In this guide, I’ll share a handful of less-touristy activities that allow you to see a different side of Kyoto—one that goes beyond crowds, temples, and shrines.

As far as Shinto shrines go (there are about 400 in Kyoto), this one is pretty special ... But all of those things are secondary to Gion's real source of fame – the geisha.

The "stage," as it's called, sits atop huge pillars more than 40 feet above the hillside and affords visitors panoramas of the surrounding forest ... on every Kyoto traveler's to-do list.

By prioritizing these free activities in your Kyoto/Osaka itinerary, you’ll have more yen to savor the local cuisine and ...