NEW YORK – Kyoto was named the world’s best city for a second consecutive year by the readers of U.S. travel magazine Travel + Leisure, the publication said Tuesday.

Since 1995, the magazine has released an annual ranking of the world’s top 10 cities as assessed by its readers. It samples their opinions in six categories, including places of interest, culture, food, and people.

The former capital and home of the Imperial Family for over 1,000 years is increasingly considered a draw for tourists. Readers called Kyoto “the quintessential Japanese experience” because it offers visitors “everything from history to notable cuisine (shojin ryori),” the magazine said, a reference to the many shrines and temples located in the city.

A ceremony to honor the cities will take place in New York on July 23. Officials from Kyoto including Kenichi Ogasawara, deputy mayor, are scheduled to attend.

“The high rating for Kyoto is a high rating for Japan overall,” said Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa, speaking at a news conference in Tokyo following the announcement.

Also speaking was Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Shigeto Kubo, who said it was reward for Kyoto’s efforts. He said he would “respect” the city for it.

The number of tourists who visited the former capital hit a record high of 55.64 million in 2014. The number of foreign tourists to Japan increased to a record 13.41 million, boosted by a weak yen and relaxed visa requirements, government data show.

There has been a significant rise in visitors from China and elsewhere in Asia as the yen has depreciated amid unprecedented easing by the Bank of Japan. Other factors included an expansion in duty-free items for foreign visitors and a rise in flights by low-cost carriers.