Kimkim Trip Reviews for Japan

4.7
Based on 557 ratings
Read 557 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip to Japan on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Family Vacay to Japan!
Japan | Apr 2 - Apr 11, 2026

Crystal
Crystal B.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2026
This trip exceeded our expectations. It was culturally immersive, family-friendly, and thoughtfully designed. We came away with a deeper appreciation for Japan — not just its landmarks, but its rhythms, values, and everyday beauty. We would absolutely recommend KimKim to anyone planning a trip to Japan, and we would happily work with you again. Read more

This trip exceeded our expectations. It was culturally immersive, family-friendly, and thoughtfully designed. We came away with a deeper appreciation for Japan — not just its landmarks, but its rhythms, values, and everyday beauty.

We would absolutely recommend KimKim to anyone planning a trip to Japan, and we would happily work with you again.

Activity Reviews
Tokyo Highlights Day Tour - East & West
Tokyo Highlights Day Tour - East & West
Tokyo
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Japan
One Day Miyajima Island and Hiroshima Tour
One Day Miyajima Island and Hiroshima Tour
Japan
Transfer from Kyoto to Osaka via Nara
Transfer from Kyoto to Osaka via Nara
Japan
Enjoy Temples & Bamboo Grove in Kyoto with Your Family
Enjoy Temples & Bamboo Grove in Kyoto with Your Family
Kyoto
 Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kyoto
Full Day Lake Kawaguchi Cruise and Shinobi no Sato Ninja Village Tour
Full Day Lake Kawaguchi Cruise and Shinobi no Sato Ninja Village Tour
Tokyo
Asakusa Sumo Club: Sumo Show Admission with Chankonabe in Tokyo
Asakusa Sumo Club: Sumo Show Admission with Chankonabe in Tokyo
Tokyo
Sushi Making Tokyo Roll and Authentic Japanese Sushi Class
Sushi Making Tokyo Roll and Authentic Japanese Sushi Class
Tokyo
Local specialist: Winnie Wu

Japan
Japan | Apr 1 - Apr 10, 2026

E
Elizabeth P.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2026
From planning to ensure the perfect itinerary in Japan for our family to Japan to continued amazing assistance during our trip, we are grateful to Angel and Kimkim for a trip of a lifetime! Read more

From planning to ensure the perfect itinerary in Japan for our family to Japan to continued amazing assistance during our trip, we are grateful to Angel and Kimkim for a trip of a lifetime!

Activity Reviews
Ninja Training in Kyoto: Ninja Experience
Ninja Training in Kyoto: Ninja Experience
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi Tour with Hakone Tozan Railway
Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi Tour with Hakone Tozan Railway
Japan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Asakusa Sumo Club: Sumo Show Admission with Chankonabe in Tokyo
Asakusa Sumo Club: Sumo Show Admission with Chankonabe in Tokyo
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sushi Making Tokyo!Cooking class in Japan!
Sushi Making Tokyo!Cooking class in Japan!
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Spot Early-Blooming Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
Spot Early-Blooming Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Angel Tang

Wonderful introduction to Japan - we'll be back!
Japan | Mar 18 - Apr 2, 2026

Nadine
Nadine G.
the Cayman Islands | Reviewed on Apr 11, 2026
We had a wonderful trip to Japan. Hotel quality and locations were perfect. Our scheduled activities were very enjoyable although a few were a little touristy for our taste and didn't feel like authentic experiences (e.g. the tea ceremony in kimonos). Prebooked travel cards and Shinkansen journeys were great and Bella ensured our concerns regarding luggage were addressed with her seat choices on the Shinkansen. Our guides were helpful and keen to meet our needs but we did feel that a lot of... Read more

We had a wonderful trip to Japan. Hotel quality and locations were perfect. Our scheduled activities were very enjoyable although a few were a little touristy for our taste and didn't feel like authentic experiences (e.g. the tea ceremony in kimonos). Prebooked travel cards and Shinkansen journeys were great and Bella ensured our concerns regarding luggage were addressed with her seat choices on the Shinkansen.

Our guides were helpful and keen to meet our needs but we did feel that a lot of our activities did not particularly need a guide and could have been managed independently, offering us more flexibility. While we were grateful to have photos taken, at times early in the trip it seemed to be the primary focus of the guide, to the extent that we felt we were just being rushed from photo opp to photo opp without actually taking anything in. Perhaps for the instagram generation that is how they travel but it wasn't a priority for us and somewhat took away from our enjoyment.

In summary, we were very happy with Bella's choice of hotels, itinerary and travel arrangements but if we were doing this again we would only want a guide for a couple of days as it is always nice to meet and chat to someone local but we prefer the flexibility of independent travel, as with our previous KimKim itinerary in Norway.

Activity Reviews
Day Trip to Himeji: Exploring Japan’s First Famous Castle and Tranquil Gardens (by public transport)
Day Trip to Himeji: Exploring Japan’s First Famous Castle and Tranquil Gardens (by public transport)
Osaka

Spectacular castle and reading about the work done in the last century to restore and maintain it was fascinating. Make sure you visit the second part of the castle with Princess Sen's history outlined. The Samurai Garden was also a lovely place to visit. That evening we went back to Osaka Castle where for a small fee we got into the Sakura night festival, which was a really nice alternative way to experience the castle views and blossoms.

Quality of Experience
Osaka Highlights & River Cruise(Private Guide, Public Transportation)
Osaka Highlights & River Cruise(Private Guide, Public Transportation)
Osaka

We really enjoyed the various castles we visited on this trip (Kyoto, Osaka and Himeji)- each with a different story but all interconnected through history as explained by our guide.

Day Trip to Miyajima Island: Floating Torii Gate & Kayaking &Hiking
Day Trip to Miyajima Island: Floating Torii Gate & Kayaking &Hiking
Hiroshima

Probably our favourite day of the trip. The boat trip out to Miyajima was scenic, we had a wonderful guide for our kayak trip through the floating torii gate and Taki San was a good sport hiking to the top of Mount Misen with us despite being tight on time! This is a very touristy place to visit so I highly recommend taking the kayak option to get a proper feel for the ancient approach to the shrine. The shops and eateries are busy but lots of fun to wander through.

Hiroshima's Legacy: Peace Memorial & Okonomiyaki(public transport)
Hiroshima's Legacy: Peace Memorial & Okonomiyaki(public transport)
Hiroshima

The museum is a harrowing testament to what happened to this city but very worthwhile despite the inevitable crowds

Kurama & Kibune Forest Hike – A Journey into Kyoto’s Spiritual Mountains (Private Guide, Public Transportation)
Kurama & Kibune Forest Hike – A Journey into Kyoto’s Spiritual Mountains (Private Guide, Public Transportation)
Kyoto

Another lovely hike into beautiful Japanese mountain scenery - no rain this time!

🏯 Walk and Swing: An Active Cultural Journey in Kyoto (Private Guide & Public Transportation)
🏯 Walk and Swing: An Active Cultural Journey in Kyoto (Private Guide & Public Transportation)
Kyoto

We did this hike to the top of the mountain on our own in the rain which made it less busy than it might otherwise have been, and also quite atmospheric!

Kyoto Heritage & Tea Ceremony Experience (Private Guided Tour by Public Transportation)
Kyoto Heritage & Tea Ceremony Experience (Private Guided Tour by Public Transportation)
Kyoto

Kyoto was a highlight and our morning wander with guide Taki San was very enjoyable. The kimono aspect of the tea ceremony didn't add much and felt a bit performative rather than authentic as we were just put into the clothes whereas I had hoped to learn a little more about this traditional way of dress.

 Fuji Five Lakes Tour, Transfer to Hakone
Fuji Five Lakes Tour, Transfer to Hakone
Japan

Very rushed getting onto the boat and the health and safety standards were somewhat questionable . . . Views of Mount Fuji from the water were great but we saw even better on our subsequent day's activities. An impromptu stop at the Mount Fuji visitor centre was interesting and informative.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
felt quite rushed at the stops, all of which were very touristy and busy
Transport
lovely comfortable car for early morning journey with stops along the way
Explore Tokyo's Rich Heritage: Tsukiji Market,Sushi-Making Class,  Imperial Palace, Cherry Blossoms & Shinjuku Gourmet Walk
Explore Tokyo's Rich Heritage: Tsukiji Market,Sushi-Making Class, Imperial Palace, Cherry Blossoms & Shinjuku Gourmet Walk
Tokyo

Kana, the chef who led our personal sushi making class was lovely. Personable and with excellent English. One of our activity highlights.

Quality of Experience
Tokyo’s Cultural Heritage & Modern Energy: Asakusa, Sumo Experience & Shibuya Highlights(Private Guide&Public Transportation)
Tokyo’s Cultural Heritage & Modern Energy: Asakusa, Sumo Experience & Shibuya Highlights(Private Guide&Public Transportation)
Tokyo

Sumo experience was a fun and lighthearted intro to the sport of Sumo but very tourist focussed.

Food
Local specialist: Bella Wu

Our Kimkim tour of Japan
Japan | Mar 23 - Mar 31, 2026

Norma
Norma M.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Apr 11, 2026
Our guide for the first excursion in Tokyo was Haiyan. She was very helpful and knowledgeable. We saw the Imperial Palace, as close as we could get, since entry was not allowed. The we went to the Senso-ji temple, very impressive. She also helped us get to a location that I wanted to see, The Samurai Store. We never would have found it if it was not for Haiyan. The following day we took the Shinkansen to Odawara where we were met by Yasuhiro, called Moshi. He is an English professor and... Read more

Our guide for the first excursion in Tokyo was Haiyan. She was very helpful and knowledgeable. We saw the Imperial Palace, as close as we could get, since entry was not allowed. The we went to the Senso-ji temple, very impressive. She also helped us get to a location that I wanted to see, The Samurai Store. We never would have found it if it was not for Haiyan.

The following day we took the Shinkansen to Odawara where we were met by Yasuhiro, called Moshi. He is an English professor and spoke perfect English and also Spanish, as does my wife Norma. He took us to Hakone, and unfortunately it rained all day so we did not get to see Mt. Fuji. He took us up the Hakone Ropeway to the top where we had lunch and toured the shop. When we came down we took a tour boat around the lake. He dropped us at our Honten for the evening. We really enjoyed the traditional accommodations, including the private natural hot spring onsen.

Our guide for the first excursion in Tokyo was Haiyan. She was very helpful and knowledgeable. We saw the Imperial Palace, as close as we could get, since entry was not allowed. The we went to the Senso-ji temple, very impressive. She also helped us get to a location that I wanted to see, The Samurai Store. We never would have found it if it was not for Haiyan.

The following day we took the Shinkansen to Odawara where we were met by Yasuhiro, called Moshi. He is an English professor and spoke perfect English and also Spanish, as does my wife Norma. He took us to Hakone, and unfortunately it rained all day so we did not get to see Mt. Fuji. He took us up the Hakone Ropeway to the top where we had lunch and toured the shop. When we came down we took a tour boat around the lake. He dropped us at our Honten for the evening. We really enjoyed the traditional accommodations, including the private natural hot spring onsen.

The next morning came early as we had a 7:45 Bullet traln to Nagoya. There we did a self guided tour to Nagoya Castle and then to the Tokugawa museum and gardens, which I was most interested in seeing. Also seen was a Shinto Shrine.

Next day we took the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Our first excursion was to the Tea Ceremony Experience. We dressed in Kimonos and were shown the intricacies of the tea ceremony. it was fantastic. After that we went to the Samurai and Ninja Musem. This was one of my special choices and it did not disappoint.

The next day we were met by our guide for the day, Ichiro. We went to the Kinkakuji and Nijo Castle Tour which was fascinating. We had a very full day visiting shrines and ending up at Fushiminari. Fantastic!

On Day 7 we were met by our guide Naoko who was wonderful. We enjoyed her very much. We spent the day in Nara, so fascinating.

On our final tour day our guide once again was Ichiro. We went to Osak for another of my desired destinations, Himeji Castle with the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The castle tour and gardens were amazing. We finished up with the ropeway to Mount Shosha, another of my must see destinations. It was amazing. And Ichiro was so very knowlegeable.

The next morning our driver met us for an early morning drive to Osaka airport in the rain. Goodbye Japan.

Hotel Review
Matsuzakaya Honten
Kanagawa

We loved this traditional hotel and onsen. We highly recommend it.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
World Heritage Himeji Castle Visiting &  Mount Shosha visit
World Heritage Himeji Castle Visiting & Mount Shosha visit
Osaka

Our final tour was to Himeji Castle with the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The castle tour and gardens were amazing. We finished up with the ropeway to Mount Shosha, another of my must see destinations. It was amazing.

Quality of Experience
We were so lucky to get to this beautiful place when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Again, Ichiro was so knowledgeable!
Full Day Nara City Tour with Public transportation
Full Day Nara City Tour with Public transportation
Japan

On Day 7 we were met by our guide Naoko who was wonderful. We enjoyed her very much. We spent the day in Nara, so fascinating.

Quality of Experience
So much beauty
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We loved Naoko!
Transport
Kari, the driver was great.
Half Day Kinkakuji and Nijo Castle Tour
Half Day Kinkakuji and Nijo Castle Tour
Kyoto

We went to the Kinkakuji and Nijo Castle Tour which was fascinating. We had a very full day visiting shrines and ending up at Fushiminari. Fascinating!

Quality of Experience
Seeing so much beauty and culture
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ichiro is so knowledgeable
Samurai Ninja Museum & Tea Ceremony Experience
Samurai Ninja Museum & Tea Ceremony Experience
Kyoto

We took the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Our first excursion was to the Tea Ceremony Experience. We dressed in Kimonos and were shown the intricacies of the tea ceremony. it was fantastic. After that we went to the Samurai and Ninja Musem. This was one of my special choices and it did not disappoint.

Quality of Experience
Private Hakone’s natural beauty Tour
Private Hakone’s natural beauty Tour
Hakone

Yasuhiro, called Moshi. He is an English professor and spoke perfect English and also Spanish, as does my wife Norma. He took us to Hakone, and unfortunately it rained all day so we did not get to see Mt. Fuji. He took us up the Hakone Ropeway to the top where we had lunch and toured the shop. When we came down we took a tour boat around the lake. He dropped us at our Honten for the evening. We really enjoyed the traditional accommodations, including the private natural hot spring onsen.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We arrived safe and sound
Full Day Tokyo City Tour with Senso-ji Temple
Full Day Tokyo City Tour with Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo

Our guide for the first excursion in Tokyo was Haiyan. She was very helpful and knowledgeable. We saw the Imperial Palace, as close as we could get, since entry was not allowed. The we went to the Senso-ji temple, very impressive. She also helped us get to a location that I wanted to see, The Samurai Store. We never would have found it if it was not for Haiyan.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly and very knowledgeable
Transport
Local specialist: Bastien Desonneville

Incredible journey to a country full of incredible people!
Japan | Mar 2 - Mar 15, 2026

Astrid
Astrid O.
Linton Hall, VA | Reviewed on Apr 10, 2026
We had an amazing time. I appreciate that you were able to squeeze so many activities in for us because we are busy bodies. It was nice having the assistance of drivers and tour guides for the personal touches they offered. Especially loved Yukiko Yoshida, our guide in Kyoto. She was incredible! She had great energy to her, was incredibly knowledgeable, gave us really cool history lessons and context to understand better everything we saw. The food tours were also great because they helped us... Read more

We had an amazing time. I appreciate that you were able to squeeze so many activities in for us because we are busy bodies. It was nice having the assistance of drivers and tour guides for the personal touches they offered. Especially loved Yukiko Yoshida, our guide in Kyoto. She was incredible! She had great energy to her, was incredibly knowledgeable, gave us really cool history lessons and context to understand better everything we saw. The food tours were also great because they helped us acquaint ourselves with the cities in a casual way. We enjoyed the ramen class but we felt it took too much of our time in retrospect, so we will likely not do cooking classes again in the future unless we don’t know what else to do. The kendo class was silly fun but we thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was a fun contrast to the formality of the tea ceremony! Of course skiing in Nagano was incredible and getting to see the snow monkeys while it was snowing was magical. We can’t wait to come back and explore more of the beautiful and dynamic country!

Hotel Reviews
Kokuya Ryokan Shibu Onsen ( Shibu Onsen Kokuya )

Our experience at this hotel was one of the most pleasant on the trip. It was very private, very peaceful, very magical. Our meals here were some of the best we had on the trip, having a private on sun was incredible and suited our comfort level with public nudity haha. We felt very taken care of here and wished more places were like this!

Authenticity & Character
We felt immersed in Japanese culture
Authenticity & Character
We felt immersed in Japanese culture
Location
Perfectly situated in the onsen town
Location
Perfectly situated in the onsen town
Staff
Overly helpful haha
Staff
Overly helpful haha
Cleanliness & Comfort
Well taken care of, very comfortable. Very clean. Mattress pads on the ground can only be so comfy haha
Cleanliness & Comfort
Well taken care of, very comfortable. Very clean. Mattress pads on the ground can only be so comfy haha
Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel
Nagano

Comfortable hotel but it does show its age a bit. The staff was wonderful and the facilities were easy to navigate. Ski in/ski out was awesome though! The rental shop is smaller than big resort shops so be patient. I unfortunately had to wear ski boots that were half a size too big

Authenticity & Character
Very authentic. The MCM vibes were strong in the room.
Authenticity & Character
Very authentic. The MCM vibes were strong in the room.
Location
Ski in/ski out, some of the best runs on a powder day.
Location
Ski in/ski out, some of the best runs on a powder day.
Staff
Very respectful, cordial, and helpful. Took every opportunity to please us
Staff
Very respectful, cordial, and helpful. Took every opportunity to please us
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean, beds were comfy, but the space overall shows it age and feeling a bit lost in time. Nothing was wrong with it, it just felt like it was straight from the 70s
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean, beds were comfy, but the space overall shows it age and feeling a bit lost in time. Nothing was wrong with it, it just felt like it was straight from the 70s
Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier
Tokyo

Beautiful, clean modern, it was a sophisticated way to spend our first nights in Japan. Conveniently located, made it easy to walk from there or take public transportation.

Authenticity & Character
Delicious breakfast
Location
Walkable to cool areas
Staff
So respectful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pristine
Activity Reviews
Learn the Secrets Behind Ramen in a Cooking Class
Learn the Secrets Behind Ramen in a Cooking Class
Osaka

It was a fun experience to learn how the broth and Ramen are made, but in retrospect I think what I was really hoping to make was more of an udon noodle. We appreciate it, however that the techniques we are in there are very easily reproducible at home, especially because we already have a noodle adapter for our KitchenAid.

Quality of Experience
Gyoza and Ramen are delicious! It was fun to cook too!
Quality of Experience
Gyoza and Ramen are delicious! It was fun to cook too!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They were super friendly and helpful. They were very careful to make sure we were doing everything correctly so that we could take our technique home with us.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They were super friendly and helpful. They were very careful to make sure we were doing everything correctly so that we could take our technique home with us.
Hiroshima Peace  Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites
Hiroshima Peace Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites
Japan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Japan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was hilarious and well informed. She went out of her way to take nice pictures of us and also was good about giving us tips somewhere to eat the rest of the week.
Samurai Sword Experience for Adults in Kyoto
Samurai Sword Experience for Adults in Kyoto
Kyoto

How can you not have fun learning how to wheel a sword?! Playful, short and sweet, though I wish we had time to spar or something.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
 Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kyoto

We had so much fun, getting dressed up in traditional garments and learning about the tea ceremony. Everyone got an opportunity to take pictures in the Japanese garden in our fineries, and it was very pleasant.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
 Tokyo Highlights: Sensoji, Tsukiji & Imperial Gardens
Tokyo Highlights: Sensoji, Tsukiji & Imperial Gardens
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo

We had a lot of delicious food, but most importantly it was a really nice primer for the area

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kyoto’s Timeless Treasures: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace & Fushimi Inari Taisha
Kyoto’s Timeless Treasures: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace & Fushimi Inari Taisha
Kyoto

Our tour guide on this trip was incredible. She was super informative, was great about giving us lots of background information, and kept us moving so that we didn’t miss out on anything.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Sandy Ren
Sandy
Sandy Ren
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 11, 2026
Hi Astrid, Thank you so much for your kind message — I’m really happy to hear you had such a great time in Japan. I’m especially glad you enjoyed Kyoto with Yukiko Yoshida, as well as the food tours, skiing in Nagano, and the snow monkeys. I’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to her. Also, I really want to say thank you as well — it was such a pleasure working with you. Communication was always smooth, and I appreciate your flexibility and understanding throughout the trip. Thank you... Read more

Hi Astrid,

Thank you so much for your kind message — I’m really happy to hear you had such a great time in Japan.

I’m especially glad you enjoyed Kyoto with Yukiko Yoshida, as well as the food tours, skiing in Nagano, and the snow monkeys. I’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to her.

Also, I really want to say thank you as well — it was such a pleasure working with you. Communication was always smooth, and I appreciate your flexibility and understanding throughout the trip.

Thank you also for the honest feedback on the activities — it really helps for future planning.

It was a pleasure arranging your trip, and I hope to welcome you back to Japan again someday.

Warm regards,
Sandy

We love Japan 🇯🇵
Japan | Mar 25 - Apr 3, 2026

L
Laura A.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Apr 10, 2026
We really did have such a wonderful time! The only feedback I would offer is that it would be helpful for the guides to have a deeper knowledge of the specific tours they’re leading. Our most incredible guide was Yukiko—she was so knowledgeable, engaging, and just a joy to be around. We truly loved her! Takashi and Mayomi were also great, but Yukiko really stood out. She taught us so much, and it made the experience even more fun and meaningful. Thank you so much for all the time and... Read more

We really did have such a wonderful time! The only feedback I would offer is that it would be helpful for the guides to have a deeper knowledge of the specific tours they’re leading.

Our most incredible guide was Yukiko—she was so knowledgeable, engaging, and just a joy to be around. We truly loved her! Takashi and Mayomi were also great, but Yukiko really stood out. She taught us so much, and it made the experience even more fun and meaningful.

Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into planning everything—it truly was an incredible experience. The hotels were amazing as well, especially the last one—The Patina…wow, it was so beautiful.

I also absolutely loved the hot springs. Such a unique and memorable experience, and we felt amazing afterward!

Local specialist: Marii McDonald

We felt like VIPs on our trip to Japan
Japan | Mar 25 - Apr 9, 2026

Hector
Hector R.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 10, 2026
This was our first time using KimKim and we could not have been more pleased with the arrangements that were made for us. Shona made all the plans and booked all of the activities for us. She booked activities such as a cooking class, foodie tour, digital art museum, Shibuya Sky observation deck, etc. These were activities that I didn't know about, or would not have thought of, but each one was enjoyed. She, of course, also booked all transportation, tour guides, and hotels.
The tour guides...
Read more

This was our first time using KimKim and we could not have been more pleased with the arrangements that were made for us. Shona made all the plans and booked all of the activities for us. She booked activities such as a cooking class, foodie tour, digital art museum, Shibuya Sky observation deck, etc. These were activities that I didn't know about, or would not have thought of, but each one was enjoyed. She, of course, also booked all transportation, tour guides, and hotels.
The tour guides made our lives easier because they know their way around and speak the language. We could have made this trip without using KimKim, but it would not have been as good and as easy as it was with KimKim.
I highly recommend using KimKim, you will not be disappointed.

Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 10, 2026

Hi Hector,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We are absolutely delighted to hear that your first experience with KimKim was such a positive one.
Thank you again for trusting us with your travel plans, and for highly recommending KimKim. We look forward to helping you create more unforgettable memories in the future!

Best Regards
Shona

Japan- Our Dream Trip Came True
Japan | Mar 27 - Apr 5, 2026

Larry
Larry B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2026
From beginning to end our recent trip to Japan exceeded our expectations, Bella, our Travel Specialist, designed and coordinated our dream trip. She was extremely knowledgeable of Japan, very responsive to the myriad of questions we posed to her, professional, and very personable. She made the planning of this trip very easy. Bella coordinated all the transfers and tickets and we never felt alone in Japan. From the moment we set foot in Japan our guides Roy and Hiroshi were... Read more

From beginning to end our recent trip to Japan exceeded our expectations,

Bella, our Travel Specialist, designed and coordinated our dream trip. She was extremely knowledgeable of Japan, very responsive to the myriad of questions we posed to her, professional, and very personable. She made the planning of this trip very easy. Bella coordinated all the transfers and tickets and we never felt alone in Japan.

From the moment we set foot in Japan our guides Roy and Hiroshi were very knowledgeable of the history, culture, country, cities, and places we visited. We had many questions of what it was like to live in Japan and as well as the customs and practices of the Japanese people. They shared their knowledge and experience of their life in Japan in an easy and personable manner. We invited them to dine with us and they were superlative dinner guests. They made themselves available to us even after they dropped us off at the hotel. They watched over us to the point of assisting Larry with walking and carrying his backpack. Roy, just before our Go Kart experience in Tokyo, turned to Larry and said "Take care of Patty".

We have used Viking cruises and Viator to travel in Europe but by far KimKim provides the easiest, most immersive experience, fun, and pleasurable experience! ,

Local specialist: Bella Wu
Bella
Bella Wu
Local specialist in China, Japan | Replied on Apr 10, 2026
Thank you so much, Larry and Patty, for your incredibly kind words — it truly means the world to me! It was such a pleasure working with you both to design your Japan journey, and I’m so grateful for the trust you placed in me and our team. I’m especially happy to hear how much you enjoyed your time with Roy and Hiroshi — they are truly dedicated, and your experience reflects exactly what we strive for: not just guiding, but genuinely taking care of every traveler. Creating a seamless,... Read more

Thank you so much, Larry and Patty, for your incredibly kind words — it truly means the world to me!

It was such a pleasure working with you both to design your Japan journey, and I’m so grateful for the trust you placed in me and our team. I’m especially happy to hear how much you enjoyed your time with Roy and Hiroshi — they are truly dedicated, and your experience reflects exactly what we strive for: not just guiding, but genuinely taking care of every traveler.

Creating a seamless, immersive, and personal journey is always our goal, and I’m so glad that came through during your trip.

Thank you again for your trust and for sharing your experience. I sincerely hope this is not the last time we work together — I would love to help plan your next adventure in Japan or beyond!

Warmest regards,
Bella

Twice as Good: Another Seamless Family Adventure
Japan | Mar 18 - Apr 1, 2026

Roanne
Roanne A.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2026

This is my second time using the KimKim service for my family vacation. Cannon was very responsive to all our questions and had provided many activities and planned free days where the whole family was able to enjoy. We really liked the hotels picked and convenience of locations for all of them. The itinerary went very smooth and fell in love with the country. I definitely would love to visit again.

Local specialist: Cannon Xiao
Cannon
Cannon Xiao
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 09, 2026
Dear Roanne 🙇‍♂️, Thank you so much for your kind words—and for trusting me again with your family vacation. It truly means a lot to me. I really enjoyed planning this trip for you, and I’m so happy to hear that everything went smoothly and that your family had such a wonderful time together. Knowing that you loved the hotels and enjoyed both the activities and free time is exactly what I was hoping for when designing your itinerary. It honestly makes me so happy to hear that you fell in... Read more

Dear Roanne 🙇‍♂️,

Thank you so much for your kind words—and for trusting me again with your family vacation. It truly means a lot to me.

I really enjoyed planning this trip for you, and I’m so happy to hear that everything went smoothly and that your family had such a wonderful time together. Knowing that you loved the hotels and enjoyed both the activities and free time is exactly what I was hoping for when designing your itinerary.

It honestly makes me so happy to hear that you fell in love with the country—that’s the best feedback I could ask for.

I hope I’ll have the pleasure of helping you again on your next trip to Japan. 😊

Warm regards,
Cannon

Love Leny & Her Team!
Japan | Mar 24 - Apr 4, 2026

Liz
Liz T.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2026
My friend and I have incredible memories from the wonderful places and experiences we had in Japan, thanks to Leny and her team! From Tokyo walking tours to cooking class in Takayama to Jun driving us from Kanazawa to a small mountain village with 400 people, to the beautiful cherry blossoms at the Bamboo Forest and a garden built by a famous actor from the 1920s, then onto the beautiful Riverwalk OMG so gorgeous! Leny and her team even found a lovely Reiki person to provide a session for me... Read more

My friend and I have incredible memories from the wonderful places and experiences we had in Japan, thanks to Leny and her team! From Tokyo walking tours to cooking class in Takayama to Jun driving us from Kanazawa to a small mountain village with 400 people, to the beautiful cherry blossoms at the Bamboo Forest and a garden built by a famous actor from the 1920s, then onto the beautiful Riverwalk OMG so gorgeous! Leny and her team even found a lovely Reiki person to provide a session for me last minute! The dinner with Maiko at a private upstairs room was remarkable. Osaka tour brought us to the Times Square of the city. So many people, great shopping-bought my first vintage bag there! Overall a fantastic time! Thank you Leny and team!

Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 08, 2026
Hi Liz, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m so happy to hear that you both made such wonderful memories in Japan. From the walking tours and Takayama cooking class to the sacred mountain, Bamboo Forest, and even the last-minute Reiki session—it all sounds like an incredible adventure! The Maiko dinner was such an intimate, deep cultural experience, and I’m glad you enjoyed your time in Osaka as well. And of course, those vintage bags 😉 were a hit too! Your kind words mean so... Read more

Hi Liz,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m so happy to hear that you both made such wonderful memories in Japan. From the walking tours and Takayama cooking class to the sacred mountain, Bamboo Forest, and even the last-minute Reiki session—it all sounds like an incredible adventure!

The Maiko dinner was such an intimate, deep cultural experience, and I’m glad you enjoyed your time in Osaka as well. And of course, those vintage bags 😉 were a hit too! Your kind words mean so much to the team and me—we’re really happy we could help make your trip special.

Thanks again for taking the time to share these memories with us!

Warm regards,

Leny

Going to Japan? Book with Yeny!!! No regrets!
Japan | Mar 12 - Mar 18, 2026

Brook
Brook R.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2026
We had a great experience booking our trip to Japan with Yeny and her team. With two teenagers in the mix we had a wide range of interests to satisfy. Yeny and team were able to provide a balanced schedule.. meeting all our must sees! From riding in a drifter car through Tokyo and winding up at a car meet, to wandering around all the anime, manga, and arcade places you could ever want, to MASTERING the train systems in Japan (thanks to the excellent instructions from Yeny and team), to Sumo... Read more

We had a great experience booking our trip to Japan with Yeny and her team. With two teenagers in the mix we had a wide range of interests to satisfy. Yeny and team were able to provide a balanced schedule.. meeting all our must sees! From riding in a drifter car through Tokyo and winding up at a car meet, to wandering around all the anime, manga, and arcade places you could ever want, to MASTERING the train systems in Japan (thanks to the excellent instructions from Yeny and team), to Sumo wrestling, Cup Noodle museum, hiking up a mountain to feed monkeys in Kyoto, to everything else that was strategically placed into each day…. We so enjoyed our time… and plan to book again.

They even helped us find restaurants that catered to our dietary restrictions.

The only thing that we felt was missing.. was planned transportation to the airport when leaving. Although I am sure others would have enjoyed the flexibility to spend every last minute in Japan.. I wished we would’ve talked through the last day.. check out time.. transportation to the airport, luggage storage.. etc.

Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 08, 2026
Hi Brook, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! My team and I are thrilled to hear that you and your teenagers had a wonderful trip to Japan. We love seeing how our travelers enjoy the interactive experiences—it really makes all the planning worthwhile. My team and I are fully dedicated to supporting our travelers every step of the way, and it means a lot to hear that our efforts contributed to your trip. I do regret that we didn’t clarify the end of the... Read more

Hi Brook,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! My team and I are thrilled to hear that you and your teenagers had a wonderful trip to Japan. We love seeing how our travelers enjoy the interactive experiences—it really makes all the planning worthwhile. My team and I are fully dedicated to supporting our travelers every step of the way, and it means a lot to hear that our efforts contributed to your trip.

I do regret that we didn’t clarify the end of the trip and provide recommendations on how to get to the airport. While Uber or local taxi services can be booked easily, I should have highlighted this more clearly. This is something I always try to mention to travelers, and your feedback helps us improve and make sure future guests have everything they need for a smooth departure.

Thanks again for sharing—it’s insights like yours that help us refine our service!

Warm regards,

Leny

Leny is a superstar!
Japan | Mar 24 - Apr 4, 2026

Francine
Francine K.
RIVERDALE NY | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2026
I had no interest in being herded around on a group tour on and off buses and being told where and when to eat and shop yet needed guidance as this trip would have taken hundreds of hours to plan properly. Kim Kim was the perfect compromise. The trip was customized for us after an initial conversation and then a two hour zoom with Leny. We had 5 private guides in different areas each one better than the next. We were reminded each day of our next day’s plans with specific instructions if we... Read more

I had no interest in being herded around on a group tour on and off buses and being told where and when to eat and shop yet needed guidance as this trip would have taken hundreds of hours to plan properly. Kim Kim was the perfect compromise. The trip was customized for us after an initial conversation and then a two hour zoom with Leny. We had 5 private guides in different areas each one better than the next. We were reminded each day of our next day’s plans with specific instructions if we wanted to take the train. For full day tours the guides picked us up at our hotel. The cooking class with Bob in Takayama was so great and authentic, as was the tea ceremony and the dinner with Maiko who is like a Geisha in training. We also got amazing deals on vintage designer bags in the Namba area of Okasa which is like a combination of Times Square and the San Genaro feast on steroids. We ran the gamut with a visit to Mt Koya to be in touch with our spiritual side. This was a trip of a lifetime and we could have never done it without Leny and her team who were on call and immediately responsive throughout the entire trip when we had questions or needed clarity. Absolute kudos to them. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 08, 2026
Hi Fran, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m so glad the trip felt personalized and that you enjoyed the mix of guides, self-guided days, and special experiences like the Takayama cooking class, tea ceremony, and dinner with the Maiko. And the vintage shopping in Osaka was also a hit :) It was such a pleasure helping plan your journey, and I’m thrilled everything ran smoothly from the daily reminders to being on hand whenever you had questions. Your kind words truly mean a... Read more

Hi Fran,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m so glad the trip felt personalized and that you enjoyed the mix of guides, self-guided days, and special experiences like the Takayama cooking class, tea ceremony, and dinner with the Maiko. And the vintage shopping in Osaka was also a hit :)

It was such a pleasure helping plan your journey, and I’m thrilled everything ran smoothly from the daily reminders to being on hand whenever you had questions. Your kind words truly mean a lot to my team and me.

I hope Japan left you with amazing memories, and we’d love to help plan your next adventure whenever that time comes! I really miss our chats!

Warm regards,
Leny

Wonderful Japan - Independent Tour
Japan | Mar 23 - Apr 2, 2026

K
Karen P.
Novato, CA | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2026
I created a specialized itinerary and Kim Kim agent Angel was able to coordinate beautifully. Japan is a lovely country with so many great sites not to be missed. We hit the highlights of Tokyo, Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka. What I like most was working in partnership with KimKim to have the type of experience we wanted: a little hustle, a little laid back, key historical sites without being overwhelmed with too much, and lots of fun activities.
Pros:
1. Angel is an absolute gem to...
Read more

I created a specialized itinerary and Kim Kim agent Angel was able to coordinate beautifully. Japan is a lovely country with so many great sites not to be missed. We hit the highlights of Tokyo, Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka. What I like most was working in partnership with KimKim to have the type of experience we wanted: a little hustle, a little laid back, key historical sites without being overwhelmed with too much, and lots of fun activities.
Pros:
1. Angel is an absolute gem to work with. She was responsive to my needs, listened carefully, alway with kindness, humor and professionalism.
2. The itinerary was affordable, considering we did not want to be on a tour bus with 20 others each day, allowing us independence while able to join in group activities on some days.
3. Each day, Angel would check in with the daily itin and schedule, including all tickets, maps, timing. Loved that.
Cons:
1. With the exception of Tokyo and Hakone, the hotels in Kyoto and Osaka were located far away from anything...more like office park areas, not walkable to anything. As this was my first time to Japan, hotel locations are essential to enjoyment, and this was dissapointing.
2. Due to those 2 hotel locations, we had to use uber or public transport to get anywhere, costing a lot of money and time that I didn't expect. I would suggest KimKim to review hotel locations that are tourist friendly and walkable to restaurants, stores, etc.
3. I was quoted a price for my initial itinerary, complete with hotels. Two weeks before departure, I was reviewing the itin and realized I needed more transportation built in, like train to hotel transfers, pick up/drop off from tours. I requested this and was quoted a huge amount, which was then negotiated down as we discussed the actuality. However, in the last quote, included was the price for my first hotel stay of 3 nights. This was odd and unexpected, I thought this was included in the initial quote, which it appeared to be. Confusing and not good.
Overall experience:
Loved this trip and Angel was a delight to work with.

Hotel Reviews
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
Osaka

Beautiful hotel, part of large chain, comparable with HIlton.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Nothing around at all, need transport for any shopping or dining. The property location is on the 16th floor of an office building, requiring 2 elevators to get to reception, then to your room. Inconvienient.
Staff
Everyone helpful and happy to help
Cleanliness & Comfort
Double room had an odd layout, the bath/toliet area far apart and the sink area exposed in room. We moved to a twin room that had tradional layout of seperate bath area. This room also had a nice couch and seating area.
Henn na Hotel Premier Kyoto Gojo Karasuma 

Budget hotel that has no reception desk - it's all automated like self serve check out. The lobby is a storage area for luggage with no comfort or amenities, like water or coffee. Room amenities are at the elevator door, it's all self serve. Why this is rated 3 stars is questionable. Took one look at small room with lumpy double bed and immediated left for another property.

Authenticity & Character
Good for students or those on limited budget.
Location
Located near nothing...no stores or restaurants, sans Lawsons Family store 2 blocks away.
Staff
Only appeared if you rang a bell. Not in attendance.
Cleanliness & Comfort
While it appeared clean, the comfort, based on the lobby experience, is lacking any welcome.
Hakone Airu
Hakone

What a serence little property. I was looking for a traditional onsen experience and this hit all the marks and them some. The reception was full hands on, being greated at the door, escorted to a small seating area for a personalised check in. Our room had a nice floor seating area and a private outdoor sitting pool, facing the mountains. The amenities were top of the line, so much that I purchased as they offered for sale in the nice gift shop. The hotel includes dinner and breakfast, what I did not expect, and was utterly delighted by, is that both meals are served privately in your own dining area. Truly an incredible experience.

Authenticity & Character
Traditional onsen that is great on budget while feeling more expensive. Lovely kimonos to wear throughout the property are provided.
Location
Located on a hilly street, about 1/2 mile from any retail stores or restos.
Staff
Everybody was kind, courteous and willing to please.
Cleanliness & Comfort
This is an onsen, so do not expect western beds. For a night or two, it's lovely.
the b asakusa
Tokyo

Delightful, smaller hotel in an excellent area, Asakusa. Nice reception and lovely rooms. Good breakfast options and staff willing to make something if needed. Loved it, highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Angel Tang

Our family vacation to Japan was amazing!
Japan | Mar 27 - Apr 6, 2026

John
John P.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2026
Our family vacation to Japan was amazing! Our excellent advisor Shona designed a great itinerary and made sure all of our needs were met. When hiccups occurred, she was quick to figure out a solution and went out of her way to make sure we were satisfied every step of the way. We highly recommend Kimkim, and especially Shona to make your next vacation one to remember. Read more

Our family vacation to Japan was amazing! Our excellent advisor Shona designed a great itinerary and made sure all of our needs were met. When hiccups occurred, she was quick to figure out a solution and went out of her way to make sure we were satisfied every step of the way. We highly recommend Kimkim, and especially Shona to make your next vacation one to remember.

Activity Reviews
Full Day City Tour with  Osaka Castle
Full Day City Tour with Osaka Castle
Japan

We had a great time with our guide Yuki. He was very friendly and organized and was flexible with us when we wanted to change things during the day. We loved seeing the traditional areas of Kyoto, as opposed to the modern feel of the city centers of Kyoto and Tokyo.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Nara City Tour, Overnight in Osaka
Full Day Nara City Tour, Overnight in Osaka
Japan

We had fun seeing the deer, but be ready to be swarmed by aggressive deer who want crackers, and will definitely let you know if you’re taking too long handling them over by nipping your arms and legs. I’d recommend just watching those less informed feeding them. The area is very nice, but the museum is terrific! Definitely make it a point to spend some time seeing the many artifacts/national treasures inside.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Tour of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Sagano Scenic Railway
Full Day Tour of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Sagano Scenic Railway
Kyoto

The walk through the bamboo forest was nice, but very crowded. We absolutely loved the grounds surrounding the bamboo forest, as they were very tranquil, and just beautiful with the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kyoto

Our family of four, with two sons on their twenties, really enjoyed the tea ceremony. It was fun to dress in traditional clothes and learn about the history and traditions behind it. It’s fun for all ages.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day  Meiji Shrine,the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Harajuku Tour
Full Day Meiji Shrine,the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Harajuku Tour
Tokyo

Our family enjoyed visiting the Meiji shrine, a peaceful oasis in a busy city. The grounds were very pretty and our guide Kaiko was terrific! We loved learning about the history of the shrine from our guide and from visiting the museum.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 09, 2026

Hi John,
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. I truly appreciate your kind feedback.

I am also especially grateful for your understanding and cooperation when any unexpected situations arose during your trip. It means a great deal to me, and I’m very glad we were able to navigate everything together smoothly.

It would be my great pleasure to assist you again in the future, whether for your own travels or for arranging trips for your family and friends in Japan.

Thank you once again for your trust and support.
Best
Shona

Trip of a lifetime!
Japan | Mar 28 - Apr 6, 2026

Lauren
Lauren M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2026
We had such a memorable time in Japan. Ben really understood what my family's interests were and chose fantastic locations and experiences for a first trip to Japan. Our guid in Tokyo, Yoko was very knowledgeable and efficient at zigzagging us all over the city.
In Kyoto, Ursula was amazing and was able to sneak in a few extra stops to maximize the sakuras at their peak. She was also helpful in giving us some tips on where to go in Osaka.
Read more

We had such a memorable time in Japan. Ben really understood what my family's interests were and chose fantastic locations and experiences for a first trip to Japan. Our guid in Tokyo, Yoko was very knowledgeable and efficient at zigzagging us all over the city.
In Kyoto, Ursula was amazing and was able to sneak in a few extra stops to maximize the sakuras at their peak. She was also helpful in giving us some tips on where to go in Osaka.

Hotel Reviews
MIMARU Osaka Shinsaibashi West
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Genji Kyoto, a Member of Design Hotels
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
ANA InterContinental Tokyo
Tokyo

Great for a family, get a suite with lounge access. The amenities are amazing and the location was very convenient.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ben Tanaka
Ben
Ben Tanaka
Local specialist in Japan, China | Replied on Apr 08, 2026
Dear Lauren, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such wonderful feedback — it truly means a lot to us. I’m absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a memorable time in Japan, and that we were able to create a meaningful first experience tailored to your family’s interests. It was a pleasure designing the trip for you, and I’m thrilled the locations and experiences worked out so well. I will also be sure to pass along your kind words to Yoko in Tokyo and Ursula in Kyoto.... Read more

Dear Lauren,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such wonderful feedback — it truly means a lot to us.

