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Introducing Japan

An ancient way of life fuses with modern society in this bustling and iconic travel destination. Travelers fall in love (or renew their vows) with Japanese food and astonishing scenery of this mountainous archipelago dotted with modern cities.

When is the best time to visit?
Late spring and early autumn have traditionally been considered the best times to visit Japan, but more and more travelers are seeking trips to this mountainous county in the winter to take advantage of its snowy season. Skiers and snowboarders are flocking to Japan in December through March in search of the powdery, light snow the region is increasingly known for. Learn more

Where to go in Japan?
The possibilities are endless. Night owls will love the 24-hour food and drinking scene of bustling city centers like Tokyo and Osaka, older cities that are embracing the new with plenty of flair and energy. Rural travelers will enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shiretoko National Park in the mountains of Hokkaidō and the balmy subtropical islands of Okinawa. Learn more

How many days do I need?
Since there is so much to do in Japan and travel within the country via the high-speed bullet trains is so easy, visitors can opt for trips of any duration. To do any justice to this amazing country, spend at least a week and ideally up to three. Learn more

Getting Around Japan
Most visitors to Japan fly into one of Tokyo's two airports, Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport (Tokyo International). Trains connect both airports to downtown Tokyo, and from there, extensive and efficient rail networks carry passengers to destinations on Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Learn more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Japan Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Sunrise in the post town of Narai, Japan
Map of Hike Japan's Nakasendo Trail - 5 Days
Hike Japan's Nakasendo Trail - 5 Days

Step back in time and immerse yourself in nature on this five-day hiking trip along the historic Nakasendo Trail. Feudal lords and samurai once walked this mountain path connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, stopping to rest in historic jukus, or Edo-era post towns, each night. You'll follow in their footsteps as you trek through picturesque valleys, explore idyllic villages, sleep in traditional inns, and relax in the thermal waters of hot springs along the hike.

The Kiyomizu-dera Temple overlooking Kyoto's skyline
Map of Japan's Big Four: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hiroshima - 10 Days
Japan's Big Four: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hiroshima - 10 Days

This diverse 10-day itinerary leads you through Japan's four major cities. Start in Tokyo, exploring the city's ultra-modern technology and ancient monuments. Then head to the quiet shrines of traditional Kyoto, the buzzing food scene of trendy Osaka, and the historic landmarks and lively downtown of Hiroshima. Along the way, you'll visit beautiful islands and bamboo forests, sample regional delicacies on a food tour, see sumo wrestlers in action, and try locally produced sake and whiskey.

Tokyo's Shinjuku Park
Map of Classic Highlights of Japan - 14 Days
Classic Highlights of Japan - 14 Days

Welcome to Japan! On this two-week journey around the main island, Honshu, you'll enjoy a mix of cultural sightseeing and active adventures. Visit sacred temples and shrines, cycle through the countryside, and wander around Tokyo's most fashionable neighborhoods. From the history of Hiroshima and the wonders of ancient Kyoto to the historic farmhouses of Shirakawa-go and the quiet island of Miyajima, there's so much to see and do.

Explore historic Edo-era post towns along the Nakasendo Trail
Map of Highlights & Hiking in Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Nakasendo Trail - 10 Days
Highlights & Hiking in Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Nakasendo Trail - 10 Days

This active tour of Japan combines modern cities with outdoor adventures, including five days of hiking along the famous Nakasendo Trail. You'll start in Kyoto, visiting the famed red torii gates of Fushimi Inari and watching a live geisha performance. Then, set out on foot along one of the major traveling routes of the Edo period—traversing bamboo forests in Nojiri, the peaks of Torii Pass, and the plateaus of Usui-toge. End in Tokyo for city views from the Tokyo Skytree and a tranquil visit to Asakusa Shrine.

Boating in Arashiyama
Map of Natural Wonders of Japan - 10 Days
Natural Wonders of Japan - 10 Days

Just as fascinating as Japan's ultra-modern urban culture is its spectacular natural scenery. On this 10-day adventure, you'll venture beyond the glittering cities to explore Japan's stunning natural wonders and learn about the country's ancient cultural traditions. Visit ancient shrines, climb mountain peaks, wander through lush bamboo forests, learn about geisha culture and fine arts customs, and marvel at the country's most prized landscape garden. You'll end the journey in quiet Kyoto, enjoying a boat cruise on the Hozugawa River past vibrant cherry blossoms.

