Voters place Japan at top of the world

Japan has been voted the best country in the world by readers of Wanderlust magazine.

The publication's travel awards saw it in the top ten for the first time, with contributors to the poll "wowed" by its range of scenery, technology and cityscapes. It was followed by Namibia and New Zealand, the latter of which is favoured by many would-be expats who want to escape life in the UK.

Editor-in-chief Lyn Hughes said in Japan there was "so much to see there that we don't hear about in the UK", adding she was "thrilled" it had been given the number one spot.

The Guatemalan city of Antigua was voted as the best city in the world, while Kyoto took home another prize for Japan as it was named runner-up.

As one of the globe's busiest commerce hubs, some British workers may be lucky enough to move to the country's capital of Tokyo and experience all it has to offer.

Japanese regions are also commonly visited by graduates who can transfer money abroad and then depart for a season to teach English.