Travel

Travel + Leisure

Japan s ancient capital Kyoto proved popular in another poll of the world s cities, topping a list of the world s best destinations in a survey of readers in Travel + Leisure magazine.

Kyoto jumped four places from last year, unseating Bangkok from the top spot in the magazine s 2014 World’s Best Awards list. The result followed the Kyoto s recent top 10 ranking in a list of the most livable cities .

Travel + Leisure noted that the attraction of Japan s ancient capital went beyond its cherry blossoms, temples and gardens.

One can also find “reimagined ryokan (Japanese-style hotels) and an emerging style scene that is cutting edge,” said a magazine correspondent in a video clip posted on the magazine s website.

The survey gave scores to each city based on votes received from readers. Poll participants were asked to judge destinations on a variety of factors including culture, arts, food and value for money.

Respondents were screened to remove travel-industry professionals from the vote, according to the magazine s website.

Tokyo didn’t make the top 10, but was ranked fourth among Asian cities behind Kyoto, Siem Reap in Cambodia and Bangkok.

“I am deeply moved and happy” that Kyoto was picked as the best destination in the world, Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa said in a statement. The mayor said the outcome was a result of coordination between the public and the corporate sector to improve the city’s appeal for tourists.

“We hope to continue offering visitors the experience of Kyoto’s unique culture, arts, sights and hospitality,” Mr. Kadokawa said.

The ancient capital ranked No. 9 in a list of the World’s Most Livable Cities compiled by London-based magazine Monocle last month.