Personalized trips to Japan
for independent travelers

We (group of six) had a fabulous vacation! Some highlights for me were the sushi class at Akemis Kitchen, the Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, our Kyoto city tour especially Nijo Castle and Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Miyajima Island. Having tickets pre-purchased for many of the sites helped us avoid long lines and time spent navigating to entrances- a real plus when trying to see as much as possible in a few weeks.

All three of our city guides (Jack, Sunny, Masako) were wonderful, taking time to answer our questions and very knowledgeable of the sites. The drivers were excellent as well- communicated promptly and clearly and used translation apps when language could have been an issue.

Our hotels were comfortable and well located. Rooms were small as was expected but very clean and well maintained. I enjoyed the breakfast buffets everywhere as well!

There were one or two things we felt could be improved. First, if the detailed itinerary had been provided a bit earlier, it would have allowed us more time to plan our independent activities. As first time visitors to Japan we were overwhelmed when attempting to slot in activities for our free time at the last moment. The other area of confusion involved the train travel. While we managed to find our way eventually by asking folks along the way and in the stations, a bit more detail about ticketing processes and how the tickets would be dispersed would have saved us some worry.

To sum up, I will have no hesitation in recommending Kimkim or booking another trip through the company.

Thanks for everything, Greg. We got to see so many spots and stops and there were lots of good recommendations and specific instructions along the way to make everything go smoothly. Pam, our guide in Kyoto, was particularly helpful.

Leny and her team put together a fantastic two-week trip, let alone the destination itself was terrific.
Tokyo-->Hakone-->Kyoto-->Osaka-->Hiroshima-->Tokyo.
She listened to our particular tastes and gave us a first draft itinerary that was almost perfect. As the trip neared, she was able to accommodate last minute requests and re-jig some of the activities.
In our case, there were Foodie Tours in every city, accompanied by some local morning tours of different neighborhoods, walking paths, and major attractions such as shrines, temples and bamboo forests. We had plenty of our own free time to go deep in neighborhoods and activities without the pace of a private guide.
The guides themselves were indeed great--they all spoke English well and were extremely polite and approachable.
All intra-Japan movement was either on private car, bullet train "Shinkansen", or the excellent metro system in Tokyo and Osaka.
Leny's team was with us 24/7 via a whatsapp group. We didn't really need any major correction during the trip, but they made sure that there was CONSTANT communication between them, our tour guides and drivers, and any were quick to ensure we had all vouchers and passes.
Highlights of the trip itself? Walking the neighborhoods of Tokyo--Shibuya is a must, Tsukiji Fish market for uber-fresh Sushi, Street aka Mario Karting in Akihabara, and Sumo exhibition. In Hakone, we spent a night in a quaint mountainside Honten, with our own private hot springs. Note that the food here is VERY local, so don't expect toast and eggs for breakfast. Kyoto is much more touristy, but also smaller and more intimate. A great walking city and of course the amazing Fushimi inari Taisha shrine is a must see.
In vibrant Osaka, another great food tour. It's also the jumping off point for a day-trip to Hiroshima.

Leny's team gave us GREAT hotels in each city, including a boutique hotel in Kyoto that used the be Nintendo's HQ--the Marufukuro.

With KimKim, everything is paid for in advance--all I needed was metro and spending money. And, of course, any meals not included.
Kudos Leny and KimKim. A great, in-depth experience in Japan where you will be captivated by the wonderful people, the collective culture, great food scene and rich history.

Hotel Reviews

InterContinental Osaka, an IHG Hotel

Osaka

This is also a five star hotel located in the city of Osaka. Right on the subway line, connected to lots of shopping and restaurants so you don't even need to go outside.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Right next to shopping, the subway, restos.

Staff

They will even call and HOLD the elevator for you, with a polite "Arigato"!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Beds were very comfortable; the room was cleaned daily. Super luxe and well appointed.

The Okura Tokyo

Tokyo

This is a SIX star hotel, really. Located in the heart of Tokyo, across from the US Embassy. Walking distance to the Metro as well. It's uber luxe to the max.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to Metro

Staff

They greet you everywhere, super polite and accommodating.

Cleanliness & Comfort

It's a luxury hotel--of course it will be clean and immaculate.

Matsuzakaya Honten

Kanagawa

Very authentic--you are asked to wear your Kimono everywhere, including meals in the dining room. We had a private hot spring right in our backyard off the room. Sleeping on a mattress on the floor, the wonderful smell of incense everywhere, and a private garden are all part of the experience. The food is genuine Japan, fixed menu (at least it was for us). So make sure you are good with that.

Authenticity & Character

Up a mountain, nature all around, quiet, hot springs right on site.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Marufukuro

Charming and original. A great boutique hotel located in a quiet neighborhood yet close to the riverbed and major restos and shopping. The staff is extremely friendly and attentive. Good, simple breakfast included, and very well appointed rooms. The Nintendo-history lounge is a must visit!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The rooms, the beds, all the grounds.

Activity Reviews

Explore Hiroshima & Miyajima in a Day: Private Bullet Train Adventure from Osaka

Osaka

A smooth bullet train from Osaka gets you here, to witness the history of the A-bomb. It's a must see, if only to understand the scale and impact that this had. Our guide was knowledgeable, and spoke great English.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food Walking Tour

Tokyo

Authentic, and fresh! This market is so much fun...lots of people, animation, and food to try!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

Japan

Great foodie tour, centralized in one main area so not a ton of walking if that is a concern. Our guide was terrific and knowledgeable. Great foods as well, especially okonomiyaki.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Relaxing Evening: Private Onsen and Kaiseki Dinner

Hakone

Very authentic mountainside hotel. Private garden, hotspring in our garden, sleeping on the floor and they give you a kimono to wear the entire time--even at dinner and breakfast!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Exclusive Sumo Practice Tour: Unveil Japan’s National Sport

Tokyo

Great guide who kept us informed about the history of Sumo, as well as how the practice was evolving during the course of the morning. We got a great seat if you get there early.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Great english, very nice and knowledgeable

Transport

Best Of Shibuya Food Private Tour - Evening

Tokyo

You'll be tasting best of Japan in off-the beat and path locales. Sushi is at a small place where you stand and the chef makes it right there for you. All the prices for food were included in our tour. Plus--you get a general tour of Shibuya as well. This is a MUST SEE neighborhood. The throngs of young people are amazing, and of course the famous scramble!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport