Personalized trips to Japan
for independent travelers

Greg planned an amazing 11-day trip for us in Japan. We got to see a lot of Japan, do a whole range of activities, eat a bunch of local foods (often via food tours), and travel around the country like locals on Japan's awesome public transportation. Some of Greg's instructions on how to get places, and what our timing was, were a bit confusing, but he offered to get on a call with us, which we did, and were able to clear up the confusion. So make sure you're clear on all of the details and know where to find what you need either on the KimKim app or from other source given to you by the travel agent.
One of the real highlights was that the company Greg used for our tours (Magical Trips) keeps the groups very small and uses local guides. We got to ask all sorts of questions of the guides and really connected with them, as well as the other person or people who were in our group. Through those conversations we learned the most about Japan's culture and daily life and this really made our trip.

Activity Reviews

Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Small Group Tour

Japan

The store was excellent because it took us off the beaten path so that we got to see some temples and gardens that we never would’ve seen. It also got us away from the crowds in the bamboo forest. We learned a lot and and really enjoyed talking to our guide Ayuri.

Sushi Making Cooking Class near the Tokyo Tower

Tokyo

We thoroughly enjoyed this class! We had taken a sushi making class at home, but this one blew it away. Not only did we learn how to make sushi like a pro but the sushi we made was some of the best we’ve ever had. Our instructor was great and fun and knowledgeable and spoke English perfectly. Definitely recommend!

Quality of Experience

The instruction, the instructor, the food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We just returned from our anniversary trip to Japan, and I can say with complete confidence that booking through KimKim was one of the best travel decisions we’ve ever made. In fact, this is our third trip using KimKim. From the very first planning email to the final farewell in Osaka, the entire experience was seamless, personal, and unforgettable.
Ben, our travel specialist, was phenomenal. He helped us build the perfect itinerary—listening to everything we wanted, adding thoughtful suggestions, and tweaking the schedule along the way to fit our style. Thanks to him, our trip struck the perfect balance of culture, food, adventure, relaxation, and those “wow” moments we’ll be talking about for years.
And then there were our guides: Peter and Ursula.
These two were an absolute gift to our journey.
Peter, our Tokyo & Hakone guide, made navigating Japan’s transportation system feel effortless. He taught us subway skills worthy of a Mario Bros. level-up, showed us how to experience Shibuya Crossing like locals, and gave us incredible historical context at temples and shrines. He even congratulated me on my sumo match at the lunch show (yes… I stepped into the ring and no, my training was not focused enough 😂).
Ursula, our guide through Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, was equally fantastic. From sake tastings in Fushimi to zen moments at the Golden Pavilion, she blended humor, storytelling, and deep cultural knowledge in a way that made every day feel like traveling with a friend. She helped us navigate the language barrier, made sure we didn’t get lost on trains, and offered endless tips to help us blend in better than we probably deserved. Both guides were great to pack in as much adventure each day while still leaving us with free time to roam and explore on our own.
Every single day was packed with memorable highlights, many of which KimKim helped coordinate:
✨ Sushi-making with a 4th-generation master (we are now “certified” Nigiri makers and have enough footage for a full-length documentary).
✨ A tea ceremony and learning to whisk our own matcha at a university.
✨ Visiting a capybara at a café—one of Emily’s bucket list items.
✨ Riding the bullet train to Kyoto with snacks in hand and Mt. Fuji peeking through the clouds.
✨ Walking through Arashiyama’s bamboo forest and a rickshaw ride through its historic streets.
✨ A full cultural immersion day in Fushimi Inari, weaving through the famous vermilion torii gates.
✨ A relaxing soak and stay in Hakone with incredible views of Mt. Fuji.
✨ Exploring Osaka Castle and ending our trip at the Umeda Sky Building with panoramic nighttime views.
And beyond the excursions, the guides helped us handle everything—from ordering meals to using the Suica card. They answered every question, solved every hiccup, and made us feel completely supported the entire way.
KimKim didn’t just plan a trip—they helped create a collection of memories that feel like a chapter from our own personal, globe-trotting storybook.
If you’re considering a trip to Japan—especially if it’s a special occasion—book with KimKim. Ask for Ben, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get Peter and Ursula too. They helped make our anniversary adventure everything we dreamed of…and then some.
Arigatou gozaimasu, KimKim team.
We’re already thinking about following the green light to our next chapter.
—Ray & Emily

I visited Japan with my best friend I've known since middle school. Ben has been very responsive with planning out the trip. Maru-san was our guide in Kyoto and he was awesome. He knew so much history everywhere we went. Betty-san was our guide in Hakone and Tokyo and she was a lot of fun as well! She knew all the great places to take a good photo.