The Japanese cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto have earned the first, second and third spots respectively on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 list of the best major cities in the world.

The cities were selected in a poll of over 800,000 Condé Nast readers as part of the publication’s prestigious, long-running Reader’s Choice Awards, and won particular acclaim for their world-class cuisine, inspiring cultural attractions and seamless blending of tradition and modernity.

“On behalf of the entirety of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), I can say that we are excited and deeply honored that Japan’s urban destinations have been recognized and applauded by travelers from around the world,” said Ken Toyoda, executive director of JNTO Canada. “We are so pleased to learn that travelers are thinking about Japan despite all the challenges of the pandemic, and we are eager to welcome Canadians to experience our cities themselves.”

Complementing the individual honors awarded to its famous cities in the annual pool, Japan, as a whole, also claimed the number three spot on the reader-selected list of best countries in the world.

The accolades come as global travel slowly resumes and Japan makes a concerted push to provide a refreshed post-pandemic travel experience.

On the heels of hosting the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games this past July, the country has pursued increased investment in tourism attractions and infrastructure. With July’s addition of two new UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites, Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima, bringing the country’s total to 25, Japan cements its status as much more than just a metropolitan marvel.

The full list of winners in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards can be viewed here.

Photos: Tokyo skyline. Photo © Sean Pavone from Getty Images Pro | Canva. Dotonbori District, Osaka. Photo © Gagliardi Photography | Canva; and Kyoto in the spring. Photo © Sean Pavone from Getty Images Pro | Canva