I’ll go first, it’s not necessarily a secret spot but I find the vibe by Kyobashi Station to have more of a authentic Izakaya scene than many of the touristy spots. It’s a bit more dirty. However, I find the grit to be more satisfying. My favorite is Izakaya Toyo, it might be slightly mainstream but I enjoy the place.
Also I recently hiked through 榁木峠 (closest train station is inchibu) which is a amazing hiking trail that I hiked a few days ago it’s mostly secluded and features a bamboo forest that blows the famous one in Kyoto out of the water. After you could move onto a hike to the Yaya-Dera via the Yata Nature Park trail. (There is a lot of parking here). (This borders Osaka and is in Nara).
Looking forward to hearing your experience.
by wemcream