I’m absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a memorable time in Japan, and that we were able to create a meaningful first experience tailored to your family’s interests. It was a pleasure designing the trip for you, and I’m thrilled the locations and experiences worked out so well.

I will also be sure to pass along your kind words to Yoko in Tokyo and Ursula in Kyoto. They are both incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable guides, and I know they will be so happy to know they contributed to making your trip special.

We truly appreciate your trust and hope to welcome you back to Japan again soon for another unforgettable journey.

Warm regards,
Ben

Judy from Kim Kim was very helpful and listen...
Japan | Mar 20 - Mar 31, 2026

Judith
Judith W.
Australia | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2026
Judy from Kim Kim was very helpful and listened to what we wanted as a family. Judy paired us with a private tour guide called JJ from Nara to Oaska, JJ was a great guide and well informed, she even it took one for the team when the deer's were chasing us food.
Thank you, highly recommend Judy from the Kimkim Tour group.
Read more

Judy from Kim Kim was very helpful and listened to what we wanted as a family. Judy paired us with a private tour guide called JJ from Nara to Oaska, JJ was a great guide and well informed, she even it took one for the team when the deer's were chasing us food.
Thank you, highly recommend Judy from the Kimkim Tour group.

Hotel Reviews
The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi
Osaka

Hotel was in a perfect location to food and transport & night life. Rooms were smallish especially when sharing but all in all it was clean and had great amenities. Breakfast was included and enough variety available.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kyoto U-BELL Hotel

Hotel was in a good location to food and transport. Rooms were reasonable with queen bed especially when sharing but all in all it was clean and had great amenities. Breakfast was included and enough variety available.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great location to transport & food
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel

Hotel was in a good location to food and transport. Rooms were small especially when sharing but all in all it was clean and had great amenities. Breakfast was included and enough variety available.

Authenticity & Character
Clean and good amenities
Location
Near train stations restaurants
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Japan

Hide our foodie tour guide is a legend, he was funny, easy going and pleasant to share meals with. He was a great guide and answered questions not related to food as well.

Full Day Nara City Tour, Overnight in Osaka
Full Day Nara City Tour, Overnight in Osaka
Japan

Our guide JJ from Nara to Oska was informative and very pleasant to deal with, she was always helpful in answering our questions.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kyoto

We got to experience wearing a Kimono, the staff were very helpful and informative when dressing you. Our host teaching us the traditions of why they have a tea ceremony was very informative and pleasant.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Judy Zhang
Judy
Judy Zhang
Local specialist in Seoul and Japan | Replied on Apr 09, 2026

Hi Judith,

Thank you so much for your kind words — it truly means a lot to me 😊

I’m so happy to hear that you and your family had a great experience, and that JJ took such good care of you during your time from Nara to Osaka. It sounds like the deer made things extra memorable as well! 🦌

It was a real pleasure planning this trip with you, and I’m so glad it turned out to be such a special experience for your family.

Thank you again for your recommendation — I truly appreciate it and hope to help you with another adventure in the future!

Warm regards,
Judy

In January 2026 we traveled to Japan- three a...
Japan | Jan 20 - Jan 30, 2026

C
Colleen G.
Amesbury, MA | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2026
In January 2026 we traveled to Japan- three areas including Tokyo, Kyoto and last, Niseco for skiing! This was our 3rd trip working with kimkim and similar to past vacation explorations, it was a wonderful experience all around! Sandy was our local contact in Japan and she worked enthusiastically and diligently to tailor our trip to our specific needs, also nudging us kindly to consider things we wouldn't normally have chosen like "Sumo Experience" in Tokyo - which we truly enjoyed! ... Read more

In January 2026 we traveled to Japan- three areas including Tokyo, Kyoto and last, Niseco for skiing! This was our 3rd trip working with kimkim and similar to past vacation explorations, it was a wonderful experience all around! Sandy was our local contact in Japan and she worked enthusiastically and diligently to tailor our trip to our specific needs, also nudging us kindly to consider things we wouldn't normally have chosen like "Sumo Experience" in Tokyo - which we truly enjoyed! Charlie was our Japanese American guide (friendly, knowledgeable and fun!) for the Sumo tour and we fully learned much from him and the kindly retired but still practicing Sumo wrestlers living at the Sumo Stable. Even had a taste of sparing for fun! Sandy connected us with our Tokyo tour guide Ayumi (friendly, knowledgable, gracefully passionate about her country) who proved to give us an outstanding tour of Tokyo sights (like Tokyo skyscrapers, rare fog free view of Mt Fuji from Tokyo, Imperial Palace Gardens and beautiful history lesson about Japan and the Imperial family, natural and tranquil Shinto shrines and introduced us to the most delicious, bountiful and steaming hot Ramen on one of our chilly days. We traveled on a high speed train from Tokyo to Kyoto that was so swift yet very quiet. In Kyoto, the cultural capital, our tour guide was Taku and he really gave us a thorough and enjoyable tour. It was very clear he had great passion and humble pride about his country. We really enjoyed our time learning from and exploring with him! Taku brought us to our traditional Ryokan accommodation with Onsen/hot spring baths. The proprietors could not have been more welcoming and accommodating. Had a second enjoyable day with Taku where we ventured through a Bamboo forest, snow monkey park, Nijo Castle, food market, learned about the beautiful and refined Geisha and more junior Meiko traditional Japanese entertainers who attend training in the Gion district of Kyoto. Headed north by plane to Niseko ski country and spent several days skiing the remarkably light and fluffy snow. Our kimkim designed Japan experience was THE BEST!!

Local specialist: Sandy Ren
Sandy
Sandy Ren
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 11, 2026
Hi Colleen, Thank you so much for your wonderful message — I’m really happy to hear you had such an amazing experience in Japan. It’s great to know you enjoyed the Sumo Experience, Tokyo highlights, Kyoto with Taku, the ryokan stay, and of course skiing in Niseko. I’m especially glad the guides were able to bring each place to life for you — I will definitely pass your kind words on to Charlie, Ayumi, and Taku. I also really appreciate your trust in me throughout the planning process and... Read more

Hi Colleen,

Thank you so much for your wonderful message — I’m really happy to hear you had such an amazing experience in Japan.

It’s great to know you enjoyed the Sumo Experience, Tokyo highlights, Kyoto with Taku, the ryokan stay, and of course skiing in Niseko. I’m especially glad the guides were able to bring each place to life for you — I will definitely pass your kind words on to Charlie, Ayumi, and Taku.

I also really appreciate your trust in me throughout the planning process and your openness to trying different experiences — it was a real pleasure working with you.

Thank you again for choosing to travel with us, and I hope we can help you plan another Japan adventure in the future.

Warm regards,
Sandy

Angel, an amazing travel professional and a wonderful individual.
Japan | Nov 10 - Dec 2, 2025

Debbie
Debbie L.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Apr 05, 2026
Angel was the most amazing organizer; informed, personable and fun to work with. We were 4 women who enjoy adventure and talking to local people. We each have done a fair amount of traveling on our own and arranging our own trips with family and friends but this time relied on KimKim to make our arrangements. Their local day trip guides were extremely knowledgable, thoughtful, kind and with a sense of humor. We appreciated times when the various local guides adjusted the schedule or... Read more

Angel was the most amazing organizer; informed, personable and fun to work with. We were 4 women who enjoy adventure and talking to local people. We each have done a fair amount of traveling on our own and arranging our own trips with family and friends but this time relied on KimKim to make our arrangements.

