Renowned for its magnificent temples, tranquil gardens and rich cultural heritage, Kyoto, Japan, has been voted the most beautiful city in Asia.
The vote was determined by Ranker, with thousands of voters from around the world voting for the city for its timeless appeal and enduring appeal as a top travel destination.
With its unique blend of traditional and modern aesthetics, Kyoto has emerged as the clear favorite, beating out other well-known cities such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Seoul.
Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is well known for preserving ancient Japanese culture.
The city is home to more than 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 shrines and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
The narrow cobblestone streets, traditional wooden townhouses, and carefully tended gardens transport visitors back in time and offer a glimpse into Japan's historic past.
However, Kyoto's charm is not limited to its historical ruins.
The city is also a centre of modern Japanese culture, with vibrant neighbourhoods such as Gion and Pontocho housing a vibrant array of restaurants, teahouses and shops.
Kyoto's culinary scene, particularly kaiseki cuisine (a traditional multi-course meal), is internationally acclaimed and adds to the city's appeal.
The rankings highlight Kyoto's ability to captivate both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers.
“Kyoto is a city that embodies the essence of Japan,” commented one voter.
“Its beauty lies not just in its temples and gardens, but in the way the old and the new coexist in perfect harmony.”
In recent years, tourism in Kyoto has boomed again, with visitors from all over the world flocking to experience its seasonal attractions, such as cherry blossoms in the spring and vibrant foliage in the fall.
The city's popularity is also enhanced by its easy accessibility by train from other major Japanese cities such as Osaka and Tokyo.
