Japan Travel Agents

Instead of booking a large, generic group tour with fixed dates, rushed schedules, and little flexibility, I wanted something more personal for my first solo trip to Japan—and Kimkim delivered exactly that. Being able to choose my own dates and have a completely customized itinerary was exactly what I was looking for.

My local specialist, Leny, really took the time to understand who I am and what I wanted out of this trip. Over several weeks, we worked together to create a thoughtful, well-paced daily itinerary. I could choose from hotels that matched my style and budget, a mix of private and small-group tours in areas I wanted to explore, the foods I was excited to eat, and the sights I didn’t want to miss. Everything was well organized, including realistic travel time between locations, which made the trip feel smooth and stress-free.

Leny’s expertise, planning, recommendations, and patience made this trip truly exceptional and memorable. Every tour she arranged was fantastic—none were canceled, and all of the guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely enthusiastic. Some personal highlights included the 5-hour Tsukiji, Akihabara & Asakusa Highlights Tour, Best of Shibuya Food Tour, Dinner with a Maiko in Kyoto (which unexpectedly turned into a private dinner with a Geisha!), the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Garden walking tour, Kyoto’s Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace tour, and the All-Star Food Tour in Ginza.

One of the most valuable parts of the experience was knowing that Leny or someone on her team was always available if I needed help. I received daily reminders of the next day’s plans along with any tickets or vouchers, which was reassuring. Her real-time communication and spot-on recommendations for restaurants, shops, souvenirs, and museums were invaluable. Even when something didn’t go as planned, Leny and her team jumped into action, kept me informed, and resolved the issue with a solution that ended up being even better than the original plan. And when I got lost in Japan’s train stations many times, her team’s patience and guidance made all the difference.

Even though this was a solo trip, I felt like I had a supportive team behind me. Next time, I plan to bring my two teenage daughters to Japan, and I will absolutely be using Kimkim again to plan that trip.

I am a planner at my core and it was a huge leap of faith to trust someone else to plan the details of my solo trip. Cory exceeded my expectations and delivered an amazing experience in Japan. Cory optimized my long wish list of to dos with enough structure and flexibility to accommodate the unexpected. It was in that flexibility that provide me the opportunity to linger in a bookstore just a little bit longer, or pop into a small local coffee roaster and chat with the owner and learn about the beans he roasted on site and even met his mother who popped in - magic truly occurs in the moments between breaths. And the guides Cory partners with are such amazing people, each of them made the trip so special.

Cory’s in country support continued to provide the level of attention and care that she is known for. No trip or event is flawless but knowing that Cory was there to help solve for those unplanned situations made the trip so much better. I ended up having a few questions and a late train change request that Cory quickly responded to and managed for me - allowing for a seamless experience.

I absolutely cannot wait to go back with my family and work with Cory again. I recommend Cory, with absolute confidence, to partner with you on your trip to Japan.

We cannot say enough amazing things about our travel agent, Adeline, for coordinating what was truly the vacation of a lifetime. We have traveled to many places around the world, but this was by far the best vacation we have ever taken. From start to finish, we took full advantage of every single moment of this trip.

The itinerary was perfectly designed, starting in Fukuoka and ending in Tokyo, with every destination, hotel, and experience thoughtfully planned. Everything was meticulously mapped out—from what to see, to how to get there, and even where and what to eat. The balance between culture, food, sightseeing, and free time was absolutely spot-on. We experienced Japan in a way we never could have planned on our own.

While we could have selected the places we wanted to visit, thanks to Adeline, the logistics were flawless. We never wasted time figuring things out, moving inefficiently, or missing opportunities. Her planning ensured we were always in the right place at the right time, giving us more time to see, do, and truly enjoy Japan.

We provided a list of key things we wanted to see and took advice from Adeline (who has lived in Japan) to ensure the entire trip was perfectly customized to our interests and travel style.

We also had full support throughout the trip. For example, when unforeseen circumstances required us to change the following day’s plans, Adeline adjusted the entire itinerary within hours and sent us a complete, updated plan without any disruption to our experience.

Every detail was handled with care—transportation, accommodations, timing, and recommendations were completely seamless. We felt supported the entire time while still having the freedom to enjoy the adventure stress-free.

This was hands-down the best vacation of our lives, and it’s 100% thanks to the expertise, planning, and passion Adeline put into making this dream trip a reality. If you’re considering traveling to Japan, or anywhere… do yourself a favor and book with her. You will not be disappointed.

Highly recommended!

