Japan Travel Agents

Judy and her team did an awesome job working with my sister and me. Kimkim took the budget and time schedule my sister and I had and was able to put together a memorable trip that took us from Tokyo to Hakone to Kyoto.

The tour guide who took us from Tokyo to Hakone was very knowledgeable in history and gave us a rundown of the history of Japan from the warring states period (and the moving of the capital from Kyoto to Tokyo) up to the end of the Meiji restoration. I enjoy learning about history; listening to his explanations was a fun way to fill the silence during our travel time between Tokyo and Hakone.

While our tour in Hakone was mainly riding vehicles (we took a car, a cable car, and later a boat), our trip in Kyoto was a lot more walking (especially uphill). Our tour guide in Kyoto I felt was very considerate on maintaining a pace that wasn't too strenuous with all the inclines. She would make sure to suggest a short break if anyone seemed winded, which I appreciated. The last place she took us to was the 1000 torii gate shrine, which we arrived around 4PM (I'll explain why I included this later). We all walked up probably about 20% up the mountain, past most of the notable gates and the shrine that sells charms/personal sized gates. By this point, the tour guide mentioned that the rest of the mountain is pretty much just more stairs and gates and not much more to see. She asked if we wanted to keep going or if we had seen enough and wanted to turn back around. My sister asked to go a little farther, and the tour guide took us another 5 minutes before my sister and I agreed that we were good with turning back and ending our tour. While we were walking back to the car, I asked our tour guide how long it takes to get to the top and if any groups ever ask her to go all the way to the top with them. She replied that it takes about 2 hours round trip and that earlier this year she had gone to the top with 2 separate groups. I honestly feel like if my sister and I wanted to climb all the way to the top, our guide would have accompanied us, which I appreciate because she never mentioned anything about the time and how it would be at least 6PM if we did the whole mountain. (Side note: the guide told us that the shrine doesn't have a closing time and my sister and I could come back later in the evening if we really wanted to get to the summit. We did.)

Overall, I really enjoyed our trip to Japan and would like to thank Judy and her team once again for the wonderful time they planned for me and my sister. Besides the wonderful guides I mentioned above, the logistics behind the trip were equally well thought out. The hotels they picked for us were fantastic and the transportation between each city were seamless.

Thank you again Kimkim for an awesome trip!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Keihan Tsukiji Ginza Grande

Tokyo

The hotel is very clean and provide complimentary toiletries at the front desk. The staff were very friendly. The breakfast (which I'm not sure if is normally included or was paid through our tour guide) was always well laid out with a good selection to choose from.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tokinoyu Setsugetsuka

Hakone-machi

The hotel is very clean and provide complimentary pajamas you can wear during your stay. They also give you the option to borrow yukatas (free of charge) if you want instead of using their pajamas. The staff were very friendly (although our server during dinner did seem very stressed). The highlight of this hotel/inn is that you can try out their onsen.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

Kyoto

The hotel is very clean. The staff were very friendly. The breakfast (which I'm not sure if is normally included or was paid through our tour guide) was always well laid out with a good selection to choose from. The location of the hotel is very good. Once you leave the main entrance, if you go one way, you're a minute walk from the main street with lots of different stores/restaurants to choose from. (There's also a great currency exchange place at the corner of the street for foreigners.) If you go the other way, you're 5 minutes walk away from the metro station. There's also a river you can walk alongside, giving you an alternate path if you don't want to have to walk next to noisy streets.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Half Day Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park Tour

Kyoto

The monkeys were very cute. I can tell the staff there really care about the wellbeing of the monkeys because they make sure to sell only 1 bag of snacks to feed the monkeys per group (to ensure no overfeeding).

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi Tour

Hakone

My sister and I were very lucky to be able to see the top of Mt Fuji. Our tour guide said normally (unless you go during the winter) the mountain is often hidden behind clouds/fog. Going to the top of Mt. Hakone using the cable car and getting to see the Hakone shrine at the summit of the mountain was very cool. Although it wasn't as flashy as some other shrines we saw later in the trip, it was the most memorable shrine for me since it was the first one on our trip/my first Shinto shrine I've been to. The lake tour was nice, but without our tour guide pointing out the historical checkpoint between Kyoto/Tokyo and explaining the significance of it, I would have probably missed it. Did enjoy sailing past the floating torii gate and seeing the many couples trying to take a picture (apparently if you take a picture with your partner at that gate it will bring good luck to your relationship).

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkakuji Temple

Kyoto

Kinkakuji Temple is very pretty. Sad to hear that the original burned down due to arson. Fushimi Inari Taisha was good cardio.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had a varied and busy 10 days. Our favorite hotel was the Ace hotel in Kyoto. We loved the Sumo wrestling academy, a highlight was dinner and spending the evening with the Maiko in Kyoto, and feeding the deer in Nara. I would recommend the “Happy Cow” app to find vegetarian restaurants. We had good guides although I feel we scheduled too many excursions and had more time driving than ideal. One guide Yasuko Nagai was really a gem. She was so knowledgeable and flexible about our itinerary. I like the personalized approach that we get with KimKim. Thank you for your service Ada. The had a great trip.

Thank you, Shona.

Shona did a wonderful job crafting a personalized itinerary for our family. She was patient through multiple revisions to ensure everything was just right, and the result was the trip of a lifetime, filled with memories we will cherish forever!

Tokyo: We loved the Keio Plaza Hotel’s convenient location, helpful staff, and exceptional breakfast buffet. Highlights included the mesmerizing TeamLab Borderless, an outstanding hands-on sushi-making class led by Yummy and Rinako, and a full-day tour with Bea Hirata. Bea was professional, friendly, and attentive, seamlessly guiding us through Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Tsukiji Market, Meiji Shrine, and Harajuku. Exploring Tsukiji with her was especially memorable, with incredible fresh food and local specialties.

Hakone: This was where Shona and her team truly demonstrated their value. With a typhoon approaching, they quickly adjusted our plans, ensuring Bea and our driver got us safely to Hakone before the storm. Although some activities were canceled, we enjoyed a longer, relaxing onsen experience at the spectacular Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu. The private in-room onsen, mountain views, and outstanding crab and wagyu beef shabu-shabu dinner made this a trip highlight. Without the team’s quick thinking, we might have missed Hakone altogether.

Kyoto and Nara: The Cross Kyoto Hotel was comfortable, well located, and offered an excellent breakfast. Our guide, Hideki (Hal) was good-natured and thorough. He showed us Kyoto’s highlights, including Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, Tenryuji Temple, and Nijo Castle. In Nara, our daughter loved the deer, and Todaiji Temple’s Great Buddha was among the most impressive sights of our trip. Fushimi Inari’s iconic torii gates were unforgettable. We also enjoyed a wonderful calligraphy class with Aya and a magical evening walking tour of Gion with Sophia, whose insights into geisha culture made the experience especially memorable.

Kanazawa and the Countryside: The Hyatt Centric Kanazawa was convenient, comfortable, and close to the station. Nozomi introduced us to a talented ceramic artist and guided us through the samurai and geisha districts, enthusiastically sharing her extensive knowledge of Japanese history. Our final excursion to the UNESCO-listed villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama with Ian was a wonderful way to experience Japan’s beautiful countryside. Ian was attentive, conscientious, and gave us a unique western perspective of life in Japan. He further enriched our cultural immersion by taking us to a well-preserved Gassho-zukuri house, where the owners brought history to life through storytelling and a traditional folk-art dance.

Seamless Logistics and Exceptional Support: Shona arranged excellent private transfers and Shinkansen tickets, making travel between destinations effortless. Our drivers were punctual, professional, and reliable, and the vehicles were immaculate. Shona’s team checked in daily, and our guides and drivers communicated clearly throughout the trip. Most importantly, when unexpected challenges arose, we knew we had knowledgeable, dependable support on the ground.

Overall, we cannot recommend Shona and Kimkim highly enough. From thoughtful planning to flawless execution, their expertise made our family’s Japan adventure truly exceptional. Japan is fascinating, and with the right team, it is an unforgettable destination. Good luck with your trip!

I cannot explain how grateful we are for all of your help planning our trip to Japan.

We had the most magical time and wish we could have stayed longer. From Ellen helping me plan the perfect itinerary to our guides- Yuki, Tammy, Meri and Nao, and all of our drivers, we are so thankful for your knowledge and help and expertise in making sure that all of us enjoyed the tours- from my kids (ages 6 and up) to my mom. You all really helped to craft the trip of our dreams. I cannot thank you enough. Your country is filled with peace and culture that can only be truly appreciated when you walk the streets and meet the wonderfully kind people that Japan is filled with.

Thank you doesn’t really convey the appreciation that I have for you all. We will be back one day and would be honored to use your services again! We loved every moment.

Hotel Reviews

Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku

Tokyo

The location was PERFECTION! The staff was kind and accommodating. The rooms were comfortable and so clean! We loved the breakfast. This was perfect for our family. Arigatō gozaimasu

Authenticity & Character

Location

Easily walkable to amazing restaurants and sites

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The rooms were spotless. Beds were comfortable.

Cross Hotel Kyoto

Kyoto

Beautiful hotel in a perfect location. Close to many things. Super comfortable and clean. Has a wonderful breakfast!!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Easily walkable to amazing things! Close to many restaurants.

