Okay, "maybe" that's a slight exaggeration, but even with the weak dollar, Tokyo is much more affordable than London, Paris, New York (name a city).

Can you spend a fortune in Tokyo?

Absolutely! But what separates Tokyo from all other great cities is that in Tokyo, you can find a clean hotel room with a private bath for less than $70 US Dollars per night and are guaranteed it will be in a safe area and not too far from a subway station.

If you could find a $70 room in NYC or London, it'll be in a combat zone!

Food is even more reasonable. I can have a can of hot coffee and eat two delicious, healthy meals a day in Tokyo for $10.00 (TOTAL) and really pig out for $20 per day.

I can also get all my meals at Lawson's or 7-11 and never feel deprived. Don't get me wrong, I would never want Tokyo to become as popular a destination as Paris (for selfish reasons) but I do wish to see the people of Tokyo thrive and Tokyo deserves more recognition and respect as the world's greatest city - in my humble opinion.

What makes it the greatest?

Easy. The combination of excitement, beauty, peace, convenience, safety and affordability, plus the healthiest, most delicious food and, drum roll please.......... hot cans of coffee to warm your hands and soul on a crisp Autumn morning!

I love Tokyo and with a little luck will one day spend 6 months per year there. Okay, probably only 2 months, with the other 4 exploring the rest of Japan.

BTW, I also love Kobe! What's with the myth that it's a nice place to live but not much to visit? Madness!

Kobe is spectacular, except for some of the hideous architecture but even Tokyo is victim to that.