Condé Nast Traveler recently released its 2025 Readers' Choice Awards, and in exciting news for Japan travelers, Kyoto has been named one of the world's friendliest cities. The annual awards are based on reader votes and highlight destinations that make a lasting impression through hospitality, atmosphere, and local charm.
There's no doubt that friendliness can have a big impact on travel. A helpful local or a welcoming shop owner can shape how visitors remember a place, especially in cities where culture and language barriers might otherwise make travel feel daunting. Kyoto's combination of tradition and considerate manners helped it stand out this year, earning it a score of 92.73 and a place in the top ten.
Once Japan's imperial capital, Kyoto remains one of the country's best-preserved cultural centers. Visitors often comment on the city's calm pace and the respect shown in everyday interactions, from greetings in family-run shops to the quiet attentiveness of staff at traditional inns, or ryokan. These touches of sincerity and courtesy reflect the same spirit of hospitality (known locally as omotenashi) that continues to define Japan's service culture.
For travelers, this warmth is a huge part of what makes Kyoto so inviting. From exploring historic temples to enjoying a seasonal meal or staying in a local guesthouse, the city's friendliness feels woven into daily life rather than performed for tourists. It's this sense of genuine welcome that likely helped Kyoto capture the hearts of readers around the world this year.
