I still haven't been there....

Bizarre. I do love Tokyo and it is a good place to live overall, but the best in the world according to safety, quietness, cost of living and community?! Come on!

It's still one of the most expensive cities in the world and wages are mostly flat. It's also by far one of the nosiest places outside of India and Mexico (loud music and announcements blaring from shops, Uyoku fans etc.). People die alone and rarely even make eye-contact. There is little sense of community with a decline in local festivals and volunteer participation.

I'm suspicious about where this data comes.

Of course, this is subjective. I can't stand the place.

Has anyone even HEARD of this magazine? You'll notice it was not mentioned that the magazine often features Japan in its pages and/as it is partially owned by Nikkei publishing, so, no bias there at all. If this rag thinks Tokyo is the 'best place in the world to live' then it ought to be changed from "Monocle" (a bad name for an international magazine to begin with) to "Tunnel Vision Magazine", because there is NO WAY it tops the list in most categories, if in any at all.

Mitsuo: "The city itself offers a lot of convenient things to the people."

So do most cities, let alone metropolises.

"ut Tokyo is one of the few cities around the globe that has indication signs in trains station. Shinjuku station for example has signs in Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese."

Yes, you're judging the wrong way. Many countries have signs in multiple languages. Japan has been quite slow to get them outside of English, though undoubtedly Tokyo was the fastest here.

"Also, Tokyo has several restaurants, train stations, stores, vending machine, convenience store, etc..."

Ya think? I would think it has quite a lot more than 'several'. None of the things you mentioned are unique, and are in fact less than in other places (except vending machines, of which there are far more than necessary). As for living costs -- insane!

Fukoka has a lot of good points about it, though. Don't think it's actually in the top 20, but hey.

From Wikipedia:

"In September 2014, Brûlé sold a minority stake in Monocle magazine to Japanese newspaper publisher Nikkei Inc."

I suspect a significant part in Tokyo's rise in the rankings might be down to the collapse of the yen. When comparing things like lunch or a cup of coffee they presumably convert to a common currency and Tokyo will be looking significantly better than in the past. I think it's a fabulous city for me but I am surprised to see it at the top of a "most liveable" list.

WTF I can name a dozen cities that are much better lifestyles than Tokyo. And when it comes to bringing up children Tokyo wouldnt even rank in the top ten compared to other cities

Monocle is a well known magazine - based in the UK so maybe they don't sell it in the local Walmart.

Like any city ranking, they all have their own criteria. And people all have their own criteria, so not everybody will be happy.

Fukuoka is in my top 10 easily. Actually, my top one, since I could have settled in a number of nice cities.

The judges should try living here in Tokyo. If they knew what crap we Expats have to go though each day, I would not even compare it to Amsterdam. Try going to the bank, mobile phone shop, ward office or anything like it! I swear I lose 6 months off my life just trying to make a inland money transfer.

Smith, I would suggest you to go to Nigeria... There are good things much better than Japan and the USA.

They were all the way in Miami singing the praises of Fukuoka and the women there.

I've heard a theory behind this. Many Kyushu young women do not want to leave the island but also don't want to be stuck in third-tier cities (such as mine, Kumamoto); thus, the most talented and/or beautiful tend to get jobs in Fukuoka.

. . . Used to like Tokyo, but now I can't stand it. I only go there to check out the Yoyogi Park events. Other than that, I'm always wishing I could click my heels saying, "there's no place like home"and I'd be there-

Complete joke! Seoul is the best and should be in the top! It's more liveable than stressful Tokyo. Complete BS. !! For me Seoul is the best especially in the night particularly in red light district.

Tokyo named most liveable city in world by Monocle magazine

ok, i don't dispute and express my love for Japan, thumbs up pls (!)

Been to Tokyo and it is not my ideal city to live in. Overcrowded and expensive. However, there are a lot of upsides to living in Tokyo such as the convenience to shop for all your needs in one city.

If you want peaceful I suggest going to Kyoto.

Totally with the ranking. Tokyo is the bomb! It's a great city with a good vibe.

Absolute nonsense. Monocle, like many other ostensibly "foreign" media outlets, is home to pro-Japan puffery dressed up as independent journalism. Tokyo is one of the riskiest places in the world to live; not because of crime or disease but because the likelihood of a major earthquake is so high. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami and radiation poisoning: The other cities in the top ten don't have them but all rank below Tokyo. Really?

I love Tokyo, spent many years living centrally, but once you've worn the T-shirt, socks and undies, it's nice to get out. Tokyo is fantastic a real buzz for a max of between 5 to 10(?) years.... then: No. No green. No parks to really speak off (Yes, yes, A FEW). No spaces. No benches. No outside eating. No.

Having lived in both Vancouver and Tokyo, I find it next to impossible to believe that cost of living when you factor housing into the mix is being reasonable. Yes, for its sheer size, Tokyo is by far the safest Metropolitan area that I have ever lived in or visited out of the top 25 of which would be: 1 Tokyo; 5 Sydney; 7 Vancouver; 14 Kyoto; 15 Paris; 16 Madrid; 24 Barcelona; 25 Portland.

Hahahaha...really? Tokyo number 1? Well i've never heard of Monocle Magazine but i certainly won't be seeking it out in the future now.

If u happy being alone and safe and just doing your own thing. Yes.Dont expect to make friends and and ejoy company as we do in Northern Europe.

If they factored in love hotels into these rankings then Tokyo would just destroy all the other contenders.

For me, those facilities certainly show that Tokyo has made a firm commitment towards making an energetic and vibrant urban area.

This is a joke. If you see the economist's liveability index, Tokyo is not even in top 20 liveable cities list. It's more dramatic if you see the "Mercer Quality of Living Survey". Tokyo is only 44th ranked city in terms of quality of living.

The people who did the ratings obviously never rode the Yamanote Line between Ikebukuro and Shibuya on a weekday morning.

I don't know who was on the panel of judges from Monocle who concluded this but if you know the magazine then you know it won't be any ordinary Joes. The magazine typically goes on about the best business class lounge, where to buy the best cashmere jacket, best double frappacino, best tailor for Egyptian cotton shirts in HK or Singapore etc. so its aimed at people who are clearly above average living. The guy who founded it only flies first class so that says it all.

Tokyo is a great place for its uniqueness, quaint shops and fun but if you are not earning a decent wage then its tough and as a foreigner it can be even tougher with the lack of English. For the JET teachers, exchange students etc it a veritable Disney land because its mostly only a temporary situation and that is understandable. So to conclude I would take Monocle's ranking with a grain of salt.

I lived in Tokyo for 12 years, it's the most convenient and efficient city I've ever been to, from the train and subway system to highway system and night life and the food, I totally agree it's one of the best if not the best, it offers you a headache free life whatever you want to do, the system and people are so efficient you do anything you want with no problem on budget and on time.

Perspective: The mag is very pricey at 2300 yen in Japan and here is the kicker...In September 2014, Brûlé (the entrepreneure-wner of Monocle) sold a minority stake in Monocle magazine to Japanese newspaper publisher Nikkei Inc. The deal valued Monocle at about $115m although the size of Nikkei's investment was undisclosed. I smell a skunk! Tokyo is perhaps the safest city and sports a good train infrastructure, but in all other aspects of comfort it is a mere also-ran.

Ah, the commentors here are consistent - complaints about living in Tokyo right and left! A proper nest of negativity these boards are. I didn't live in Tokyo, I lived in a city about half that size. But, I went there often for work and for trips. Tokyo seemed crowded, but for the population density, the people seemed nice and the public transportation very good (outside rush hour!) Can you people just stop complaining for once?

Yes you are all right that is because its SUISIDE rate is one of the highest in the world and just walk down the sidewalks if you want a knife stuck in your Ribs or wait and maybe someone. Might drop a child on your head. Just read the dAily Crime Reports that get released. Just be a subscriber it Hulu Japan and look. At all the Lies posted on the daily new releases.

I lived in Tokyo for three years, I am so glad I left that place. Rural Japan is so much better. Too many people in Tokyo. Tokyo is the same size as Portland Oregon (Where I am from) but as many people as New York (No thank you!). Going to crowded shinjuku bumping into people. This is such a Doctored article. How about the really really small roads compared to the US? Also this is a big downder, Tokyo as expected has terrible and I mean terrible mexican food. I mean sure it's okay but damn I miss those taco trucks that would come up from Mexico. Rural Japan is rich with culture, much more-so than tokyo. If you live in Tokyo you might as well live an the US, this is my feeling.

Tokyo. Yes. The air is so pure and the water fresh as a mountain stream.

NOT!

