Reading what other people say about the crowds and overtourism in Kyoto I get the feeling that both "sides" are exaggerating a little, but I really have no idea since I've never been there. I'm potentially going in late May.
Some say Kyoto is a nightmare and that they wish they never went, that it's shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, virtually no japanese people, impossible to take buses, having to book even regular restaurants ahead of time etc.
Others say Kyoto is heaven compared to Tokyo, that the crowds aren't that bad outside of the Gion area and the top 5 tourist attractions. If you want to go to popular spots you need to head out early or late.
The latter is probably more correct, but I have a bad feeling that it's going to be a disappointment nonetheless. There isn't anything specific I personally must see or do in Kyoto, so if the crowds spoil the experience, I just feel like I'm less likely to be disappointed by going somewhere different.
So, question to other people that are facing the same dilemma for an upcoming trip. What have you decided on?
And to the people that went last year around the peak seasons, what was your experience?
by Fun-Calligrapher4885