Profile photo for Katsu Okada
1312 messages
active 1 day ago

Katsu Okada

Hello and "konnichiwa" My name is Katsu Okada. I was born in Japan, moved to Vancouver, Canada after graduating university in Tokyo. Since then I have been a tour operator, driven by my love for food, culture, and language drives my passion for travel, making me an ideal tour operator. As an avid traveler, I understand the unique experiences that different destinations offer, allowing me to curate unforgettable journey for others.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in immersive cultural experiences, culinary tours, and outdoor adventures in Japan. My expertise includes exploring traditional ryokans, guiding food enthusiasts through local markets, and organizing unique activities like hiking and cultural workshops. I focus on creating tailored itineraries that highlight Japan's rich heritage and natural beauty, ensuring each journey is memorable and authentic. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"Growing up in a family that ran a ryokan in Japan, hospitality is in my blood. This early exposure sparked my passion for travel, leading me to explore Japan, and later to travel across Canada and the USA. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"One unforgettable travel experience was witnessing the breathtaking autumn foliage in Nagano, where vibrant colours blanketed the mountains. I sat by a serene pond, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of birds, feeling as if I were in heaven....Another memorable experience for me—it was through my work—was traveling with a guest who uses a wheelchair. Seeing Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Hiroshima from a completely different perspective than I was used to was truly eye-opening. It felt fresh, inspiring, and taught me so much; it became an unforgettable journey. Of course, the trip offered beautiful scenery, culture, and delicious food, but even more meaningful were the encounters, experiences, and all the things I learned along the way."

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

Recent trip reviews for Katsu

A wonderful trip
Japan | Oct 9 - Oct 20, 2025

L
Liza S.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 01, 2025
It was absolutely a fantastic trip, and everything was really perfect.
Katsu was very responsive. We had a couple of calls with him where he explained things and offered different suggestions. Also, our original plan was slightly different, and he was really good when I decided to change it all.
The guides were excellent! The three guides that we had were Sachi in Kyoto/Osaka, Hanna in Tokyo, and Eriko in Hakone. All three of them were excellent and spoke excellent English.
I will...
Read more

It was absolutely a fantastic trip, and everything was really perfect.
Katsu was very responsive. We had a couple of calls with him where he explained things and offered different suggestions. Also, our original plan was slightly different, and he was really good when I decided to change it all.
The guides were excellent! The three guides that we had were Sachi in Kyoto/Osaka, Hanna in Tokyo, and Eriko in Hakone. All three of them were excellent and spoke excellent English.
I will definitely use kimkim for our next trip!

Activity Reviews
teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills
teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills
Tokyo

Visiting teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills was mesmerizing! The immersive experience was like nothing I've seen before and it was one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip. The colors and interactive displays were enchanting.

Last day in Tokyo, Japan
Last day in Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo

Our last day in Tokyo was incredible. The mix of guided and self-guided tours throughout the trip meant we never felt rushed. There was always something new and exciting to see, which kept the adventure alive till the very end.

Exploring Tokyo in a Day: Culture, Cuisine, and Serenity Amidst the City
Exploring Tokyo in a Day: Culture, Cuisine, and Serenity Amidst the City
Tokyo

Exploring Tokyo in a day was one of the highlights of the trip. The cultural, cuisine, and serene aspects amidst the bustling city provided such a diverse experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. The guide was flexible and knowledgeable, adapting the tour to suit our energy levels and making sure we could experience things at our own pace.

Local specialist: Katsu Okada

Professionalism and attention to detail
Japan | Oct 9 - Oct 17, 2025

L
LAROC K.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Oct 20, 2025
This was our first trip to Japan and it was an amazing experience! Katsu and his team of guides: Eriko (Hakone & Tokyo); Sachi (Kyoto); Midori (Hiroshima) were all extremely professional, on-time, knowledgeable, accommodating, and friendly. We felt like we were discovering Japan with family members as guides! Katsu helped us plan the itinerary; following up with video meetings to nail down trip details was very helpful and appreciated. When a typhoon closed the Yokohama port, delaying our... Read more

This was our first trip to Japan and it was an amazing experience! Katsu and his team of guides: Eriko (Hakone & Tokyo); Sachi (Kyoto); Midori (Hiroshima) were all extremely professional, on-time, knowledgeable, accommodating, and friendly. We felt like we were discovering Japan with family members as guides! Katsu helped us plan the itinerary; following up with video meetings to nail down trip details was very helpful and appreciated. When a typhoon closed the Yokohama port, delaying our initial arrival by two days, Katsu was able to make adjustments to our itinerary quite quickly... allowing very little impact to our experience. All members of the team were able give us insights into the Japanese culture that greatly enhanced our visit!
We highly recommend this team to help travelers discover Japan! A great experience, indeed!

Local specialist: Katsu Okada
Katsu
Katsu Okada
Local specialist in Vancouver | Replied on Oct 21, 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful message!
I am truly happy to hear that your first trip to Japan was such a memorable experience.
Your kind words mean a lot to us, and I will be sure to share your warm comments with all the local staff, Eriko, Sachi, and Midori will be delighted to hear them.
It was truly our pleasure to assist you with your Japan journey, and I am so grateful for your trust and kindness throughout the planning and during your stay.
We all hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back to Japan again in the future!
Warm regards,
Katsu

I had the most fabulous experience in Japan thanks to Katsu!
Japan | Sep 7 - Sep 12, 2025

P
Phyllis B.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025
I had the most fabulous experience having Katsu arrange my trip to Japan. He was so thoughtful in how he listened to what I hoped to do> He then prepared the most perfects plans for my trip! All recommendations Katsu suggested were perfect. His communications were fantastic. Very regular and very caring.. One very special element that Katsu included was the arrangement of members from his company to accompany me or meet me at each train station. This made each transition so easy and smooth.... Read more

I had the most fabulous experience having Katsu arrange my trip to Japan. He was so thoughtful in how he listened to what I hoped to do> He then prepared the most perfects plans for my trip! All recommendations Katsu suggested were perfect. His communications were fantastic. Very regular and very caring.. One very special element that Katsu included was the arrangement of members from his company to accompany me or meet me at each train station. This made each transition so easy and smooth. Each person that assisted me was a true delight to meet and were SO helpful!!! Katsu was always available if I needed him during my trip. Without a doubt. my trip was marvelous because of the support and services from Katsu and his team. I give them the highest recommendations- more than amazing!!

Local specialist: Katsu Okada

Katsu provided helpful and interesting recomm...
Japan | Jul 29 - Aug 2, 2025

S
Sarah D.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Aug 04, 2025
Katsu provided helpful and interesting recommendations that helped make our Japan journey amazing! In addition, the detailed service on ground transportation and tour reservations allowed us to spend our time learning and enjoying, not trying to figure out a new country's systems and processes. We would definitely work with Katsu for another vacation - he was friendly, reassuring, funny, and a true expert. Arigato gozaimashita! Read more

Katsu provided helpful and interesting recommendations that helped make our Japan journey amazing! In addition, the detailed service on ground transportation and tour reservations allowed us to spend our time learning and enjoying, not trying to figure out a new country's systems and processes. We would definitely work with Katsu for another vacation - he was friendly, reassuring, funny, and a true expert. Arigato gozaimashita!

Activity Review
From Scenic Walks to Soba Making: A Cultural Day in Togakushi with Temple Inn Stay
From Scenic Walks to Soba Making: A Cultural Day in Togakushi with Temple Inn Stay
Japan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Katsu Okada
Katsu
Katsu Okada
Local specialist in Vancouver | Replied on Aug 06, 2025

I hope you've recovered from jet lag by now.
Thank you so much for your kind and warm words, and for sharing your review.
I truly hope you both had a wonderful time in my hometown.
Please come back to Niigata in winter — the powder snow will be waiting for you!

Tokyo and Kyoto Family Trip
Japan | Jun 2 - Jun 6, 2025

Jenny
Jenny S.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025
Our drivers and guides were lovely and helpful and always on time. They helped us to see and do nearly everything we wanted to see on a short time frame. Although our full day in Tokyo was raining, we still saw a lot and loved the sumo stable experience, the fish market, and the TeamLab Planets which was a perfect end to the day! We also enjoyed the Tokyo Skyview which was a perfect way to get a birds eye view of the city (we did this on the first day before the rain thankfully!) The... Read more

