The best times to visit Kyoto are from March to May and from September to November ... so be prepared for higher hotel rates and fewer vacancies. Crowds do wane a bit in the summer and winter ...
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.
There's nothing like exploring the city of Kyoto and spending cash on things it has on offer to a ... of the activities — all of which you can do during your next outing in Kyoto.