TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Japanese metropolis of Tokyo has been ranked as the world's best culinary destination, according to a survey by Sixt, a global mobility service provider. The Japanese capital's reputation rests on a blend of deep-rooted food traditions and contemporary global gastronomy.
From traditional sushi to mouth-watering street food like yakitori (skewered chicken), Tokyo boasts a diverse range of authentic Japanese and global cuisine. Beyond the popularity of viral foods on social media, such as ramen, 7/11 convenience store items, and matcha-flavored sweets, the city boasts approximately 160 Michelin-starred restaurants and 124 highly rated establishments.
Tourism data published by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) confirms that Japan will welcome a record 42.7 million international visitors by 2025. Tokyo is the country's main gateway and most visited city.
The rise in global interest is also reflected in online search activity. Searches for the best food in Tokyo have increased dramatically over the past year. Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism consistently highlights gastronomy as a key driver of inbound tourism growth, particularly as regional specialties and traditional eating habits gain international visibility.
In second place in the study is Paris. Known for its artisan bakeries and historic bistros, the city is now a top culinary destination in Europe. The French capital has even more to offer in terms of food, with a Michelin-starred restaurant count reaching 131.
Osaka in Japan came in third. Dubbed the "kitchen of Japan," the city is home to dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, or savory pancakes. Osaka blends casual dining culture with high-end gastronomy. The presence of two Japanese cities in the global top three confirms Japan's status as a global culinary paradise.
Rounding out the top five are Porto in Portugal and London in the UK. Next up are Seoul in South Korea, New York in the United States, Bangkok in Thailand, Lisbon in Portugal, and Singapore.
According to SIXT, food has become a key motivation for travel planning. Global search interest, Michelin recognition, and visitor arrivals drive the latest ranking of the world's best culinary destinations.
The study evaluated destinations based on metrics including traveler search trends, the number of culinary attractions rated 9.0 or higher, inclusion in the World's 50 Best Restaurants list, the total number of Michelin-starred restaurants, and overall food-related attractions. The findings reflect a broader transformation in tourism patterns, with gastronomy now a central attraction for destinations.
Read: Mixology at Home: How to Spend Your Ramadan with Creative Culinary Trend
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
8 Spots to Enjoy Mount Fuji's Winter Views Without Climbing
29 Desember 2025
You don't need to climb Mount Fuji to see the beautiful scenery of Japan's highest mountain. Just come to these seven places.
Japan First Cherry Blossoms Forecast for 2026: Sakura Blooms in Mid-March
18 Desember 2025
Japan's Meteorological Corporation releases its first 2026 sakura forecast, with cherry blossoms expected to bloom from late March to early April.
3 Asian Cities Named World's Best Destinations for 2025
12 Desember 2025
Euromonitor International released its 2025 list of the world's best city destinations, featuring three Asian cities: Tokyo, Singapore, and Seoul.
Tokyo's Shibuya Cancels New Year's Eve Countdown Event, Here's Why
3 Desember 2025
Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, known for its busy pedestrian crossings, has cancelled the New Year's Eve countdown event at Shibuya Station.
10 Most Populous Cities in the World, Jakarta Overtakes Tokyo
25 November 2025
The most populous cities in the world drive global growth and innovation while grappling with overcrowding, pollution, and infrastructure challenges.
UN: Jakarta Overtakes Tokyo as World's Most Populous Capital City
24 November 2025
The Indonesian capital, Jakarta, has become the world's most populous capital city with 42 million residents, according to the United Nations (UN).
Exploring Saitama: 7 Ideal Destinations for a Quick Getaway from Tokyo
27 Oktober 2025
Saitama Prefecture can be an ideal short getaway destination from Tokyo.
2026 Travel Guide: 10 Safest Cities in the World
23 Oktober 2025
For travelers, visiting the safest cities in the world brings peace of mind that's hard to match. From Reykjavik to Sydney and Dublin, here's the list
10 Unique and Thrilling Experiences to Try in Tokyo
10 September 2025
Traveling to Tokyo is not just about visiting the Tokyo Tower, Shibuya, or Disney Resort. Many other exciting and unusual experiences in worth trying.
Top 10 Cities for Workcations in 2025: From Tokyo to Valletta
2 September 2025
According to the International Workplace Group (IWG), Tokyo has been named the best city for a workcation in 2025.