Kyoto's Higashiyama historic district
Map of Best of Tokyo & Kyoto - 7 Days
Best of Tokyo & Kyoto - 7 Days

This weeklong adventure splits its time between two of Japan's most important cities with a mix of customizable tours and free time to explore on your own. Start off in Tokyo for a taste of modern Japan with top-notch architecture, animé, modern art, high fashion, and cuisine. Then head to traditional Kyoto for beautiful temples and shrines, ancient gardens, and cultural experiences like tea ceremonies and calligraphy.

Make the Most of Your Time in Japan

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Discover Japan's Golden Pavillion or Kinkaku-ji temple in Kyoto
How Many Days to Spend in Japan

Japan is made up of hundreds of islands that extend for nearly 2,000 miles (3,210 km). How many days should you spend exploring, and where should you focus your time? From an...

Blossoming sakura (cherry) trees and iconic Mount Fuji
Map of 1 Week in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Japan's efficient trains make it possible to see three regions in one week. First-time visitors will enjoy highlights that include futuristic museums in Odaiba, the temples and...

Take to Tokyo's iconic streets and walk Shibuya's busiest pedestrian crossing
Map of 10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Thanks to Japan's efficient transportation, you can visit at least four regions in 10 days. First-timers will enjoy touring iconic sites in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima....

Wander the streets of Kyoto on a classic two week trip covering the highlights
Map of 2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In a two-week Japan trip, divide your days among Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa for a highlights tour, or indulge in culinary delights with street food, tea ceremonies, and...

Japan Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Brilliant momiji maple at Nanzenji, Kyoto in late November
Best Time of Year to Visit Japan

Japan is famous for its Spring cherry blossoms and its changing colors in Autumn, but there are beautiful places to see in every season. Japan stretches from subtropical...

Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto
Essential Japan: Top 10 Things to Do & See

Crescent-shaped islands surrounded by deep blue sea, Japan has everything from Buddhist temples to great beaches. Home to both a robot restaurant and an ancient rainforest, it's...

Iriomote Island, Okinawa (© Yuri Awanohara)
Guide to Japan's Main Regions

Japan is roughly the size of California, with thousands of islands offering a huge variety of things to see and do. You can experience some of the world's best powder skiing in...

Japan Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Japan Destination Guides

Detailed travel guides for the main regions of the country
Iriomote Island, Okinawa (© Yuri Awanohara)
Guide to Japan's Main Regions

Japan is roughly the size of California, with thousands of islands offering a huge variety of things to see and do. You can experience some of the world's best powder skiing in...

Coral reefs of Okinawa
Ultimate Guide to Okinawa

Okinawa's attractions have something for everyone. They cater to cocktail-sipping beach bums, history buffs, and active adventurers alike. The island is fairly small, so even a...

Japan Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of Cross Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto
Cross Hotel Kyoto
4.7
(18)
· Upscale
Cross Hotel Kyoto, set in Kawaramachi Sanjo, blends tradition and modernity with warm wooden decor showcasing Kyoto-style architecture. You'll be well connected, as the hotel is a 6-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station and even closer to other public transport options, including the Sanjo...
Photo courtesy of Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu
Tokyo
Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu
4.6
(10)
· Upscale
Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel sets itself apart with a vintage-modern aesthetic that merges old and new in an effortlessly stylish way. This hotel exudes a creative vibe, offering a thoughtfully curated interior. You'll be in an ideal location, too, with the Shibuya district's numerous dining,...
Photo courtesy of The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic
Kyoto
The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic
5.0
(3)
· Upscale
The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic, located alongside the Takase River in Kyoto, stands on a site rich in historical significance, as it was once home to Kyoto clan residences during the Edo period and is the location of Japan's first successful movie preview experiment. The hotel coexists...

Our Latest Japan Content

See the lights and sights of South Korea and Japan on this two-week trip
Map of Best of Japan & South Korea: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Seoul & Jeju Island - 14 Days
Best of Japan & South Korea: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Seoul & Jeju Island - 14 Days

Spend two glorious weeks exploring the iconic sights of Japan and South Korea, starting with the bright lights of Tokyo. Boat across a picturesque lake in the shadow of Mount Fuji, then transfer to Kyoto for tea, samurai, temples, and markets. Spend a day meeting the friendly deer in Nara before tasting the delights of Osaka. Fly to South Korea to explore the capital, Seoul, and the nearby DMZ. Then, end your trip on the scenic island of Jeju for beaches, tea plantations, sea caves, tangerines, and waterfalls.