Staff

Super nice and accommodating.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Comfortable beds. Rooms were spotless and comfortable.

Activity Reviews

*Private Samurai Swordsmanship and Katana Experience in Tokyo

Tokyo

What an amazing experience and a top highlight for my boys! Everyone was so helpful and knowledgeable and kind. We learned a lot about katanas and respect and fighting. My kids won’t stop talking about it! It was also so fun for adults. We loved every second! Thank you so much for this recommendation.

Quality of Experience

The expertise was unmatched and the passion behind it was contagious! Amazing!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Everyone was so passionate and patient.

Transport

We took a taxi here and it was easy to find.

*Private Guided Tour in Kyoto: Heritage and Timeless Paths

Kyoto

Tammy made this trip for us! She is a wealth of knowledge and expertise. We could not be more thankful for her and her time spent with us. We learned so much and visited life changing locations. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We want to come back so badly!

Quality of Experience

Tammy was the absolute best! We love her and the locations she helped choose to take us. Thank you!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tammy was like part of our family and knew exactly how to keep my 3 boys interested in everything we were doing.

Transport

Our driver was so nice and accommodating. Transport was easy and efficient.

*Group Exciting Sumo Live Performance with Traditional Hot Pot Meal

Tokyo

From Genki and Kao to the MC, this experience was so fun and entertaining. The Chanko Hot Pot prepared for us by Kao (one of the wrestlers) was delicious! We learned so much about sumo and had a blast!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Everyone was so kind and fun!

*Private Experience a Classic Japanese Game an Apprentice Geisha

Kyoto

This experience was really special. What a beautiful form of art and culture. We really enjoyed our time with the Maiko! She was eloquent, super sweet and knowledgeable. The fan tossing game was so fun and my kids want to buy a version of it now! :) We love our hand painted fans we got from the shop and feel very fortunate to have had this experience.

Quality of Experience

A beautiful experience and fun for all!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Maiko was a beautiful soul inside and out. We learned so much from everyone there. Thank you!

Transport

We walked with Tammy to the location and it was great!

*Private Guided Tour in Tokyo: Highlights and Hidden Gems

Tokyo

Yuki was amazing! She took us to great locations in Tokyo and we learned so much! We loved it.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Everyone was so nice and patient!

Transport

We had so much help navigating the trains. The drivers were awesome too!

*Private Guided Tour in Hakone: Nature and Art Escape

Hakone

Although we didn’t get to see Mount Fuji due to the clouds, we had the best time riding the pirate ship, climbing up the mountain in a gondola and adding seven years to our lives by eating the infamous black eggs! We entered the day by going to the Hakone Open Air Art Museum, which was incredible for adults and children! The kids could run around and they were interactive art installations where they could climb and play.

Quality of Experience

Beautiful scenery and great food and tour

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Yuki was great and we had a blast. The drivers were so nice and even bought my children some snacks!

Transport

Amazing drivers! They were super sweet!!!

*Private Guided Tour in Nara: Temples, Deer and Sacred Traditions

Japan

Nara is quite the experience! The bowing deer are definitely a highlight of the trip. My children loved petting them and feeding them. We had no problems with them being aggressive, like some other reviews I read, and we had the best time. The temple was incredible. We went to an animal café afterwards, and held some amazing animals. Meri was super sweet and fun as a guide! Thank you so much!!!

Quality of Experience

Fun from the time you exit the train!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The train ride was pretty special! Meri was awesome and so sweet! She knows so much about the area too. :)

Transport

Beautiful train and train ride up to Nara!

*Private Hiking tour around a Hidden Route of Fushimi Inari Taisha with a Local Lunch

Kyoto

Nao was an amazing guide! We had the best hike up to the top of the mountain passing bamboo forests and shrines. What an incredible place and has to be my favorite shrine of the trip! It is beautiful there and we even had the opportunity to meet a wonderful and kind man who makes the torii gates by hand. He’s done this for 50 years. He even let my boys try his special tools! It was a special experience that we will never forget!

Quality of Experience

The hike, the special woodworking experience and the overall beauty of the shrines.

Food

Our soba lunch was excellent!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Nao was great and energetic and knowledgable!

Transport

We went by train and it was super easy.

*Group Postcard making with Washi traditional paper and pressed flowers

Kyoto

I never in my life imagined how much goes into making washi paper from start to finish. Wow! We learned a lot and had such a great time! Everyone there was super nice and talented. We all enjoyed making our paper and decorating it with the dried plants and flowers. We would love to come back and make other things one day!!!! Thank you so much for helping us and this experience! We loved it!

Quality of Experience

A unique and amazing experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The staff was the best! Everyone was so helpful and kind!

Transport

We walked there with no issues.