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Ben Tanaka

I am a seasoned travel professional with a degree in Tourism Management and 27 years of extensive experience in the travel industry. My career has taken me from guiding tours to managing office operations, including team arrangements and pricing. My deep knowledge of Japan and China allows me to craft unique and unforgettable travel experiences for my clients. Whether you are looking for cultural immersion, adventure, or a family getaway, I am dedicated to ensuring your journey is seamless and memorable. Let me help you discover the hidden gems and rich traditions of these beautiful destinations.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in creating immersive travel experiences in Japan and China. My areas of expertise include:

Guided Tours: Offering in-depth cultural and historical insights.
Custom Itineraries: Tailoring trips to meet the unique needs and interests of each traveler.
Cultural Experiences: Arranging activities such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy classes, and traditional performances.
Adventure Travel: Planning outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring natural wonders.
Culinary Tours: Organizing food tours that highlight local cuisine and culinary traditions.
My goal is to provide travelers with a comprehensive understanding of these destinations and to make their journey truly unforgettable."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I’ve always had a passion for travel, which led me to study Tourism Management in the University. After graduating, I dove into the travel industry, starting as a tour guide and eventually planning and organizing tours.

Living in Japan and China, I’ve dedicated myself to showcasing the authentic beauty of these countries. My travels across Europe and Asia have enriched my understanding of diverse cultures, allowing me to create unique and immersive travel experiences.

One life-changing moment was after a trip to Japan in 2000. Both Japan and China are quintessential representatives of the mysterious East. Inspired by the incredible tour, I decided to establish my own company, focusing on Japanese and Chinese tourism.

We aim to provide travelers with authentic adventures, connecting them deeply with local culture and communities. Join us, and you might never want to leave!"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"One of the most unforgettable experiences in my career was organizing a cultural immersion tour in Japan. We visited traditional tea houses, participated in a tea ceremony, and explored ancient temples. The highlight was a night stay at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) where our group experienced the authentic Japanese hospitality and cuisine. This trip not only provided a deep cultural insight but also created lasting memories and bonds among the participants."

Ben is part of the following groups: Japan Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Ben

Wonderful time in Japan
Japan | May 5 - May 16, 2025

Edward
Edward T.
Morocco | Reviewed on May 18, 2025
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!
Read more

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
Shiba Park Hotel
Tokyo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Temple Lodging Shukubo Kakurinbo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hakone Kyuan
Kanagawa
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Yuyaruru Saisai
Kanazawa
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Kyoto
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Oyado Koto no Yume
Takayama
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Karaksa hotel grande Shin-Osaka Tower
Osaka
Authenticity & Character
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Discover Kyoto's Timeless Treasures by Public Transport: A Guided Tour of Culture, Cuisine, and Charm
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
 Explore Tokyo's Rich Heritage: Tsukiji Outer Market,Imperial palace, Shibuya crossing  by public 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
Morning tour in Minobu and then private transfer to Hakone
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
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
Day trip : Kanazawa to Takayama with Unique Experiences (By Public Transportation)
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
Arashiyama One-Day Tour: Giouji Moss Temple, Bamboo Grove, and Transfer to Osaka
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
Day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima by public transport
Day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima by public transport
Osaka
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
See Kyoto review
Transport
Local specialist: Ben Tanaka
Ben
Ben Tanaka
Local specialist in Japan, China | Replied on May 19, 2025
Hi Edward, Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm truly delighted to hear that you had an amazing time in Japan and that the itinerary helped you discover both the vibrant cities and the beautiful scenery. It was a pleasure helping you plan your journey, and I’m so glad to know the guides—Miki, Betty, Yuki, and Ursala—made your experience even more memorable with their knowledge and warmth. Wishing you all the best as you prepare to welcome your little one—what an exciting new chapter!... Read more

Hi Edward,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm truly delighted to hear that you had an amazing time in Japan and that the itinerary helped you discover both the vibrant cities and the beautiful scenery. It was a pleasure helping you plan your journey, and I’m so glad to know the guides—Miki, Betty, Yuki, and Ursala—made your experience even more memorable with their knowledge and warmth.

Wishing you all the best as you prepare to welcome your little one—what an exciting new chapter! May your growing family be blessed with joy, health, and many more beautiful adventures in the years to come.

Best regards,
Ben

Two bad sections - The geisha tea dinner - ...
Japan | Apr 12 - Apr 23, 2025

R
Robert C.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2025
Two bad sections -
The geisha tea dinner - tourist trap - bad food
Very disappointed
Also lunch sumo - expected lunch with live wrestling was on tv. Guides were great. Very flexible Read more

Two bad sections -
The geisha tea dinner - tourist trap - bad food
Very disappointed

Also lunch sumo - expected lunch with live wrestling was on tv.

Guides were great. Very flexible

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Keihan Nagoya
Authenticity & Character
Location
In downtown area
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfort Hotel Nara
Nara

Very low budget room - breakfast marginal Would not recommend

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walking distance to tra
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ben Tanaka
Ben
Ben Tanaka
Local specialist in Japan, China | Replied on Apr 24, 2025
Hi Robert,
Greetings!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent trip. We're truly delighted to hear that you are happy with the guides' service and that you had a pleasant journey overall. Ensuring our guests' satisfaction and comfort throughout their travels is our utmost priority, and we're glad to know that in many aspects, we were able to meet your expectations.
However, we sincerely apologize for the disappointing experiences you had with both the...
Read more

Hi Robert,
Greetings!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent trip. We're truly delighted to hear that you are happy with the guides' service and that you had a pleasant journey overall. Ensuring our guests' satisfaction and comfort throughout their travels is our utmost priority, and we're glad to know that in many aspects, we were able to meet your expectations.
However, we sincerely apologize for the disappointing experiences you had with both the Geisha Dinner and the Sumo Lunch. These experiences clearly did not live up to the high standards we aim to provide, and we deeply regret any dissatisfaction or disappointment they may have caused you.
By working more closely with our partners and implementing stricter quality control measures, we are confident that we can prevent similar issues from arising in the future. We understand that these experiences are an important part of the overall travel experience, and we are committed to ensuring that every aspect meets or exceeds our guests' expectations.
Despite these setbacks, we're glad to know that there were still aspects of your trip that you enjoyed. We will continue to build on these positive elements and strive to create even more memorable travel experiences for you and all our guests.
Once again, thank you for your understanding and for bringing these issues to our attention. We truly value your trust in us, and we hope that you will give us another opportunity to serve you better in the future. We're committed to making amends and ensuring that your next journey with us is nothing short of exceptional.
Best regards,
Ben

Amazing family trip to Japan 🇯🇵
Japan | Apr 9 - Apr 20, 2025

Elizabeth
Elizabeth H.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025
Ben did a phenomenal job planning my family trip to Japan! Our guides, Peter and Ursula, were very helpful as well! We can’t wait to book our next adventure with KimKim! Read more

Ben did a phenomenal job planning my family trip to Japan! Our guides, Peter and Ursula, were very helpful as well! We can’t wait to book our next adventure with KimKim!

Hotel Review
Lavista Tokyo Bay
Tokyo

Wonderful hotel for exploring Tokyo! Family friendly with great amenities!

Authenticity & Character
Location
I
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ben Tanaka
Ben
Ben Tanaka
Local specialist in Japan, China | Replied on Apr 22, 2025
Hi Elizabeth, Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm absolutely thrilled to hear that you and your family had such a wonderful time in Japan. It was truly a pleasure helping you plan this special trip, and I’m so happy to know that Peter and Ursula helped make your journey even more memorable. We’d be delighted to assist with your next adventure! If you—or any of your family or friends—are considering a trip to Japan or China, please don’t hesitate to reach out. These are our areas of... Read more

Hi Elizabeth,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm absolutely thrilled to hear that you and your family had such a wonderful time in Japan. It was truly a pleasure helping you plan this special trip, and I’m so happy to know that Peter and Ursula helped make your journey even more memorable.

We’d be delighted to assist with your next adventure! If you—or any of your family or friends—are considering a trip to Japan or China, please don’t hesitate to reach out. These are our areas of expertise, and we’d love the opportunity to help create another unforgettable journey.

Thank you again for your support, and we truly appreciate any referrals you send our way!

Warm regards,
Ben