In the run-up to the 2020 Olympics, Japan is bursting at the kimono seams with visitors. In 2013, inbound visitors numbered an impressive 10 million, but that figure has tripled in the past half-decade and is set to skyrocket in the months ahead. This means most major sightseeing spots are packed with yukata-clad tourists bobbling green tea soft serve and swinging selfie sticks.

If you're looking for something less frenzied, the Kansai area — think Kyoto, Osaka and surrounds — has some of the country's best anaba (little-known spots) tucked away, where you can encounter the rich depths of Japanese culture, minus the crowds. Reserve one of these nine luxuriously uncrowded options to take your travels to new levels.

Kyoto