Kimkim Trip Reviews for Japan

Leny and her team were extremely responsive and always available for anything that came up during our trip. They made sure that we had everything we needed and followed up on any last minute changes that had to be made to the arrangements. Overall, they did a great job and we had a wonderful experience in Japan.

This was our first visit to Japan and started as a 25th wedding anniversary trip, which eventually lead to a family vacation. We are a family of five, with 3 teenagers ranging in age from 16 to 19 years old. The interests within our group varied from wanting to explore big cities, learning about the history and culture, to experiencing life like a local. Despite these differences, we all had fairly high expectations and Japan did NOT disappoint!

Our itinerary was fairly ambitious - Tokyo, Disney Seas, Hankone, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Miyajimaguchi/Hiroshima and Osaka. Perhaps we could have scheduled more 'down time' but we wanted to see and do as much as possible in our two weeks. Our Kim Kim travel expert Sandy was outstanding! We had 5 or 6 trip versions before we made our final itinerary and Sandy was always prompt to respond to our requests and questions. Even while on the ground in Japan, she was in touch and checked in to ensure the trip was running smoothly. She went above and beyond to ensure it was a once in a lifetime experience for us and even arranged a surprise anniversary cake during our trip!

We also arranged a few guided tour days during our two weeks and it was money well spent. And while all of our guides were friendly and extremely knowledgable, we would like to specifically thank Nick Sakurado in Tokyo for helping us on Day 1 to navigate the city and the subway/train systems. This allowed us to confidently use public transportation for the remainder of our trip. He was also brilliant in his lunch food recommendations!

We'd like also thank Tsuyama Hiroshi (Hiro), for walking us through Kyoto and Nara. He thoughtfully planned out our days to ensure we would avoid the peak tourist times at the more popular attractions. And lastly, we would like to express our appreciation to Kigami Masako for her patience and sharing her knowledge of Hiroshima both past and present. This travel day was very warm and she thoughtfully made lunch accommodations to allow those of us in the group extra time to cool down, before continuing on with our day.

I could go on and write much more but it would be a book length review. Each member of our travel group simply loved every minute of our trip and Japan exceeded all of our expectations. I know we will be back again one day. Arigato gozaimasu!

We worked with Jasmine and Hiroshi of Oshinobi Travel, and regret the decision.

Although their service did provide several memorable experiences (Miyokaiku carpentry tour, Yoko the guide for Nikko, Emi's help in coordinating connections), these were overshadowed by repeated disappointments:

The wrong ryokan was booked for the Nakasendo trail, and this was a major disappointment. But even more upsetting was the lack of response to making any correction or taking any responsibility for the oversight. Instead, fault was seemingly placed on us (via the Kim Kim dialog). I requested a refund, and was denied.

Even when we cancelled planned arrangements--such as a guide we no longer needed--no compensation was offered. We enjoyed most of their guides, but some did not have the requisite knowledge / experience of the places we visited (temples, gardens, etc.)

The hotels they selected on their own were standard Western rooms, except for specific requests we had made. We did enjoy the ryokan they booked in Kyoto. The places you stay matter in terms of the experience you have.

The train bookings were also standard / basic, and could have easily been upgraded, given the cost of the trip.

Overall, for the ~$30,000.00 we spent for 10 days, we felt we had an average experience. We had booked with Esprit Travel in the past--and for less--and had trip experiences that were exceptional. We will book with Esprit next time we visit.

Hotel Reviews

The Tokyo Station Hotel

Tokyo

Simply a Wonderful hotel... With History, a Soul, and wonderful staff and food.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Okunoin Hotel Tokugawa

Nikko

Also sterile, western experience.

Hatago Tawaraya Ryokan

Nakatsugawa

The Wrong ryokan, and hence our disappointment. Not much of a Soul, but clean.

Kyoto Yuzuya Ryokan

Kyoto

Loved this place, and its location. We will return.

Authenticity & Character

A true ryokan experience.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Shourekiji Temple Stay

Ayabe

Enjoyed the interactions with the hosts, especially the participation in the Buddhist traditions.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Very remote--1.5 hours from Kyoto

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Leisure Time at Nikko

Nikko

Our guide, Yoko, did an amazing job here. Although she had been told we were planning to hike, we went to Nikko for the temples and World Heritage Sites. This took some adjustment on her part, which she did artfully, and took us on an amazing tour. At the end of the tour--which included almost Everything at a leisurely pace--she even sent us off by taking us to various food spots (including saki) for the train ride home.

Embark a Special Himeji Miyadaiku Carpentry Tour and Castle Exploration

Japan

Our best arranged experience, overall. We met the master carpenter at his shop, where he educated us about joinery and various techniques. And then the carpenter himself took us on the tour of the Himeji castle, which he himself had restored 10 years earlier. The guide / translator also did an exceptional job.

Private Transportation Service

Japan

The private transportation was very expensive. We requested a car after we cancelled a previous arrangement, and Hiroshi gave me a price of $350-400 for the morning of the request. We walked instead, had immersive experiences in Kyoto, and then simply took a cab back to the ryokan for a total cost of $8.00.

Tokyo: hotel Cerulean was amazing! Excellent service and spacious room. One of the best hotels we have ever stayed in. Our guide Yumi was not great. It was a rainy day so she finished the tour at 2pm but did not give much suggestions on what else to see. The Yanaka historical walking tour was very nice.

Kyoto: Our hotel was convenient because we did lots of buses. The room was spacious, but nothing like the Cerulean in Tokyo. Our guide Masaaki Tanaka fooled us because we saw him at first and he is an older gentleman but he was quicker and more fast paced than us. He was excellent, very knowledgeable and very interesting. Took us to eat in a beautiful noodle house and it was raining as well so instead of going to Kiyomiu-dera Temple we went to the indoor museum where there is 1000 buddas. Very fascinating.! Had another full day with him in Nara and temple there and he was excellent.
Our other guide was Yuki, she was soft spoken and very good as well. Had a long great day with her in the Bamboo forest.

Osaka: The Westin Osaka was very nice and had good service as well. There is alot of construction going on around it there so it was a bit of a walk to the main city and train station that had all the restaurants and stores. Would have prefer to stay closer to that area. Met with Yuki again and she took us on a city tour of Osaka. The museum was very interesting, probably would have skipped the Osaka Castle, was alot of walking. The food tour at night was alot of fun and the guide was funny and very quick. She took lots of pictures, would love to see them. Hiroshima guide, was very knowlegeable and spoke great english. Gave us a full tour and great place for lunch. Forgot her name, but Im sure you must have it.

Hakone: AMAZING!!!!! The hotel was first class, the buffets were fabulous, the springs were so relaxing and the scenery was spectacular. Our guide to see Mt. Fuji was May - excellent and a great photographer too! He was witty and bought us alot of local treats so we could enjoy them. Extremely knowleagable of the area and took us to an open air museum, including Picassos, that was not on the itinerary. This Hakone open air museum, should be on the list. Our driver, Joan was professional, on time and a sweetheart! This was the perfect ending to a hectic tour of Japan. Thanks to Angel and KimKim for all the assistance and patience with us!
Arnie and Carmen

Leny did a great job planning and the whole team provided excellent support while we were in Japan.

Hotel Reviews

The Aoyama Grand Hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fufu Hakone

Hakone

Cool and interesting authentic Japan experience.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Okura Tokyo

Tokyo

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Dusit Thani Kyoto

Great hotel but the location is not ideal. Perhaps something in Gion would have been better.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Mt. Fuji and Hakone Full Day Tour with English Speaking driver (Private)

Japan

Harry was great and Hakone beautiful. But lots of car time -- maybe a bit too much.

Kyoto Nishiki Market Food Tour - Daytime (Private)

Kyoto

Hidden Arashiyama Nature Half-Day Tour

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half-Day Kyoto Tour with English-Speaking Guide (Private)

Kyoto

Good, well-informed guide. But we really only saw the Nijo-jo castle,

Best Of Shibuya Food Private Tour - Evening

Tokyo

Half-Day Tokyo Tour with English-Speaking Guide

Tokyo

Probably the weakest link in the itinerary. Guide's English was not great. We spent a lot of the day on the subway going from location to location, which could have been better curated.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We were very happy with all the arrangements made by Angel. She was exceptional in her communication and coordination to make the travel seamless.

Shona was wonderful! She was always responsive and we really liked the itinerary she planned. Shona planned a great trip that my husband and I and our kids age 5 and 8 enjoyed.

We had two exceptional tour guides this trip. Fumi in Kanazawa and Nao in Osaka. Highly recommend these guides.

Katsu planned us a beautiful trip to Japan during the first two weeks of May. We had an in depth discussion when we first started talking about our priorities for the trip. We centered in on food and nature experiences as the most important focus of our 12 days in Japan and Katsu put together the perfect itinerary. From basking in onsens to wandering through moss gardens and eating delicious Japanese food in between we had truly special experiences surrounded by the unique natural beauty of the mountains and sea side towns of Japan. Katsu was kind attentive and kept an eye out for our best interests in the entire time ensuring that each activity we did allowed us to spend our time in the best way possible.

We had an incredible experience! From the beginning we felt heard and considered in what we were planning. We felt our trip was made to reflect our passions and desires while also trying new things. The little things really shown through in how Eleanor picked things for us and the tiny details we wouldn’t have known to consider ie booking trains after hotel check out times so we didn’t have big gaps where we had to lug bags around, booking our trains tickets closest to the door so we could find them easier.. we really felt as though she thought of us and ease of travel in a new place. She communicated so well throughout the trip but just enough for us to know she was there supporting us if needed.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Forza Osaka Kitahama

Osaka

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei

Kyoto

Incredible spot. We were so cozy and loved the quiet space by the canal and river. The staff was amazing and we loved the traditional Japanese touches.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

the b asakusa

Tokyo

Kind wonderful staff, lovely location and easy for travel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Quieter walkable neighborhood near the temple

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

Japan

Fun food tour! A bit rushed and crowded at moments

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour

Japan

Super fun! Loved that we got away from the crowds and learned so much from our guide

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wonderful Day in Uji & Nara

Kyoto

Wonderful day! Loved our guide and had an amazing experience in Uji and Nara

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya

Kyoto

Fun experience!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi with Oishi Park

Tokyo

Amazing day! We had an incredible day on this tour. Our guide was AMAZING and we learned so much from her. Thank you for a wonderful day at Mt Fuji!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Master Tokyo's Must-Sees: 5-hour Tsukiji, Akihabara & Asakusa Highlights Tour

Tokyo

Really fun walking tour to explore the different neighborhoods of Tokyo. Our guide was informative and his insight into different foods to try was wonderful!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

An amazing trip from Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka. Our trip involved a number of private or small group tours and each guide gave us a different perspective of Japan. Loved Ghibli, tried calligraphy and were shown many historical places. Lots of walking and good food.

Activity Review

Japanese Calligraphy Class (Nara)

Japan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Overall a great experience once we got there. Some of it seemed too rushed. We should have selected a higher tier accommodation as the Tokyo and Osaka hotels were in less desirable areas, especially the Osaka Candeo Hotel, which was on a street strewn with garbage everywhere. The Tokyo hotel in Shinjuku was almost as bad. These were the only two areas in all of Japan that we visited where there was litter and garbage on the streets, but the Osaka one was by far the worst. It was disgusting.

Eleanor did excellent planning fir our tour and she is very professional

Hotel Reviews

Grand Josun Busan

Great locstion

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Centara Grand Hotel Osaka

Osaka

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel

Tokyo

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Thousand Kyoto

Kyoto

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

SIGNIEL SEOUL

Nice hotel with very modern facilities, staff was very nice and humble.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Location

Center in downtown

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Korean Full-Course Meal Cooking Class at Local Home with Local Market Experience

Seoul

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Seoul Han River Moonlight Music Cruise

Seoul

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Seoul City Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village

Seoul

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Gyeongju Tour with Bulguksa Temple and National Museum

South Korea

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Gamcheon Cultural Village, Songdo Sky Walk and Jagalchi Fishery Market Tour

Busan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Haedong Yonggungsa, Haewundae Beach and Traditional Market Tour

