Kyoto is once again in the global travel spotlight after being named Asia’s No. 1 Best City for 2026 in Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best Awards.
The former imperial capital also secured the No. 2 position among the best cities in the world, underlining its enduring popularity among international travelers. The rankings are based on votes from Travel + Leisure readers.
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Kyoto’s Historic Charm Wins Travelers Over
Kyoto spent more than 1,000 years as Japan’s imperial capital, helping shape many of the country’s most recognizable cultural traditions.
The city continues to combine historic experiences with modern attractions, including:
● Ancient temples and shrines
● Traditional Japanese gardens
● Historic wooden streets and machiya houses
● Kaiseki cuisine and local food
● Sake and tea culture
● Traditional crafts and performing arts
Travel + Leisure particularly highlighted Kyoto’s temples, traditional cuisine, cherry blossoms and ryokan experiences as part of the city’s appeal.
A City Where Tradition Meets Modern Life
One of Kyoto’s biggest attractions is the way traditional culture remains part of everyday life.
Visitors can experience Yuzen silk dyeing, Kyo-ware ceramics, sake brewing, kaiseki cuisine and classical performing arts such as Noh and Kabuki while also discovering contemporary restaurants, cafés, galleries and hotels.
This balance between old and new has helped Kyoto maintain its appeal across generations of travelers.
Beyond Kyoto’s Famous Tourist Spots
Travel + Leisure’s 2026 guide encourages visitors to explore Kyoto beyond its most crowded landmarks.
Travelers can discover quieter experiences such as:
● Less-visited temples and shrines
● Traditional neighbourhoods
● Local food markets
● Artisan workshops
● Smaller restaurants and sake establishments
● Scenic areas outside the city’s busiest tourist routes
The Kyoto tourism authorities have also promoted deeper, more sustainable travel experiences that encourage visitors to explore lesser-known parts of the city.
Cultural Experiences Add to Kyoto’s Appeal
Kyoto’s attraction extends beyond its architecture.
Seasonal events and traditional activities provide travelers with opportunities to experience the city’s living culture. Events such as Gozan Okuribi, along with traditional crafts and theatre, offer a glimpse into cultural practices that have been maintained for generations.
The city’s calendar also features seasonal experiences throughout the year, giving visitors different reasons to return in different seasons.
Kyoto’s Global Tourism Popularity
The city’s latest ranking comes as Kyoto continues to attract millions of visitors.
According to Travel + Leisure, Kyoto welcomed more than 56 million visitors in 2024, including almost 11 million international visitors.
Its strong showing in the 2026 World’s Best Awards demonstrates that despite its popularity, travelers continue to see new experiences to discover in the historic city.
The city has been ranked No. 1 in Asia in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards.
Kyoto placed second among the world’s best cities, putting it ahead of many major international destinations.
3. Culture Remains Its Biggest Strength
Historic architecture, cuisine, craftsmanship and traditional performing arts continue to define Kyoto’s identity.
4. Travelers Are Looking Deeper
The latest recognition also highlights opportunities to move beyond famous tourist attractions and discover Kyoto’s quieter neighbourhoods and local experiences.
Kyoto’s No. 1 ranking in Asia for 2026 reinforces its status as one of Japan’s most compelling destinations. From centuries-old temples and gardens to food, crafts and living traditions, the city offers travelers an experience where Japan’s past and present meet in one place.