Our drivers and guides were lovely and helpful and always on time. They helped us to see and do nearly everything we wanted to see on a short time frame. Although our full day in Tokyo was raining, we still saw a lot and loved the sumo stable experience, the fish market, and the TeamLab Planets which was a perfect end to the day! We also enjoyed the Tokyo Skyview which was a perfect way to get a birds eye view of the city (we did this on the first day before the rain thankfully!) The Shinkansen train to Kyoto was a nice interlude. Although we didn't see Mt Fuji on the way out due to clouds, we did get some nice pictures on the way back to Tokyo. We LOVED Kyoto. I especially loved the guided tour of Kyoto and the bamboo forest area and temples, as well as the tea ceremony and the beautiful Hotel Yuraku Kyo Yasaka . The food was amazing everywhere! We were really happy with everything and made some wonderful family memories.
Our local specialist, Katsu, was so great about making wonderful recommendations, figuring out the logistics for getting from one place to another on time, and providing details that helped make our trip smooth and enjoyable. Thank you so much!

Activity Reviews
Tokyo: Sumo Morning Practice Viewing Tour
Tokyo: Sumo Morning Practice Viewing Tour
Tokyo

See sumo wrestlers conducting training with their coach was an incredible experience, especially for my husband and son who are both wrestlers. They want to come back again to see a sumo competition!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Vehicle with English-Speaking Guide for 8 Hours in the Tokyo Area
Private Vehicle with English-Speaking Guide for 8 Hours in the Tokyo Area
Tokyo

There is sooo much to see and do in Tokyo! Highlights for our family included the sumo stable, Tokyo Skyview, TeamLab Planets, the fish market, capybara cafe, Meiji shrine, Hamarikyu Gardens, and Takeshita Street.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arashiyama: A Journey Through Kyoto’s Timeless Treasures by private vehicle
Arashiyama: A Journey Through Kyoto’s Timeless Treasures by private vehicle
Kyoto

Wow, Kyoto is so beautiful and peaceful especially compared to bustling and vibrant Tokyo! We loved the Arashiyama with the bamboo forest trail and gardens. We also enjoyed visiting the many beautiful temples. We loved participating in the Traditional Tea Ceremony wearing kimonos. And we visited Nijo Castle in the center of town. And our traditional hotel, or ryoku, was amazing!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Japanese Tea Ceremony at Camellia Flower (Group Experience)
Japanese Tea Ceremony at Camellia Flower (Group Experience)
Kyoto

This was definitely a highlight of our trip. The kimonos, the ceremony, the guide's explanations, and the tea preparation itself were all incredibly special and something unique to Japan that we highly recommend.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Katsu Okada
Katsu
Katsu Okada
Local specialist in Vancouver | Replied on Jun 21, 2025
Dear Jenny-san!
Thank you very much for your kind and warm message.
I will definitely share your comments with your guide and driver.
I was a bit worried that the trip might have been too short and too busy, but your message put my mind at ease.
It was so much fun working with you, and I truly appreciate you sharing your family photo.
As you said, I’ll be waiting for your next visit to Japan. I hope you can stay a bit longer next time so I can introduce you to even more wonderful...
Read more

Dear Jenny-san!
Thank you very much for your kind and warm message.
I will definitely share your comments with your guide and driver.
I was a bit worried that the trip might have been too short and too busy, but your message put my mind at ease.
It was so much fun working with you, and I truly appreciate you sharing your family photo.
As you said, I’ll be waiting for your next visit to Japan. I hope you can stay a bit longer next time so I can introduce you to even more wonderful places.
Thank you again for your message, and for giving me the opportunity to help with your family trip.

Warm regards,
Katsu

Thank you Katsu!!!
Japan | May 9 - May 21, 2025

Charlie
Charlie H.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on May 23, 2025
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... Read more

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.

Local specialist: Katsu Okada
Katsu
Katsu Okada
Local specialist in Vancouver | Replied on May 23, 2025

Charlie-san!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful comment, especially during your busy time after returning home. I truly appreciate your respect for Japanese culture, and it was a pleasure for me to collaborate with you in planning the trip. I am grateful for the opportunity to help create such meaningful experiences for you, and I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed your time surrounded by Japan’s beautiful nature and culture. Thank you again and please do visit Japan again!!

Trip of a lifetime
Japan | Apr 20 - May 7, 2025

R
roberta l.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on May 10, 2025

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.

Local specialist: Katsu Okada
Katsu
Katsu Okada
Local specialist in Vancouver | Replied on May 12, 2025
Roberta-san, Welcome back home, O ka e ri na sai. Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m really happy to hear that both your guide and driver made your trip so memorable. I will definitely share your kind words with them, they will be very pleased. It truly means a lot to me that you called this the trip of a lifetime. It gives me a lot of motivation and I am so grateful for the chance to have helped make your experience special. If you ever return to Japan, I would be very... Read more

Roberta-san,

Welcome back home, O ka e ri na sai.

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m really happy to hear that both your guide and driver made your trip so memorable. I will definitely share your kind words with them, they will be very pleased.

It truly means a lot to me that you called this the trip of a lifetime. It gives me a lot of motivation and I am so grateful for the chance to have helped make your experience special.

If you ever return to Japan, I would be very happy to assist you again. Thank you again for choosing us!

Ari ga to go zai ma shi ta, ma ta o a i shi ma sho!
Best regards,
Katsu
Next Japan Travel

I had a fantastic trip with my two nieces to ...
Japan | Apr 12 - Apr 20, 2025

Arlene
Arlene P.
Borough Park, NY | Reviewed on May 05, 2025
I had a fantastic trip with my two nieces to Japan. It was only nine days, the time I had with my nieces for spring break. I will say you definitely need more time in Japan to explore it. Unfortunately, I missed the peak of cherry blossom season, but I still saw some, and they were lovely. My travel agent, Katsu, arranged all the Transfers and set up the train tickets for me. Everything was pretty much Seamless. Saori, Hana, Harumi, Sachiyo, and Mr Ko were great. Attentive answered all our... Read more

I had a fantastic trip with my two nieces to Japan. It was only nine days, the time I had with my nieces for spring break. I will say you definitely need more time in Japan to explore it. Unfortunately, I missed the peak of cherry blossom season, but I still saw some, and they were lovely. My travel agent, Katsu, arranged all the Transfers and set up the train tickets for me. Everything was pretty much Seamless. Saori, Hana, Harumi, Sachiyo, and Mr Ko were great. Attentive answered all our questions. I enjoyed visiting the temples and shrines. The Rickshaw Rides in the bamboo forest and Tokyo were a nice experience. The Rickshaw ride in Tokyo stood out since my driver was entertaining and charismatic. I did a bike tour in Kyoto my butt hurt at the end, but did also enjoy that unique way to see the city. I would like to thank everybody who was part of my trip, and one day, I hope to go again, but for longer.

Hotel Review
Hakone Gora KARAKU

Only spent one night, but it was worth it

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Katsu Okada
Katsu
Katsu Okada
Local specialist in Vancouver | Replied on May 05, 2025
Dear Arlene-san , Abigail-san, and Delainah-san
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a wonderful message. I know you're incredibly busy. I truly appreciate your kind words, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to assist with your trip to Japan. I’ll be sure to pass on your appreciation to Saori, Hana, Harumi, Sachiyo, and Mr. Ko. They’ll be so happy to know they made a positive impact on your journey.
Next time, I hope you’ll have the chance to stay longer and...
Read more

Dear Arlene-san , Abigail-san, and Delainah-san
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a wonderful message. I know you're incredibly busy. I truly appreciate your kind words, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to assist with your trip to Japan. I’ll be sure to pass on your appreciation to Saori, Hana, Harumi, Sachiyo, and Mr. Ko. They’ll be so happy to know they made a positive impact on your journey.
Next time, I hope you’ll have the chance to stay longer and explore at a more relaxed pace — autumn in Japan is also breathtaking, with its vibrant fall foliage.(Also good foods!)
Thank you again for choosing us. I truly look forward to helping you plan your next adventure.
Warm regards,
Katsu

Katsu Okada-San of KimKim, Our lives are forever changed because of YOU and Japan.
Japan | Mar 31 - Apr 9, 2025

gay
gay b.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Apr 25, 2025
Katsu Okada-San of KimKim helped to create lasting memories on our first trip to Japan. This was our first visit to Japan; my ancestors are from Kumamoto-Ken. I daydreamed about Japan for years, cherry blossoms, Mt. Fuji-san, sashimi and being enveloped by the culture. The experience changed my life and my family’s lives, and I owe this to Katsu Okada-san. He tailored our needs with definite care and excellent communication needed for a family traveling across the ocean to... Read more

Katsu Okada-San of KimKim helped to create lasting memories on our first trip to Japan.

