NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Kyoto has been crowned the best Asian city for the first time by readers, the U.S. magazine Conde Nast Traveler said Tuesday.
The western Japanese city was followed by Bangkok and Hong Kong at second and third respectively, while Tokyo came seventh, it said. Charleston in South Carolina ranked first among U.S. cities and Florence in Italy took the top spot for Europe, it said.
Welcoming the outcome for Kyoto, the New York office of the Japan National Tourism Organization said in a statement, "This accomplishment proves the time-honored cultural richness and the city's efforts to maintain the beauty of the cityscape and sustain the culture into the 21st century."
Kyoto has been the highest ranked Japanese city and in the top 10 among Asian cities for six consecutive years. It was the second highest ranked Asian city in 2010.
In the survey begun in 1988, readers cast their ballot in various categories, including cities, islands, hotels and resorts for different regions. A record number of readers -- about 29,000 -- took part in this year's poll, according to the magazine.
Among the best foreign airlines chosen by readers, All Nippon Airways ranked ninth and Japan Airlines 10th, while Singapore Airlines earned the top spot.
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