Busan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

One Day Miyajima Island and Hiroshima Tour

Japan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Sagano Scenic Railway & Tenryuji Temple

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Nishiki Market Food Experience

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Transport

Kyoto's Cultural Treasures: Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji

Japan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi with Oishi Park

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Tokyo City Tour

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

KimKim and Greg in particular did an amazing job planning and executing our once in a lifetime trip to Japan! Greg took all of our input and put together a wonderful trip plan. His knowledge of, and experience in, Japan was invaluable and was reflected in our very robust itinerary. We visited 6 cities and traveled across much of Japan taking many trains and ferries, all planned and ticketed with perfection by Greg. We also had unique and memorable tours and meals we never would have experienced had Greg not scheduled them. As important as planning was, Greg's ability to timely and helpfully respond to our questions during the trip was hugely important to us. We HIGHLY and without hesitation recommend Greg to anyone thinking of traveling to Japan!

We had an amazing time in Japan! The itinerary provided meant we got to see different locations and aspects of Japan that we wouldn't have done without help. We had a good mix of city and scenery and accommodation, both smaller Japanese style and larger hotels. Ben was responsive to our questions and suggested changes.
The guides (Miki, Betty, Yuki and Ursala) were fantastic, answering all our questions and giving insight on Japanese culture. Thank you so much to KimKim and team!

Hotel Reviews

Karaksa hotel grande Shin-Osaka Tower

Osaka

Authenticity & Character

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel

Kyoto

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Oyado Koto no Yume

Takayama

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Yuyaruru Saisai

Kanazawa

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hakone Kyuan

Kanagawa

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Temple Lodging Shukubo Kakurinbo

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Shiba Park Hotel

Tokyo

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima by public transport

Osaka

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

See Kyoto review

Transport

Arashiyama One-Day Tour: Giouji Moss Temple, Bamboo Grove, and Transfer to Osaka

Japan

Quality of Experience

Moss temple was great, really enjoyed it being a bit quieter!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

See Kyoto review

Transport

Discover Kyoto's Timeless Treasures by Public Transport: A Guided Tour of Culture, Cuisine, and Charm

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Kyoto, whilst interesting and with a long history, is very touristy.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We really liked Ursala-san! She was knowledgeable about Japan whilst also providing context in comparison with other Asian countries. Being similar ages we found her very relatable and enjoyable company. She always made sure we were looked after!

Transport

Day trip : Kanazawa to Takayama with Unique Experiences (By Public Transportation)

Japan

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Yuki was brilliant, he was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions about Takayama and Gokayama. He was thoughtful in suggesting a private car given Bryony's pregnancy. Hopefully we will come back and go skiing with him!

Transport

Morning tour in Minobu and then private transfer to Hakone

Japan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private transfer from Tokyo to Minobu enroute tour to Mt. Fuji

Japan

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Betty-san was very sweet! She was kind and generous with regards to Bryony's pregnancy. Driver was very smooth and the car was great.

Transport

Explore Tokyo's Rich Heritage: Tsukiji Outer Market,Imperial palace, Shibuya crossing by public transport

Tokyo

Excellent, but would have been helpful to know that some shops in the market were closed due to the holiday and that this would have been better on another day.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Miki-san was amazing! We loved hearing about life in Japan and she really brought it to life with personal anecdotes. Knowledgeable about the history and conscientious to Bryony's pregnancy.

Transport

We really enjoyed Angel’s recommendations in hotels and activities. Her organization of our trip made it seamless and unforgettable. Thank you Angel!