Hotel Reviews

Park Hotel Tokyo

Tokyo

Great experience at this hotel from the location to the staff. They made the experience special

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu

Hakone

A little disappointed couldn't use the onsen due to tattoos so couldn't give full review as we couldn't experience the main point of this hotel. Besides that the room and location is very authentic and gives nice experience

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Half Day Samurai Ninja Museum and Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya

Kyoto

The tea ceremony was very nice to dress up and be explained how the tea ceremony works. The samurai Ninja experience was a bit anticlimactic and more tailored to children. We could have skipped the samurai part and only don't the tea ceremony

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tea ceremony staff was great. Samurai guide not so much

Transport

Easy to find

Sumo Morning Practice

Tokyo

The Google address to the location is wrong so when you get there they have a sign to go to the right address which made us arrive late to the event which was disappointing since being 30 min late to an event that was only 1 hour we lost allot of time. Besides that was great

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Google address provided was incorrect causing delay

Onsen, Ryokan, and Mt. Fuji Experience in Hakone

Hakone

Couldn't use the onsen because of tattoos and is main selling point of the hotel. Was able to use private onsen in the room which was ok. The room is meant to be traditional which was nice experience. Cable cars were shut down most the day due to wind. Pirate ship was nice. Pay the vip to get more private experience

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Difficult to move around this area. Used taxi allot not to waste time

Self-Guided Sightseeing in Arashiyama

Kyoto

Very nice nature spot but be prepared for allot of people. Recommend getting the guys that run you around on a carriage tour for more vip experience. The monkey park was cool but you need to climb to the top of the mountain to get there. The area in general is beautiful and su much to do

Quality of Experience

Transport

This was our first trip to Japan and my wife and I were looking for an active and immersive cultural experience in addition to exploring the traditional tourist destinations such as Tokyo and Kyoto. I had read about the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail network in the Kii Peninsula and thought that would be the perfect choice combination of a challenging activity within a more rural area of Japan. It was quickly apparent that I would need a travel specialist to help me understand the options, logistics and booking of accommodations while on the Kumano Kodo. I heard about Kimkim through a Condé Naste article no thought to give them a try. What a great decision to contact Kimkim! I was connected to Stefaan in their Kyoto office and it was an easy and enjoyable experience to plan and book the trip from that point on. We were on the trail for six nights and Stefaan booked a selection of small hotels/onsen ryokans and guesthouses which were each an amazing experience in Japanese hospitality and cuisine. Kimkim partnered with Oku Japan to book and organize the hiking trail maps, transportation logistics and accommodations and everything was exactly as promised and exceeded our expectations. We hiked a total of 72 km and 3,600 m of vertical elevation gain over five days on the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo and it was a fantastic experience. I unreservedly recommend Kimkim and Oku Japan to as travel specialists to explore this unique and special part of the world!

We had an amazing time visiting Japan. Cory was fully present and extremely helpful from start to finish of our trip. I appreciate her organization of paperwork, bullet train tickets, chronological order of documents, and specific instructions on using each. This made getting around easy. We loved our guides, especially Pam. She is generous and kind and took us to places not on our itinerary. All the food tours were unique and enjoyable. Cory tweaked our itinerary based on our requests and offered unique experiences. I will recommend her services to friends. I appreciate having to ways to see Mt Fuji since Hakone gave us a foggy day when the ropeway wasn’t running. Along our journey people we met often asked about our favorite experience, a question I could not answer because each moment offered something special. That’s a credit to Cory. I do think it would be helpful to tweak itineraries a bit based on seasons as December days are shorter than spring and summer.

Hotel Reviews

Miyako City Tokyo Takanawa

Even though the room was small, it was organized well and offered a good view and seating. Love the wet room and efficient use of space.

Authenticity & Character

Location

A good place to start given the Gateway across the street.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa

Kanazawa

Authenticity & Character

Location

Easy to walk to major attractions.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle

Kyoto

Authenticity & Character

Location

A bit off the beaten path.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima-ekimae

Authenticity & Character

This hotel is part of a high rise and has exceptional views but is very modern.

Location

Great location in relation to Hiroshima Station but a ways from attractions.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Suiun

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Shiba Park Hotel

Tokyo

Authenticity & Character

Love the library decor and display of paper products.

Location

An easy walk to a station to catch the train.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Dori with Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

Tokyo

Loved visiting the temple but felt a bit rushed by our guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide needs to know the exchange rate. I think he gave me the Euro or British pound rate when I asked. I should have checked the rate myself.

Transport

Sumo Show with special, sumo nabe lunch included

Tokyo

Tons of fun and laughs w/ excellent audience participation. Very good food and service, too. They give you a photo and a gift bag.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Meiji Jingu Shrine with Private Guide

Tokyo

Our guide knows a lot about the Shinto religion and made it possible for us to attend a service offered only a few times a year. This was a special day.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Discover the secret gems of Kanazawa - Private Walking Tour

Kanazawa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Kyoto Temples & Gion Tour

Japan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Pam is an amazing guide. She knows all the best photo spots.

Transport

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with Kimono Wearing (Higashiyama)

Japan

Quality of Experience

You might discover you like matcha tea.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our host was fascinated by the size of my husband’s hands. 🤣

Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

Japan

We were the only ones in this tour, and it felt as though the guide was going through the motions. The entire experience was rushed.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Izakaya food tour in Shinjuku (14 small tastings)

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide Max was very knowledgeable and personable.

Private Nara Day Trip with Half Day Walking Tour (Lunch included)

Japan

The deer are aggressive!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff