I was in Kyoto during Golden Week. To beat the crowds, I have the following recommendations. 1. Go to shrines early - most of them are open by 6am, and you won't have to deal with crowds. At least arrive by 9 - it gets really busy after that. 2. Go outside Kyoto - some really good, and less crowed, spots to visit include Uji - famous for green tea, soba, and Byōdō-in, the temple on the 10 yen coin; and Fushimi, where you can visit the sake museum and taste test some really good sake. Both places are lovely, and each worth a full day visit.
I was in Kyoto during Golden Week. To beat the crowds, I have the following recommendations. 1. Go to shrines early - most of them are open by 6am, and you won't have to deal with crowds. At least arrive by 9 - it gets really busy after that. 2. Go outside Kyoto - some really good, and less crowed, spots to visit include Uji - famous for green tea, soba, and Byōdō-in, the temple on the 10 yen coin; and Fushimi, where you can visit the sake museum and taste test some really good sake. Both places are lovely, and each worth a full day visit.