Among the cities that "leave their visitors inspired and exhilarated consistently," Tokyo in Japan was named the world's best city for 2017, based on a survey made by Conde Nast Traveler, described as "a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine that has won about 25 National Magazine Awards." It is published by Conde Nast, "an American mass media company with a reported more than 164 million consumers across its 20 brands and media."
Anyone who has been to Tokyo can readily understand why it is the world's best city and also why it is considered the world's safest city.
Very young schoolchildren can safely commute from their home to school and back. Lost items are bound to be found or retrieved. Regardless of age, gender, or nationality, one can safely walk through the streets of Tokyo at any time of the day or night.
The Tokyo police stations are accessible and visible. Even if the Japanese policemen do not carry guns, locals and foreigners appreciate the peace and order in this city.
Despite having millions stay in Tokyo as residents or transients, public transport is very efficient and generally on schedule. Traffic and parking can be challenging in several busy areas of the city; however, on the whole, these are manageable compared to the traffic in Metro Manila.
Roads and public areas are regularly inspected and maintained. The information system is remarkable, with the Japanese trademark of always having guides or signs to serve the public. Schools, libraries, museums, galleries and parks are added attractions of this city.
One may find prices in Tokyo to be high, but the quality and service are worth the expense. Described as "the city that never disappoints. Tokyo is where neon-lit skyscrapers co-exist with temples, shrines and ancient forests, and it is a food lover's paradise."
Tokyo is also a very clean city, comparatively speaking. Not perfectly clean of trash here and there but in general, visitors hardly experience foul smell of uncollected garbage in this city.
Tokyo has also been selected by the International Olympics Committee to host the 2020 Summer Olympics. Already, years ahead, Tokyo has been preparing for this international event, the local government and residents eager to present Tokyo as THE incomparable Olympics host ever.
Already considered the best city in the world this year, can you imagine how much better Tokyo can be in 2020?
Multilingual facilities and services for the convenience and safety of expected tourists and visitors have started to be put in place. English training of Japanese police, travel guides, hospital and other welfare staff have started. Disaster management systems have been upgraded. Plans are underway to install even more efficient transport and other public facilities for residents and visitors.
If in 2017, Tokyo continues to wow visitors, think how much more Tokyo will offer by 2020?
Inclusive planning and implementation has been a consistent policy in Japan and this is observable in the way Tokyo is now preparing for the 2020 Olympics. Social preparation and involvement of all stakeholders allows for more participatory and collaborative engagement resulting in every Tokyoite "owning" this goal of making the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo excellently successful.
You may want to check out Tokyo now and then go again in 2020. Tokyo does not disappoint now, in 2017. Can you imagine how much more Tokyo has to offer in 2020? Time to start saving up for those visits!
Can we develop our own cities here in the Philippines to be as safe, clean, orderly, peaceful, and efficient like Tokyo and other best cities in the world? Inclusive governance can go a long way, if practiced sooner. We can start by working to make our Philippine cities livable first for our own people.