Visit hot springs and hidden gems in Japan and South Korea during this two-week tour
Map of Off the Beaten Path in Japan & South Korea with Hot Springs - 14 Days
Off the Beaten Path in Japan & South Korea with Hot Springs - 14 Days

Discover hidden gems, historical sights, and hot springs during this 14-day adventure in Japan and South Korea. Try Fukuoka's famous pork ramen, boat on Yanagawa's canals, see Nagasaki's Peace Park, and explore the picturesque Takachiho Gorge. Spend several days in the hot springs town of Beppu, then fly to South Korea to explore palaces and murals in Seoul. Learn to make traditional Korean pottery, get a medicinal foot bath in Daegu, and end your trip in a traditional Korean bathhouse.

See the cultural sights of Japan and South Korea, like Himeji Castle, during this two-week tour
Map of Cultural Experiences & Historic Highlights in Japan & South Korea - 14 Days
Cultural Experiences & Historic Highlights in Japan & South Korea - 14 Days

Immerse yourself in Japan and South Korea's best cultural attractions on this two-week trip. Begin in Tokyo, exploring temples, gardens, and historic alleys, then take a day trip to the iconic Mount Fuji. Watch a geisha show in Kyoto and discover Hiroshima's peace parks and beautiful islands before heading to Osaka for castles and saké. Fly to Seoul, South Korea's capital, for ancient shrines and historic food markets. Then, explore the historic highlights of Andong and Gyeongju to cap off your trip.

Japan Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map Guide to Japan's Main Regions
Guide to Japan's Main Regions
View article
Map 10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Japan
Travel specialist Angel Tang
active 3 mins ago

Angel Tang

I love exploring and have been traveling in Asian countries for more than fifteen years. As a Japan specialist, I have a deep affection for this country and I will use my knowledge and expertise to...

read more...
Travel specialist Sandy Ren
active 32 mins ago

Sandy Ren

I have been working as a travel specialist since graduating from college twenty years ago. Travel is my lifelong passion. It was such a thrilling thing to venture into a new world full of unknown...

read more...
Travel specialist Shona Zhang
active 1 min ago

Shona Zhang

With strong passion for traveling,I worked as an English-speaking guide for 10 years with travel agent.I love to travel and communicate with different tourists from all corners of the...

read more...
Travel specialist Eleanor Chen
active 14 mins ago

Eleanor Chen

Hello from Japan! I'm Eleanor, your local specialist with over a decade of experience in creating memorable travel experiences. With my passion for food, culture, and nature, I thrive on...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Japan

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

We had a great trip to Japan that worked for ...
Japan | Jun 21 - Jul 1, 2025

A
Ashley R.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jul 08, 2025
We had a great trip to Japan that worked for all ages, from young children to grandparents. We were active and moving every day which was exhausting in the heat (so maybe I"d pick a different season), but I started to get excited to surpass each days steps on my pedometer! Our tour guide in Tokyo, Allen, was fabulous. He really taught us a lot on our rides to and from sites and helped us understand the Japanese culture. He brought Pokemon cards to a disappointed fan when the store had an hour... Read more

We had a great trip to Japan that worked for all ages, from young children to grandparents. We were active and moving every day which was exhausting in the heat (so maybe I"d pick a different season), but I started to get excited to surpass each days steps on my pedometer! Our tour guide in Tokyo, Allen, was fabulous. He really taught us a lot on our rides to and from sites and helped us understand the Japanese culture. He brought Pokemon cards to a disappointed fan when the store had an hour wait, and seemed to just "get us." Our tour guide, in Kyoto and Osaka, was also knowledgeable, but we seemed to struggle some with communicating our desires and being understood. He was flexible when we needed a break from the heat or when we were ready to skip another temple/shrine. If I had the trip to do over I would spend more time exploring the different areas of Tokyo, see one or two fewer shrines and temples, and more of the day to day living of the Japanese people. I'd even like to stay in a traditional Japanese home set up with the tatami mats. Heidi, our local specialist, revamped our trip several times to meet our needs and was lovely to work with.

Hotel Reviews
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
Osaka

The rooms were sufficient and clean, but they were quite small. I wish we had more space to put our luggage and that the bathroom set up was different.

