Japan Tops Rankings Again — Ride the Shinkansen to Tokyo, Kyoto & Beyond
This blog is brought to you by Hana, our Local Explorer — a travel-savvy voice from our team who specializes in uncovering Japan's seasonal and regional gems.
Japan is once again the world’s most admired destination. In the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveler, Japan was named the most attractive country for the third year in a row. And among global cities, Tokyo took first place, with Kyoto coming in second.
(For full rankings, see the original article here)
This isn’t just a nice title — it shows that Japan continues to captivate travelers from around the world. The spotlight on Tokyo and Kyoto also underlines that they’re not just culturally iconic — they’re also extremely accessible via high-speed rail.
Why This Matters for Shinkansen Travelers
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Tokyo and Kyoto’s top rankings confirm they remain must-visit destinations.
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Because they—and many other cities—are reachable by Shinkansen, it’s easier than ever to build a multi-city trip.
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Want to explore more than just those two? Other top-ranked cities like Seoul, Singapore, Paris may be far—but in Japan, you can ride from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and beyond in just a few hours thanks to the rail network.
Use Shinkansen-Ticket.com for Your Japan Rail Trip
When you plan your journey in Japan, use Shinkansen-Ticket.com to book your high-speed rail travel smoothly:
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Search and reserve Tokyo → Kyoto, Osaka → Hiroshima, Tokyo → Tohoku, and more
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English interface built for international travelers
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QR/e-ticket or paper ticket options, depending on your preference
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Flexibility, reliability, and support from booking to boarding
If you want to see all the country and city rankings in full, check out the original article here:
👉 Original Condé Nast Traveler “Readers’ Choice Awards 2025” rankings
Whether you’re heading to Tokyo for tech & pop culture or Kyoto for temples and tradition, let Shinkansen-Ticket.com help you ride between Japan’s top cities with ease.
What is shinkansen-ticket.com?
Shinkansen-Ticket.com is a Japan-based travel agency specializing in booking Shinkansen and limited express train tickets—including high-demand routes that are often difficult to secure. With nearly a decade of experience, we’ve built a reputation for reliable, flexible, and traveler-friendly service.
We provide both QR code-based tickets for easy station access, ideal for last-minute bookings, and physical paper tickets, which can be delivered to your home abroad, hotel, major post offices, or even a friend’s residence across Japan—perfect for carefully planned itineraries.
Our expertise in Japan’s rail system allows us to offer customized support with a deep understanding of routes, connections, and seating options—including oversized luggage seats, scenic views, and group arrangements.
Trusted by thousands of repeat customers and partnered with numerous hotels and travel agencies, we regularly assist in arranging train tickets for hotel guests and tour clients across Japan.
© 2025 Shinkansen-Ticket.com.
Seat guide
Reserved Seat (Ordinary Reserved Seat)
Your seat is reserved and secured when you book your tickets, allowing you to head to the station with peace of mind.
Think of it as "economy class" seating.
Green Reserved Seat
Enjoy better seats and free blankets. Popular among Japanese business people, executives, and those who prefer a comfortable travel experience.
Consider it "business class" seating.
GranClass
Known as the "First Class" of Shinkansen seats.
Available only on the Hokuriku and Tohoku Shinkansen lines, these seats offer airline-like amenities and meals (only on select trains).
They are the most expensive option.
Unreserved Seat
You can take any open seat in the unreserved cars on the departure date (no departure time will be indicated on your ticket).
This is the best option if cost is your priority and you are traveling during less crowded seasons or times.
Hana
The Local Explorer
As a licensed travel services manager with over 10 years of experience in the industry, I’ve spent my career helping international travelers discover the charm of Japan’s regions, seasons, and cultural events.
From lavender fields to autumn leaves, I love showcasing Japan’s natural beauty and local festivals—especially those hidden gems you won’t find in every guidebook. My goal is to inspire your next unforgettable journey.