23 pictures that show why travelers voted Kyoto the best city in the world
Travel + Leisure
just released its annual World's Best Awards, which surveys thousands of readers to come up with a comprehensive list of the year's best hotels, islands, airlines, and destinations.
This year, for the second time in a row, travelers voted Kyoto, Japan, to be the best city in the world.
Kyoto — Japan's imperial capital for over 1,000 years — is full of incredible temples, parks, and markets that make it a favorite with travelers.
These photos show why Kyoto was named the world's best city — twice.
Kyoto is home to incredible temples, like the Byodo-in Buddhist temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the most breathtaking temples is the 14th-century Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), which has a shiny gold facade that reflects beautifully in the pond it sits on.
Travelers love the thousands of scarlet colored torii (shrine gates) that lead 2.5 miles up a mountain to the main Inari shrine: Fushimi Inari Taisha. As Inari is considered the patron of business, each gate was donated by a Japanese business.
Nishiki Market, also known as Kyoto's Kitchen, is a 400-year-old market that spans five blocks of over 100 shops and restaurants. It's a treasure trove of rare delicacies and unusual foods.
You'll find rarities like these quail egg-stuffed-octopi. Lots of shops offer samples, so go hungry.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
See Also:
SEE ALSO: The 10 best cities in the world, according to travelers
Follow us! Business Insider Travel is on Twitter