Authenticity & Character
Some really cool art adorned this hotel. It was also neat how it was built at the top of a building and you had to go up to get out.
Location
Right near shopping and a mile walk from Dotonbori.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Kyoto

What a fancy place to be. While there was minimal A/C in the central atrium, the rooms were nice sizes, the beds were comfy and the amenities were plentiful. The breakfast options were also a plus, as after being in country for a week we were ready for something more familiar than a Japanese breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was nice to be in a quiet neighborhood that felt safe to walk at night alone. We were nearby to restaurants and saw some of the residential side of Kyoto.
Staff
Greeted us with cool wet towels when we arrived after a HOT walk from the train station, helped us make reservations and were ultimately super respectful and polite.
Cleanliness & Comfort
very clean and comfortable. Loved the shower/bath set up.
Activity Reviews
Authentic Japanese drum (Taiko) experience
Authentic Japanese drum (Taiko) experience
Osaka

So much fun and quite a work out! The language barrier meant that we didn't learn as much about the history of Taiko drumming as we would have liked, but we did learn how to play them and play for an entire hour!

Quality of Experience
We would have liked more history so we understood the significance of the Taiko drum to Japanese culture.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Traditional Tea Ceremony
Traditional Tea Ceremony
Kyoto

We had so much fun being dressed in traditional tea ceremony outfits. My kids and I loved the experience of what it's like to layer on a kimono and kneel to make tea. The sweets were delicious and we learned a lot about the ritual of making tea. Plus, lots of fun photo ops in the garden.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day driver and guide service:Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Lake Kawaguchi, Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, Kawaguchiko Music Forest, Cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko
Full day driver and guide service:Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Lake Kawaguchi, Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, Kawaguchiko Music Forest, Cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko
Tokyo

Fuji sang did not come out from behind the clouds on our visit, but it was still a beautiful area. The music forest was closed the day we visited and our tour guide pivoted us to a museum sharing the history of Mt. Fuji and a World Heritage Village that was amazing to see. This was when I learned that in Japan your wealth is measured by your garden, not your house. Our tour guide also took us to a traditional soba house for lunch where we sat on tatami mats and ate huge bowls of soba with tempura.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Allen took us to some neat places that were not on our itinerary.
Transport
Safe, smooth, drive in rainy weather.
The Ghibli Museum
The Ghibli Museum
Tokyo

It was very neat to see how Miyazaki created his animated films. I think we could have spent less time in this museum.

Sumo Show and Experience (with Sumo Lunch)
Sumo Show and Experience (with Sumo Lunch)
Tokyo

Super fun to learn about Sumo and get to try it ourselves. The entire experience was geared toward tourists, but it didn't matter. We had so many fun photo ops posing with the sumo wrestlers.

Quality of Experience
Food
The food left us wanting. The kids weren't into the pork cutlet and the gluten free meal was quite bland.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Our driver in Tokyo was top notch, cool vehicle, safe, and always there when we needed him.
Local specialist: Heidi Li

Stress Free Japan for First Timers
Japan | Jun 26 - Jul 5, 2025

L
Loretta S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 08, 2025
For the first time in years, I decided to use a travel agent to help me plan our trip to Japan and a friend told me about Kimkim. It was the best decision! Angel, our travel agent local to Japan, prepared a perfect itinerary for our family, was quick to respond to any questions I had and planned a stress free trip for us. Kimkim and Angel were amazing! Read more

For the first time in years, I decided to use a travel agent to help me plan our trip to Japan and a friend told me about Kimkim. It was the best decision! Angel, our travel agent local to Japan, prepared a perfect itinerary for our family, was quick to respond to any questions I had and planned a stress free trip for us. Kimkim and Angel were amazing!

Hotel Reviews
Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
Tokyo

We spent only 1 night here but loved the view of the crossing and convenience to the train station. Had a great meal in the cafe and breakfast buffet was amazing! Bed was very comfortable and room was the largest we had in the trip.

Authenticity & Character
Unique location
Location
Great views of the crossing
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were comfortable and breakfast was great! Knocking off 1 star as the AC was not working great in our room. Had it at the coldest setting and still a bit warm at night.
Cross Hotel Osaka
Osaka

Perfect location a few steps away from Dotonburi in one direction and high end stores in the other. The staff was especially friendly and helpful. The breakfast buffet was the best we had on the trip. So many options!

Authenticity & Character
Breakfast buffet was memorable, location perfect
Location
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Loved the bathroom set up and beds were comfy
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto ekimae PREMIER
Kyoto

Very comfortable hotel in a convenient location near train station. Great amenities available with laundry, breakfast and a toiletries bar in the lobby for anything you may have forgotten. Check in/check out was so efficient. Loved the soaking tub in the bathroom!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean but bed and pillows were quite firm for me
Hakone Hotel Kajikaso
Hakone

The hotel is in a beautiful and peaceful location with a close walk into town. So interesting and unique to experience a traditional Japanese hotel, the onsen, and authentic meals in our room overlooking the river.