Also, Tokyo has several restaurants, train stations, stores, vending machine, convenience store, etc...

Several? Wow....

Don't you get squeezed into a train by professional train squeezers? Or is that a myth? Well, I guess it's a good if you don't have to work like the Japanese to be there.

shallotsJUN. 12, 2015 - 08:54PM JST Don't you get squeezed into a train by professional train squeezers? Or is that a myth?

It is very real, is sometimes scary and frankly dangerous, and a bit gross (especially in sweaty summer). It is like torture and Tokyoites have to do it most days of their lives - oh yes, the best city in the world.

Torakichi

Can you people just stop complaining for once?

Can you just stop complaining about complainers for once! (See where you went there?)

There is a lot to like about Tokyo, a lot, but the 'best city' in the world? There's not THAT much to like.

Only happens on a few lines and stations during the heaviest rush-hour.

Saw it a few times but not really the norm.

Tokyo named most liveable city in world by Monocle magazine

Clearly from folks who have never actually lived there.

Tokyo claimed the coveted top spot due to its defining paradox of heart-stopping size and concurrent feeling of peace and quiet.

WTH? "Feeling of peace and quiet"? Where? When? Even in the middle of the night in central Tokyo it is still loud. And Tokyo has to have possibly the lowest percentage of accessable green-space among major cities.

C'mon. Gimme a brake! It's a joke... It takes more than one hour to get out of the center for the outdoor, and when you are there you find... the whole people of Tokyo, because there is nowhere else to go! It is absurdly expensive... It is more the things you can not do that those you can or are allowed to... There wis not even any British city... Anyway, what the hack is this Monocle Magazine...? Who has ever heard of it...

"Cities are evaluated based on a combination of culture, tolerance..."

It's true that foreigners are generally tolerated here, if reluctantly.

I don't think Tokyo is so bad, in fact I am not suprised it made top of the list. of course this is my personal opinion.

Mitsuo Matsuyama: "Smith, I would suggest you to go to Nigeria... There are good things much better than Japan and the USA."

That doesn't even make any sense, as sarcasm or if you are trying to be honest. And if you're trying to say Tokyo is better than Nigeria, that's also not saying a lot except that Tokyo is on par with the rest of the world besides Nigeria (or the few places it might be worse to live in), not that it's number one.

Anyway, as well as this magazine being partly owned by Nikkei publishing, you also might want to know it has a posh office in Tokyo. So, "Tokyo being the best city in the world" may well be the case, if you are extremely rich and don't actually have to "live" there.

As an Aussie who travels yearly to Japan, I have to say that Tokyo is a great city. It has it's expensive side and at the same time it is cheaper than any city in Australia. I've been back a month and am shell shocked at the price of food, groceries, eating out, rent, hotel rooms, public transport, cost of houses and units, cost of petrol, owning a car. The basics here are up to 150% dearer than some in Tokyo. I spent 3 months in Japan this year and it was cheaper than staying at home in Australia. It surprises m e that it topped the list, but more surprising is that Sydney and Melbourne made it to the top 5, I would have been surprised if both cities had squeezed into the top 100. We are some of the worst drivers in the world and fast becoming some of the most racist.

If concrete environment is your way of life, I agree!

Monocle is a hipster magazine obsessed with places like Japan and East Berlin. Nobody should take this too seriously.

Best city in the world! No doubt. People love bashing Tokyo, but they don't live here. It's great! Just fantastic! The only people who debate it don't live here!. Japanese from all over the country wan to live here. And everywhere you go there are foreigners. And they all love it and come back. It's got everything. And close to beautiful scenery just a train ride away.

Tokyo banzai!

Tyler Creme Brule loves Tokyo. Who wouldn't if your entire experience every time you are there for a week or so was confined to staying in five star hotels, moving around the city in cabs and private cars, shopping, hanging out in clubs and eating in fine restaurants. He otherwise knows nothing about living in the Tokyo rather than visiting the city.

I loved living in Tokyo even more than I loved living in NYC. However, neither are "liveable" cities in the broadest terms. Both are congested, beastly expensive, dirty in places and have crap weather for good portions of the year. Vancouver is a much more liveable if no more affordable city than Tokyo or NYC.

Cities are evaluated based on a combination of culture, tolerance, green space, connectivity and safety.

