While Tokyo remains one of Japan’s hottest destinations – not least thanks to its top-tier airports and affordability – another city is gaining attention for its exceptional liveability. This year, Osaka was ranked as the seventh most livable city in the world according to the Economist’s annual Global Liveability Index, which examines a total of 173 cities worldwide. While Tokyo has made this ranking in the past, Osaka is the only city in Asia to crack the top ten this year.
Osaka is tied for seventh place with Auckland, New Zealand, just behind Copenhagen (No 1), Vienna (No 2), Zurich (No 3), Melbourne (No 4), Geneva (No 5) and Sydney (No 6). Rounding out the top ten are Adelaide and Vancouver.
This year’s report evaluated over 30 qualitative and quantitative factors across five main categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Osaka earned a score of 96 on the global index, compared to 98 for top-ranked Copenhagen. The Kansai city received full marks for stability, healthcare, and education. It scored 86.8 for culture and environment, and 96.4 for infrastructure.
Here’s a full look at the top ten cities and their total index score:
1. Copenhagen, Denmark (98.0)
2. Vienna, Austria (97.1)
2. Zurich, Switzerland (97.1)
4. Melbourne, Australia (97.0)
5. Geneva, Switzerland (96.8)
6. Sydney, Australia (96.6)
7. Osaka, Japan (96.0)
7. Auckland, New Zealand (96.0)
9. Adelaide, Australia (95.9)
10. Vancouver, Canada (95.8)
With its high scores across the board, Osaka continues to prove itself not just as a vibrant travel destination, but as one of the world’s best places to live in. And with the World Expo taking place in the city until October this year, there’s never been a better time to visit.
For more information on the Global Liveability Index, head to the website.
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