Kyoto has earned a place among the world's best holiday destinations for couples, ranking 15th in a new international study examining what makes a romantic getaway successful.
The research, conducted by fashion and lifestyle brand Pour Moi in partnership with relationship and sex therapist Georgina Vass, evaluated nearly 100 destinations across more than 40 countries. Each location was scored on factors that can influence how couples experience traveling together, including comfort, ease of exploration, safety, affordability, crowd levels, and opportunities for bonding.
Kyoto achieved an overall Couples' Holiday Success Score of 57.66 out of 100, placing it alongside some of the world's most sought-after romantic destinations. The former imperial capital joined a list that included Italy's Lake Garda, Slovenia's Bled, and Greece's Santorini.
According to the study, successful couples' holidays are often built on a balance of relaxation and shared experiences, and Kyoto naturally lends itself to both. Visitors can spend quiet mornings strolling through historic temple districts, enjoy seasonal gardens and traditional tea houses, or explore centuries-old streets lined with wooden machiya townhouses.
The city also offers a pace of travel that encourages connection. Whether admiring autumn foliage, wandering beneath spring cherry blossoms, or sharing a kaiseki meal, Kyoto provides countless opportunities for couples to create lasting memories together.
The study's methodology focused on six key areas identified by Vass as important to relationship wellbeing while travelling, including sleep and comfort, ease of exploration, safety and stress levels, affordability, crowd management, and the availability of experiences that encourage bonding.
While destinations across Europe dominated the top of the rankings, Kyoto stood out as the only Japanese destination to make the global top 20. Its inclusion highlights the city's enduring appeal not only as a cultural treasure, but also as a place where couples can slow down, explore together, and enjoy some of Japan's most memorable travel experiences.
