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This Destination Was Named the Most 'Mindful' in Asia--and It's Famous for Its Historic Temples and Shrines

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 2:23 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Kyoto Crowned Asia’s Most Mindful Travel Destination

The city of ancient temples, serene gardens, and a culture steeped in Zen has officially been recognized as the most mindful travel destination in all of Asia, according to a recent Travel + Leisure ranking.

What “Mindful” Means in Travel

In a world where the pace of life can feel relentless, many travelers are turning to destinations that offer a chance to pause, breathe, and connect with themselves and the surrounding environment. Mindful travel, as defined by Travel + Leisure, goes beyond simple relaxation. It blends cultural immersion, nature, wellness, and sustainability into an experience that nurtures the body, mind, and soul.

The recent accolade comes from the Travel + Leisure Asia Travel Awards 2024, an annual poll that gathers insights from both a global panel of industry experts and a worldwide voting audience. The award criteria emphasize:

• Cultural Authenticity – Depth of heritage and meaningful engagement with local traditions.
• Natural Connection – Opportunities to experience landscapes, flora, and fauna in a restorative setting.
• Wellness & Sustainability – Availability of spa, meditation, and eco‑friendly practices.
• Accessibility & Comfort – Ease of travel, safety, and quality of services that cater to varied traveler profiles.

Kyoto’s consistent ranking as a top destination for tranquility and tradition earned it the top spot.

Why Kyoto?

1. A Living Zen Garden

Kyoto’s skyline is dominated by countless temples, shrines, and meditation halls. The city’s 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines offer quiet spaces for reflection. Whether you’re sipping matcha in a traditional tea house or wandering the moss‑laden grounds of Kinkaku‑ji (the Golden Pavilion), Kyoto’s architecture invites calm.

2. Seasonal Rituals That Ground the Senses

The city’s calendar is a living tapestry of mindful festivals. The spring cherry blossoms, the autumn maple leaf cascade, and the winter lantern glow each create an immersive, sensory experience that encourages slowing down. In addition to the famous Hanami (flower viewing) and Momiji (autumn leaf viewing) traditions, Kyoto hosts monthly Wabi‑Sabi tea ceremonies—where every sip is a meditation.

3. Holistic Wellness Options

From the tranquil hot springs (onsen) in the Arashiyama bamboo forest to high‑end wellness resorts in the outskirts, Kyoto offers a wide range of rejuvenation services. The city’s Zen meditation classes are especially popular among international visitors, and several yoga studios integrate local traditions into their curricula.

4. Eco‑Conscious Hospitality

Kyoto has adopted a “low‑impact” tourism model in many areas. The city promotes bicycle rentals, electric shuttles, and local, seasonal food markets to reduce carbon footprints. Many hotels now participate in Japan’s “Green Initiative” and offer guests the option to offset their travel emissions.

How the Award Was Determined

Travel + Leisure’s Asia Travel Awards survey received over 30,000 votes from readers worldwide. An expert panel of 45 judges—consisting of travel editors, cultural scholars, and industry leaders—reviewed each submission against the set criteria.

Kyoto secured the highest combined score, edging out contenders such as Bali (Indonesia), Chiang Mai (Thailand), and Seoul (South Korea). While all of these cities were praised for their vibrant cultural scenes, Kyoto’s balance of ancient heritage and modern wellness practices set it apart.

“Kyoto embodies what mindful travel is about—respect for tradition, a deep connection to nature, and an atmosphere that invites introspection,” said Travel + Leisure senior editor Maya S. Patel. “Its ability to cater to both the body and the spirit is why it earned this distinction.”

Other Honorable Mentions

• Bali, Indonesia – Recognized for its spiritual retreats and lush rice terraces.
• Chiang Mai, Thailand – Praised for its mountain hikes and Buddhist monasteries.
• Seoul, South Korea – Noted for innovative wellness tech and urban green spaces.

Each of these cities was commended for unique aspects that promote mindful exploration, but none matched Kyoto’s overall synthesis of mindfulness factors.

Planning a Mindful Trip to Kyoto

If you’re inspired to visit, here are a few practical tips to maximize the mindful experience:

For more detailed itineraries and local guides, check the official Kyoto Tourism website or the Travel + Leisure “Kyoto” page for curated travel tips.

The Bigger Picture: Mindful Tourism in Asia

Kyoto’s triumph signals a growing trend in Asian travel: a shift from sheer consumption to conscious consumption. Destinations that prioritize cultural integrity, environmental stewardship, and holistic wellness are increasingly favored by travelers seeking meaning over mere sightseeing.

As COVID‑19 reshaped how we think about travel—highlighting the importance of health, safety, and emotional well‑being—mindful destinations like Kyoto offer a blueprint for sustainable, enriching journeys. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first‑time visitor, Kyoto’s invitation to slow down and reconnect with the present is a compelling reason to add it to your bucket list.

For the full article and to read more about how Kyoto earned this honor, visit Travel + Leisure’s coverage of the 2024 Asia Travel Awards.