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Japan has been chosen as the world's top destination for international tourists by luxury travel magazine Wanderlust, with the appeal of capital city Tokyo being cited as one of the major factors behind the decision.

As Tokyo continues its bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games, this latest accolade has given added hope to the campaign.

Wanderlust Magazine is not the first publication to highlight the appeal of Japan. Last year, Tokyo was named one of the world's top cities for quality of life by international lifestyle magazine Monocle and was also listed as the world's top culinary destination by the famous Michelin Guide.

In choosing Japan as the world's top destination for international holidaymakers, Wanderlust Magazine suggested that Tokyo contributed heavily towards the decision, with 80,000 of the hotels offering ‘unbelievable levels of service and comfort.'

Tokyo's psychedelic nightlife and buzzing cosmopolitan environment, juxtaposed with scenic beauty spots such as Mount Fuji, also guaranteed its place at the top.

This is the first time that Japan has appeared in the top 10 countries in the annual Wanderlust Travel Awards, after years of close competition between New Zealand and Namibia for the number one slot.

Almost 3,000 travellers voted in the awards, which are based on customer satisfaction over the past year. Japan received a 97.42 per cent satisfaction rating, with Namibia receiving 96.21 per cent and New Zealand 95.75 per cent.

Japanese city Kyoto also triumphed, being voted runner up in the favourite city category. Wanderlust Editor-in-Chief Lyn Hughes said, "I'm thrilled that Japan has topped the charts.

"I feel that there is so much to see there that we don't hear about in the UK," she added.

Dr Ichiro Kono, Chair and CEO of Tokyo 2016, said, "Everybody in Japan will take pride from this award, which has reinforced our desire to welcome the world to Tokyo in 2016 to enjoy the comfort and excitement of our leading hotels, restaurants and attractions while being inspired by the greatest sporting event on earth taking place in the very heart of the city.

"The most compact and sustainable Games ever will provide unprecedented convenience for visitors and an atmosphere that can only be created by the city becoming an Olympic Park. With the highest levels of public safety and an incredibly efficient transport system, Tokyo is the perfect Games setting for travel enthusiasts from across the world," he added.

In Tokyo itself, the expansion of Haneda airport in Tokyo Bay will offer international travellers easy access up to and after 2016, whilst the city's reliable and efficient public transport system can carry a whopping 24 million passengers each day.

Amrit Singh, Founder of Far East specialist, TransIndus, told TheMoveChannel.com, "The cost of living for UK holidaymakers visiting Far East destinations is much more affordable than many other long-haul destinations and even some mid-haul destinations.

"Japan in particular is amazing value because the yen has dropped, so everything seems so cheap.

"Visitors find Japan a wonderfully well organised country, plus there is a fascinating culture to discover, and, with the excellent exchange rate, some very good shopping and superb hotels at reasonable prices," he added.

If you want to see Japan for yourself, TransIndus is offering a nine-day ‘Introduction to Japan,' which includes Tokyo, Mount Fuji and the temples of Kyoto from £2,400 including flights.