How can Tokyo even come close in "tolerance",and "green space"? The place is tolerant of Japanese only with black trucks blaring racist epithets, and what green space? It's a concrete jungle.

Im brazilian ... lived years in Zurich ... now im in Tokyo ... and i endorse the ranking ... Japan/Tokyo today is a cheaper and better place to live than Europe ...

"Safety" must be defined based solely on crime statistics without consideration for health risks (ex. exposure to nuclear radiation) and natural disasters (ex. earthquakes). I got a good laugh out of it anyway. Reminds me of the type of SNL comedy skits Bill Murray and others did early in their careers. It's so outrageous to actually rank Tokyo 1st in the world for quality of life that it's comical.

I can see why Tokyo might be at the top. The complaint I would have is why does the majority of the list look like the favored euro cities which are supposedly the desired examples of the perfection of social living. They are not really all that great beyond visiting.

Plus why 25, at some point the cities all become the same and then bad. My guess is Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Portland, Auckland and Maybe a couple others are the real places but they can't have a list without the favored eurocities.

Brian William MeissnerJUN. 12, 2015 - 08:04PM JST I lived in Tokyo for three years, I am so glad I left that place. Rural Japan is so much better. Too many people in Tokyo. Tokyo is the same size as Portland Oregon (Where I am from) but as many people as New York.

Geography isn't your strong suit, is it?

Metropolitan Tokyo, Tokyo-shi, is 844 sq. mi. Portland is a mere 133 sq. mi. Tokyo-shi has a population of more than 13 million. NYC is less than 9 million, but has a higher population density covering less than 500 sq. mi.

I like Tokyo, but it is definitely an acquired taste. It's a city that takes some effort to enjoy, but after awhile can become mendokusai.

Oh well, just providing another link:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_most_liveable_cities

So how come that only "Monocle" ranks Tokyo number 1? Mercer's and AEU show another picture, as do many other sites. Something must be wrong here!

Nuclear radiation just a few kilometers away, regular earthquakes, volcanoes erupting, crowded trains (like canned sardines), long working hours (atleast 8 or 9pm) for most people in Tokyo, no family time, women treated like crap in a male dominated society, sexual harassment in trains, people vomiting everywhere openly after drinking heavily to escape reality, lack of English in most places, people frowning on each other's, aging population, expensive rent for really small apartments and the list goes on an on... N.B... Miracle is worth $115 million and the Japanese company Nikki investment invested $115 million in it for undisclosed shares... You do the Maths!

Tokyo is a fantastic city. There are a lot of variables to consider in an assessment like this and a fair bit of it can be subjective. For me, Tokyo is vibrant, stylish, convenient, cultural, safe and the climate is largely very agreeable. The downsides are that living spaces are small and cramped and public parks/spaces are a bit limited. Several of the cities in the list have great waterways and whilst Tokyo has the Bay there, it's not quite the same for me.

But I can also fully see why it's number 1.

Monocle is a hipster magazine obsessed with places like Japan and East Berlin. Nobody should take this too seriously.

Well if you read Hotrods & Beers or Computers For Fun magazine I guess not.

If you are a little bit curious about what's going on in the world on various issues, Monocle publishes decent stuff occasionally.

Monocle is a semi-suitable name for that magazine, as only one eye must've been open. If I could live downtown in a ¥10,000,000 apartment, with maid/ butler, be chauffeur-driven to work, could avoid public transport, eat in all the Michelin restaurants, etc. I think I might feel comfortable. But as it is, there are about 200 cities more attractive to live in, including 90% of the smaller cities that have some greenery. That said, I do like Tokyo, people are very tolerant (I'm white), but would never see me truly integrated into society.

You'll never get a consensus among everyone on a list like this. However, while I don't know if Tokyo is the top city in the world, it's definitely up there in the top five for my personal tastes. I love Tokyo. For me, it's a great standard of living with a good quality of life.

Try going to the bank, mobile phone shop, ward office or anything like it! I swear I lose 6 months off my life just trying to make a inland money transfer.

I'm assuming you don't speak Japanese. If you do, these things are really quite easy to deal with - easier than in English in many English-speaking countries.

@Paul Evans Completely agree with you. Can't figure out how Melbourne made the top 10. My yearly travel itinerary is similar to yours. My city of residency is Melbourne - 30 years now. Just got back from Japan 4 weeks ago for a short while and as always, I feel let down. Melbourne has a great deal to catch up to Tokyo.