Their local day trip guides were extremely knowledgable, thoughtful, kind and with a sense of humor. We appreciated times when the various local guides adjusted the schedule or site given to avoid the crowds. Sometimes we explored new places and had to adjust the schedule given unknown circumstances. The experiences felt unique while at the same time we were visiting major sites. So many places we went were so special. We made a number of requests in the beginning and made a few major adjustments just before embarking. When we had an unexpected emergency she responded immediately --anticipating the next steps with calm.

I wish Angel could arrange all my trips.

Local specialist: Angel Tang
Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 05, 2026

Hi Debbie, receiving your feedback and encouragement at this moment brought tears to my eyes—it is not only a tremendous affirmation of my work but also the greatest birthday gift I could have received. I miss you all deeply. May your families stay healthy and happy. Angel

Japan was captivating!
Japan | Nov 13 - Nov 19, 2025

Jennifer
Jennifer L.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Apr 05, 2026
Our Japan trip was truly memorable! It was my daughter's first international trip and she did so well. Eleanor has planned it in a way where my daughter can keep up and not get overwhelmed and still check off all the places and experiences we wanted to have. Our local guides and drivers were also superb. Shoutout to Yuka, our guide in Shirakawa. She was a lovely person and my daughter played with her a lot. Overall, the beauty of the places we've seen, the culture, the hospitality made it... Read more

Our Japan trip was truly memorable! It was my daughter's first international trip and she did so well. Eleanor has planned it in a way where my daughter can keep up and not get overwhelmed and still check off all the places and experiences we wanted to have. Our local guides and drivers were also superb. Shoutout to Yuka, our guide in Shirakawa. She was a lovely person and my daughter played with her a lot. Overall, the beauty of the places we've seen, the culture, the hospitality made it magical and enchanting for us. It reset our minds and spirit. I can actually say my soul was deeply moved. We were absolutely captivated by Japan!

Hotel Reviews
GOOD NATURE HOTEL KYOTO
Kyoto
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku
Tokyo

Location is very convenient

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Eleanor Chen
Eleanor
Eleanor Chen
Local specialist in Japan and China | Replied on Apr 06, 2026
Hi Jennifer, Thank you so much for your beautiful message — it truly means a lot to me. I’m so happy to hear that your trip was such a memorable experience, especially as your daughter’s first international journey. It’s wonderful to know she enjoyed it and felt comfortable throughout — that was something I really hoped for when planning your itinerary. I’m also delighted to hear your kind words about the guides, especially Yuka — she will be so happy to know she connected so well with your... Read more

Hi Jennifer,

Thank you so much for your beautiful message — it truly means a lot to me. I’m so happy to hear that your trip was such a memorable experience, especially as your daughter’s first international journey. It’s wonderful to know she enjoyed it and felt comfortable throughout — that was something I really hoped for when planning your itinerary.

I’m also delighted to hear your kind words about the guides, especially Yuka — she will be so happy to know she connected so well with your daughter!

What you shared about Japan touching your soul is so special, and it really captures what makes this country so unique. I feel very grateful to have been a part of creating this experience for you.

Thank you again for trusting me with your trip. Japan has so much more to offer, and I truly hope to welcome you both back again in the future.

Warmest regards,
Eleanor

A wonderful trip to Japan
Japan | Mar 12 - Mar 30, 2026

A
Arlan W.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 03, 2026
We recently returned from a truly wonderful tour of Japan. Eleanor at KimKim was the primary reason it felt so effortless. From the very beginning, she was incredibly thorough, managing every small detail and keeping us perfectly posted with updates and reminders exactly when we needed them. She managed to hit that elusive sweet spot between guided and self-guided time, selecting fantastic guides while still leaving us enough room to breathe and explore on our own. Eleanor was easy to work... Read more

We recently returned from a truly wonderful tour of Japan. Eleanor at KimKim was the primary reason it felt so effortless. From the very beginning, she was incredibly thorough, managing every small detail and keeping us perfectly posted with updates and reminders exactly when we needed them. She managed to hit that elusive sweet spot between guided and self-guided time, selecting fantastic guides while still leaving us enough room to breathe and explore on our own. Eleanor was easy to work with and made changes when we thought of them.

One of the best decisions we made was following her advice to spend three days staying on Miyajima instead of staying over on the Hiroshima side. It was a highlight of the trip, though we do have one funny "pro-tip" for anyone else heading there: once the day-tourists catch the ferry back, almost every restaurant on the island shuts down by 6:00 PM. It left only a few spots open outside of the hotels, which we turned into a bit of an adventure, though others might find it a bit of a shock if they aren't prepared!

If we were to tweak anything in the itinerary, there were really only two minor exceptions in Kyoto—the boat ride and the tourist train. Only one person in our group enjoyed them. But in the grand scheme of such a well-planned trip, those were very small notes. Eleanor’s planning was top-tier, and while KimKim provided a great backend for the whole process, it was her personal touch that made the experience what it was. We would highly recommend her to anyone planning to travel to Japan.

The highlight of the trip was the 1,000 photos I captured along the way. I resonate with the Japanese style and their conscious use of space, line, and form in almost everything they create.
The gardens were especially relevant to me. Each one had a similarity but also its own unique elements, which made looking through my lens truly exciting. In fact, they have inspired me to revisit my own gardens, not trying to mimic a Japanese garden, but to take the time to think about, look a little longer and deeper, and try to incorporate these elements into mine.
My favorite was Miyajima - I loved the Island, the cable cars, and the Tori Bridge. It is a beautiful island. I especially love the Miyajima Hotel Villa. They had free snacks (and ice cream!) and the room was very comfortable with a lovely water view. The deer roam freely and are so friendly to the tourists.
I will contact Eleanor when we decide to return to Japan. I will use KimKim to plan travel to other countries.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Miyajima Villa
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier
Kyoto
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier
Tokyo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Eleanor Chen
Eleanor
Eleanor Chen
Local specialist in Japan and China | Replied on Apr 06, 2026
Hi Arlan, Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and detailed review — it truly means a lot to us. Your feedback is incredibly valuable, not only for us but also for future travelers, and we really appreciate you sharing your experience so generously. It was an absolute pleasure working with you on your trip. You were so easy and enjoyable to communicate with, which made the whole planning process even more special for me. I’ve also shared your kind words with our... Read more

Hi Arlan,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and detailed review — it truly means a lot to us. Your feedback is incredibly valuable, not only for us but also for future travelers, and we really appreciate you sharing your experience so generously.

It was an absolute pleasure working with you on your trip. You were so easy and enjoyable to communicate with, which made the whole planning process even more special for me. I’ve also shared your kind words with our guides — they were so happy to hear that they could be part of your journey.

I’m especially happy to hear how much Miyajima and the gardens resonated with you — that sounds like such a meaningful experience.

Japan still has so many wonderful places to explore, and I truly hope we’ll have the chance to welcome you and your family and friends back again in the future. I would love to help you plan your next journey whenever the time comes.

Warmest regards,
Eleanor

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