Authenticity & Character
Very authentic and unique experience
Location
Beautiful and serene yet close to the small town and walks by the river
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel was incredibly clean, however, I was not expecting how uncomfortable I would be sleeping Japanese style.
the b asakusa
Tokyo

Comfortable stay in a quieter yet tourist friendly part of Tokyo. No complaints

Authenticity & Character
Location
Quieter part of the city with lots of places to see, shop and eat
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day City Tour with  Osaka Castle
Full Day City Tour with Osaka Castle
Japan

We added Osaka to our itinerary last minute and I’m so glad we did! Although Osaka is another large city close to Kyoto, the vibes were so different. Very friendly and fun place. Had a great guide Senei who we really enjoyed spending the day with! Having a private driver made transport a breeze.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide had the best English in our trip and tailored the itinerary to our family
Transport
Mr Kole was a great driver! Very easy to get around and see a lot in one day!
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Kyoto

We got to see so many sites on this tour and learned a great deal about ancient history. Kyoto is an amazing place and very unique. Unfortunately one of the main castles was closed the day of our visit and the tour guide had purchased tickets in advance so it felt like a letdown

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide on this trip was very difficult to hear as she only spoke to one of us at a time. We regrouped after the tour and shared what we each learned to get a better feel for what we saw that day
Transport
We spent a good amount of time commuting to the castle only to find out it was closed. Felt like a waste of precious time in a great city
Half Day Samurai Ninja Museum and Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Half Day Samurai Ninja Museum and Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kyoto

Really fun touristy experience that gave us a lot of laughs and pictures! Only drawback was the time of year being summer did make the kimonos uncomfortable but we had a lot of fun with it

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our tea guide was a bit reserved but our guide at the Samurai experience was really funny
Transport
Not applicable
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi & Oishi Park
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi & Oishi Park
Japan

Such a different experience from Tokyo - serene landscapes with Mt Fuji as the backdrop with a private guide and driver. Ayumi our tour guide was great at giving us information on the area and history. She also tailored the experience based off of my family’s interests which made the day very special. Ayumi and Mr Kong, our driver, made the day fun and relaxed.

Quality of Experience
Beautiful landscape and area
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ayumi and Mr Kong were our favorite guides on our whole trip
Transport
Best driver we had!
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo

While we had some great food in places we would not have found ourselves, the food itself did not stand out to me as being that memorable. I had hoped for something a bit more special. The guide was very hard to hear in loud places and I felt like we missed out on interesting info about the area.

Quality of Experience
Food
Food was average
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Difficult to hear
Transport
Walking tour in cool areas
Full Day Tokyo City Tour with Culture & Life
Full Day Tokyo City Tour with Culture & Life
Tokyo

Nao was our tour guide for our first full day in Japan. She was the best and asked us if we liked the planned itinerary and made subtle changes along the way to our plans that perfectly suited my family!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nao went above and beyond to change things up and give us the Tokyo intro we won’t forget
Transport
Walked or used the subway. Having someone explain the subway system to us the first day was sooo helpful
Local specialist: Angel Tang

Trip with our two daughters to Tokyo and Kyoto was a hit - all thanks to Kimkim!!
Japan | Jun 29 - Jul 6, 2025

Susie
Susie L.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jul 07, 2025
We are so thankful we used Greg with Kimkim to help us plan our 8 day trip to Tokyo and Kyoto. He was not only helpful and answered all of our questions thoroughly throughout the entire planning process, but he gave awesome suggestions. We were traveling with our 8 and 11 year old daughters and wanted to make sure we hit the high points, but didn't totally beat them into the ground. We did various walking tours. Our guide Pam, who did the Temple and Shrine Walking Tour in Kyoto was one of the... Read more