I have commented on the actual hotels and excursions on the trip details section of your web site. The trip that we went on was very enjoyable. We stayed in quality hotels, enjoyed amazing excursions to interesting temples and other tourist attractions. All our transfers were completed by professional drivers driving new vehicles. They arrived on time and always contacted us the night before to confirm details. The guides we had were both very impressive and did excellent jobs guiding us to the various sites we attended.
While the overall trip experience was very well done, we found the planning part of this to be frustrating at times. At one point we were prepared to walk away and went so far as to investigate this same trip with one of your competitors. Our agent, Shona, while knowledgeable and capable, also complicated the planning process. One of the items we requested was to have guided escorts into/out of the train stations in both Tokyo and Kyoto. This was agreed to by Shona and we promptly paid for our trip. We then spent the next three weeks re-negotiating this. It had been agreed to and paid for and three weeks later we were still talking about it. My wife and I were both happy that we did not let this drop. After being in both train stations, the escorts reduced our stress levels a lot by taking us to the proper spots to meet up with our train
or taxi. On several occasions we reconfirmed information that had already been provided. While saying this, Shona was spot on during our trip. She confirmed driver details and followed up on all excursions to check on our experiences. She was present and involved and committed to ensuring that our trip was a success.
So overall, my wife and I found some of the planning to be frustrating, but, in the end we had this amazing trip with many good memories. I would still go back to Kimkim for future trips and I have passed on your company name to friends to help them with their travel needs.

Hotel Reviews

Shiba Park Hotel

Tokyo

This hotel feels like you are walking back in time. Very nicely decorated, it feels like you are walking through a library. It had an impressive breakfast buffet. The thermal bath facilities were high end with everything spotlessly clean. I would recommend this hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA

Kyoto

This was another high end hotel that delivered a high end customer experience. We enjoyed everything about this hotel. It is conveniently located adjacent to the main shopping area and the train station. They had a beautiful buffet breakfast with sufficient choice to satisfy any diner.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Ryokan Togetsutei

We have never stayed in a hotel like this one before. We loved our experience here and the introduction and immersion into Japanese culture. We were greeted with kimono-wearing inn staff, had a tea ceremony welcome and were provided with our own kimonos. The room was totally Japanese from the furniture, mats, bedding and water garden structure. The onsen was awesome with some of the hottest thermal baths we have ever seen. We were provided with a 12 course traditional Japanese meal with serving bowls that we have never seen before. The traditional breakfast the following morning provided enough food to feed 2 or 3 people. We totally enjoyed this hotel and this immersive experience into the culture of this country. We will remember this day for a long long time.

Authenticity & Character

If you are looking for a traditional Japanese inn/hotel experience this is it. Fabulous.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Tsukiji

Tokyo

Possibly the nicest hotel we have ever stayed in. The staff from the Manager to the room stewards were impressively polite and friendly. The breakfast served was the best hotel breakfast we have ever had with a full buffet and a menu to order other meals. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and would not hesitate to stay here again.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Gion District and Nishiki Market

Japan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Historic Higashiyama Walking Tour: From Kiyomizu-dera to Philosopher's Path

Kyoto

The historic district was awesome to see. The Kiyomizu-dera Temple complex was very impressive. This was a most enjoyable day and we felt like we were able to see a lot of sights.

Quality of Experience

This was my favorite day of the week.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkakuji Temple

Kyoto

Another fantastic day with our guide Mitsui. The temples viewed were most impressive. We enjoyed our time here a lot.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Sagano Bamboo Grove and Tenryuji Temple Tour

Kyoto

Our guide on this day (and the next) was exceptional. Mitsui was very personable and we enjoyed her company. The Bamboo Grove and the Tenryuji gardens were impressive. We were not a fan of the Yakatabune boat ride.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

I can't say enough good things about Mitsui our guide. Personable, efficient, well planed. Sheworked hard to ensure our time with her was enjoyable.

Transport

Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya

Kyoto

This whole experience was new to us. From dressing in kimonos to the actual tea ceremony itself. The staff were very accommodating and answered all our questions. We enjoyed the three hours we spent there and definitely gained some insights into Japanese culture.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Tokyo City Tour

Tokyo

This was an excellent day of sight-seeing in Tokyo. Our guide Sayumi (Sam) was excellent, it was like spending a day with an old friend. She provided us with subway cards to make it easier/quicker to navigate around the city. We thoroughly enjoyed this day with Sam. In addition to the temples and shrines we visited we also got to see areas of the city "not on the tourist maps" which we always find interesting to see.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide (Sam) was awesome. She planned our route to ensure maximum coverage of the sites we were visiting.

Transport

All transfers/taxis/buses were well planned. Drivers were professional and drove late model high-end cars.