Tokyo/Japan:

• People - In general, beautiful, shy, helpful and polite
• Culture - Unique, loyal to history, and remembered every day in people’s daily activities.
• Tourists - Are mostly tolerated
• Government supported visions - Admirable - to name a couple. First example: An efficient Public transport system that has the capability of moving millions of people every day, and on-time - astronomical! Second example: Innovations - The Shinkansen. Since its operation, the train builders of today use this innovation as the benchmark for fast-train building. The transport tickets are much much cheaper than Melbourne's (in comparison to service provided, as well)
• Customer Service - Next to none. I feel humbled when I request for help or for service. There are odd looks, but, one odd look for every 30 is nothing too heavy to mentally bear.
• Cost of living - in some things - utilities. Groceries, have to shop around and catch the specials in the evenings.
• Food/Quisine - Awsome! Fresh means "Fresh"
• Safety - I feel a lot more safe when walking around in Tokyo than in Melbourne. Yet Tokyo is heavily congested (compared to Melbourne's 4 million population count) Seaside accessibility - Tokyo has the best public transport system can take me to Tokyo Bay from Chiyoda in less than (it takes 165 minutes for me to get to St. Kilda Beach, from 21 kms South-East of Melbourne .

Tokyo and Japan replenishes my Soul during every periodic stay. Omedetōgozaimasu! I bow to you, Tokyo.

I am not sure if Tokyo is even the beat city in Japan. But I do love it. I am a Londoner by birth and feel quite at home in New York, but Tokyo can be overwhelming in its enormity. It is somewhere different, a journey in hyper reality.

I agree and I have lived in many places around the world, perhaps all these previous negative comments from people who have never lived but one place all their lives is warranted because they have nothing to judge by.

I've lived in Tokyo for 15 years. Unless you speak and read Japanese Tokyo is not very liveable. And if you do speak and read Japanese Tokyo is the least liveable place in Japan.

if you do speak and read Japanese Tokyo is the least liveable place in Japan.

Not at all. I've lived in the extreme countryside, mid-sized towns, and Tokyo. Tokyo is the best of them all. There's always something to do.

klausdorthJun So how come that only "Monocle" ranks Tokyo number 1? Mercer's and AEU show another picture, as do many other sites. Something must be wrong here!

they just use different parameters to analyze and rank the data, therefore get different results. [that's why they use different namings for the lists]

I'm going to take a wild guess that foreign housing wasn't a criteria

Here's my favorite part

Cities are evaluated based on a combination of culture, tolerance, green space, connectivity and safety.

Tolerance! REALLY? Tolerance? Tokyo? Japan?

Tolerance! REALLY? Tolerance? Tokyo? Japan?

I'd like to hear how you think it isn't tolerant.

Oh Yes! Everyday I am constantly reading news articles and relevant reviews with lucid critiques and important editorials from Monocle Magazine. Really? Well I read in Colostomy magazine that Timbuktu was ranked number one. Wow !I guess opinions vary.

Tokyo- convenience and variety

Osaka- genuine, easy-going people and can live cheaper

Osaka is more liveable than Tokyo but most people abroad only know Tokyo when they think about Japan. Alright, I am done ranting. Osaka>Tokyo

@CptKichigai. Extactly. What the crap is Monocle magazine anyways? It's not like their mentioning "Newsweek" or "Rollingstone." Monocle knows crap about where the best cities are. The whole gig & set-up began in 2007-

Not enough good onsens in and easily around Tokyo for me to make it liveable.

Takes me 3/4 of an hour to work out how to get out of Shinjuku station.

Far too hard much hard work.

I wonder which city in Japan Japanese consider to be the most liveable.

Tokyo is the most 'workable' city.

What about the "feel good" factor? It seems it wasn't taken into account. I agree that Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Kyoto, Sapporo are amongst the best cities in the world to stay for some time. But they fare well behind other cities that are not in the list.

I wonder which city in Japan Japanese consider to be the most liveable.

I thought Yokohama held that title?

I would go for a smaller city much further away from Tokyo. And anywhere with a little bit of old left. But I guess Monocle's audience is not ordinary people.

I tend to think there is not that much difference between Japanese cities architecture wise unlike, say, traveling the same distances in Europe. I also think that there is not that much to see in the way of museums and gallery, say, like Europe.

So what do they come to do? Shop and eat?