We are so thankful we used Greg with Kimkim to help us plan our 8 day trip to Tokyo and Kyoto. He was not only helpful and answered all of our questions thoroughly throughout the entire planning process, but he gave awesome suggestions. We were traveling with our 8 and 11 year old daughters and wanted to make sure we hit the high points, but didn't totally beat them into the ground. We did various walking tours. Our guide Pam, who did the Temple and Shrine Walking Tour in Kyoto was one of the sweetest humans ever and we could tell she knew her history and has so much pride in Japanese history, which made the tour that much more fun. She was fantastic with the kids too and really made them feel included. Our guide on our vegetarian food tour through Shibuya, Mayu, was also fantastic. She took us to spots we would have never known were there in a million years. Our guide, Yujiro, on our walking tour through Nishiki Market, was kind and let us stop at food stalls and shops along the way to taste test everything. We had originally booked a tour to see Mt. Fuji, but it was so hazy the entire time we were here, that Greg actually recommended switching gears since he knew we weren't going to be able to see the mountain. So, he recommended TeamLab Planets and Tokyo Sky Tree for that day instead. TeamLab ended up being one of the kids' all-time favorite things to do. So if you're traveling with kids of any ages, I highly recommend going there. Also, 3 of the 4 of us are vegetarian, so with each day, Greg also listed out specific restaurants to try in whatever area we were in that day. Lastly, we are tall. My husband is 6'6 and I am 5'9 and we weren't sure if we'd fit in the beds there haha! Greg and Cory went above and beyond to help us find accommodations that we could configure beds together to be comfortable. We kept saying on our trip that had we not had Greg's help, we wouldn't have known where to start. We also would've never found some of the gems he led us to. If you are wondering if it's worth it or not to use Kimkim to help plan your trip - it 100% is. There is no way we would have had as great of a trip if we did what we normally do where we just plan it all ourselves and hope for the best. Greg also recommended getting a pocket wifi which was worth its weight in gold. We were surprised that Japan doesn't have free public wifi in a ton of places, so having the pocket wifi was immensely helpful. And we used both the subway and taxi cabs (which we used the Go Japan to hire) for so many rides, we became "gold" members on Go Japan in just one week. Greg also sent us guides on how to pack and tips on how to fit in with the customs in Japan, which I appreciated as we never want to show up in an unfamiliar place and come off as rude. I can say a million great things about all of the guides, tours, and Greg but the most important one is that you won't regret using Kimkim to help plan your next big trip! Thank you to all of our guides who made the trip that much more special too!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower
Tokyo

The hotel is clean and in a great location. If you've ever been to Las Vegas and stayed on the strip, that is what this hotel reminds me of. It's not easy to just go in the lobby and get to your room. You walk past shops on the basement level and take two different sets of elevators and meander to get to your room. So the vibe of it reminded me of one of the larger casinos. Rooms were clean and we got two that joined together so we could have our 8 and 11 year olds in the room next to us!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nohga Hotel
Kyoto

We loved this hotel! We got the large suite on the top floor for our family of 4. (My husband and I and our 2 daughters - age 8 and 11.) The beds were comfy and large enough for my husband who is 6'6 which is always a feat! We also loved this breakfast buffet that our trip planner, Greg, added in for us. The location great and close to so many things. The room was clean and huge with so much space. Would stay here again and request our room in a heartbeat!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Yuraku Kyo-yasaka
Kyoto

This was such a unique place to stay in Kyoto. We loved having an onsen in our room, as our 8 and 11 year old daughters did not want to go to a public one and be nude in front of other women haha! We loved our room and it was huge which surprised us! Beds were comfy and the staff was so accommodating on getting us a fantastic vegetarian breakfast in the morning. It was like a five-course fancy meal that we were not expecting at all. It also was walking distance to so many things including the Yasaka Shrine and Pagoda, all things we wanted to see. Would stay here again in a heartbeat!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Blossom Hibiya
Minato

Loved this hotel! We were here the first two nights of our trips and got two separate rooms for my husband and I and our 8 and 11 year old daughters. The view from the higher level rooms knocks your socks off as your first time in the city. We included breakfast in our daily stays and loved the breakfast buffet too. The location was great, hotel was clean, staff was friendly, and it was in a great location!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Kyoto Temples & Gion Afternoon Walking Tour
Kyoto Temples & Gion Afternoon Walking Tour
Kyoto

Our guide Pam is what made this walking tour even more magical. She was so sweet and kind and made our 8 and 11 year old daughters feel included. She knows her history and really gets excited to share it, which made us so excited to hear it. She led us through various shrines and temples and was so patient while we shopped at washi club which is a unique stationary store. She gave great recommendations for restaurants and even helped us find ones that had vegetarian options. It was blazing hot on the day of the tour and she handled it like a champion. She was definitely one of our favorite guides we have ever had on any tour ever in all of our travels.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Pam just has the best demeanor. She's so kind and thoughtful and knowledgeable.
Transport
We were walking distance from our meeting spot at the Yasaka Shrine which was fantastic!
Local specialist: Greg Varga

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