We were fortunate to have several great guides and drivers and on one case occasion guide/driver. Plus the drivers that picked us up and delivered us to the airport.
Toru was with us the first full day and did a city tour through a very rainy, but it was fun. The next 2 days we had Yuki for a 2-day trip to Mt Fuji and Hakone. Another great trip, with many adventures. The last day in Tokyo we went to Tokyo Disney with "Tours by Locals", great guide also.
We flew to Seoul and had 2 days with Ka, she was guide & driver. A great 2 days. lots to do and good eats. Then our last day was on our own and was good to.
Overall we were very happy with our tour, guides and hotels.

Hotel Reviews

Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong

Seoul

Very nice d pleasant. With great breakfast and lunch buffet. Helpful people.

Authenticity & Character

It was a hotel.

Location

It was central

Staff

veryone was nice

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was clean and nice.

Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu

Hakone

We enjoyed the whole place it was great and a type of place we had never encountered before.

Authenticity & Character

From our experience it was great

Location

Interesting

Staff

everyone was very helpful and kind

Cleanliness & Comfort

clean and well appointed

Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower

Tokyo

It was a great experience and very nice people.

Authenticity & Character

it was great

Location

beautiful grounds

Staff

All of it was great

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was clean and comfy

Activity Reviews

Full Day Korean DMZ and Hongdae Shopping Street Tour

Seoul

Fun to explore

Quality of Experience

We kind of split up and guide went with granddaughter and 2 of us went off for personal adventure

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Everyone was just great

Transport

Explore Seoul Highlights

Seoul

Ka did a great job guiding us around Seoul. Lots to see and very interesting.

Quality of Experience

Ka

Guides, Drivers and Staff

She did an amazing job for us, even with some changes

Transport

Ka was driver and guide. Great job

Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi Tour with Hakone Tozan Railway

Japan

As in any trip you can't control weather and some other things so some things didn't work. But you have to be flexible and so do the guides. And we were and the guides were.

Quality of Experience

It was just great

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi with Oishi Park

Tokyo

Mt Fuji was just as you see in pictures. We had clear skies and could see the top most of the time.

Quality of Experience

The guide and where we were

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

always great

Tokyo Tower , Ueno Park, and Sumida River Cruise

Tokyo

Thoroughly great, enjoyed our time on these activities.

Quality of Experience

Awesome Just being there.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Again, they were great. Clean

Transport

great

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Tokyo

Lovely groundsNot

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Wonderful!

Transport

Amazing

My guide was truly amazing, but so was the driver. One day it was raining and we had a few hours left and he suggested going to the library. I'm an academic, so I was up for it to get out of the rain. It wasn't a normal library. There was a scale model of the region with every building and tree. We spent two hours there and could have stayed longer. It was more like a museum.

We had a fabulous time during our 15-day trip to Japan! The trip was planned and coordinated by local specialist Shona. She did a great job in planning the trip the way we wanted (including all the train reservations). We visited Tokyo (5 Nights), Kyoto (5 Nights), Matsue (2 Nights) and Osaka (2 Nights). In Tokyo and Kyoto, we had several private full day trips to points of interest as suggested and planned by Shona. Our local tour guides Yumi (Tokyo) and Yuji and Ken (Kyoto) were all great in explaining the importance of the sites we visited. In Matsue and Osaka, we chose to do the sightseeing on our own but followed suggestions from Shona. The selected Hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka met our expectations. In Matsue we chose to stay at a Ryokan which provided a great cultural experience with Japanese traditions including the prefixed Japanese style dinners). If anyone is planning a trip to Japan, I would highly recommend Shona as your local travel specialist.

Shona was very responsive to our requests and needs. She always acknowledged our questions and concerns within 24 hours, and provided relevant trip guidance, information and options in a timely manner. We went thru at least 4 iterations of our trip plan, and she patiently and methodically worked thru each of these iterations and tailored the trip to our complete satisfaction. And when we were in Japan she reached out to us almost every day via email (and messages on KimKim portal) to coordinate the various private tours on our itinerary, including transfers to and from airport and various train stations. It was indeed her care and attention to details, her promptness in responding to our queries, and her clear, concise, and courteous communication skills which made our trip hassle-free and our Japan trip very enjoyable and memorable!