This was our first visit to Japan; my ancestors are from Kumamoto-Ken. I daydreamed about Japan for years, cherry blossoms, Mt. Fuji-san, sashimi and being enveloped by the culture.

The experience changed my life and my family’s lives, and I owe this to Katsu Okada-san. He tailored our needs with definite care and excellent communication needed for a family traveling across the ocean to unfamiliarity.

Upon arrival at Kansai airport in Osaka, he arranged for a driver to take us to our hotel. He helped to arrange guides in Osaka, Kumamoto, Kyoto, Hakone and lastly, Tokyo. Detailed instructions were sent by email and tickets sent to our hotels in advance with handwritten, step-by-step itinerary to travel to and from places. He set us up with lovely Japanese-native, mostly English-speaking guides in each city. Here are their names and memories of them:

Sachi Oguchi-san in Osaka - she was kind, patient and flexible, and took us off course to the Osaka Natural History Museum. She encouraged us to try the foods Osaka is known for.
Noboru Narukawa-san in Kumamoto – He was the kindest and sunniest person; he reminded me of my Japanese family in Hawaii. We communicated with Google Translate.
Akiko Tonomura-san in Kyoto - She was just as wonderful as the other guides, fun, enjoyable to learn from and kind, kind, kind.
Eriko Ishiguro-san in Tokyo - So filled with tender care for our family and really got to know us personally. She helped us to get familiar with Tokyo’s transportation system; I’m envious of its efficiency.

Through continued correspondence with Okada-san before, during and after Japan, I got to know him almost as a friend, sharing stories and emotions evoked by them. That’s the part of this writing I wanted to emphasize, how someone so far could have so much impact across the miles.

Thank you, Okada-san, from my and my family’s heart, for doing what you do so well and for helping to change our lives and viewpoints of the world.

Local specialist: Katsu Okada
Katsu
Katsu Okada
Local specialist in Vancouver | Replied on Apr 28, 2025
Dear Gay Beseth -san and Beseth Family, Thank you so much for your incredibly heartfelt message. Your kind words truly mean the world to me.
Meeting through KimKim and helping create your family’s first journey to Japan was not just part of my work—it was a truly special experience that I will always treasure. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of such a meaningful trip, especially knowing your ancestral connection to Kumamoto.
I am especially grateful for all the beautiful photos...
Read more

Dear Gay Beseth -san and Beseth Family,

Thank you so much for your incredibly heartfelt message. Your kind words truly mean the world to me.
Meeting through KimKim and helping create your family’s first journey to Japan was not just part of my work—it was a truly special experience that I will always treasure. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of such a meaningful trip, especially knowing your ancestral connection to Kumamoto.
I am especially grateful for all the beautiful photos you shared with me. They make me smile and brighten my day!Through our many messages and shared memories, I’ve come to feel a genuine connection with your family, and for that, I am truly thankful.
Please know that your journey touched my heart as much as it touched yours. I wish you all continued happiness and hope our paths will cross again soon!!

Warmest regards,
Katsu Okada

Amazing trip to Tokyo, Japan
Japan | Mar 25 - Apr 2, 2025

Esther
Esther H.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Apr 05, 2025

We had a great time! Many thanks to Katzu who was so accommodating and patient with us, he coordinated everything for our trip to Tokyo. Thank you to Eriko, and Kazu the polite, friendly and knowledgeable guides in Tokyo. The hotels we stayed at were fantastic, we enjoyed delicious japanese food in each one. We were pampered at Hanoke's Fufu hotel with a private hot bath! we trully enjoyed all about Japanese culture and are looking forward to another trip there in the future.

Local specialist: Katsu Okada
Katsu
Katsu Okada
Local specialist in Vancouver | Replied on Apr 07, 2025
Dear Esther-san and Daniel-san,
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful message. I am truly happy to hear that you had such a wonderful time in Japan! It was an absolute pleasure to help coordinate your trip, and I’m glad everything went smoothly.
I’ll be sure to pass along your gratitude to Eriko and Kazu — they will be thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time with them.
As someone who was born and raised in Japan, it brings me immense happiness that you chose to visit Japan...
Read more

Dear Esther-san and Daniel-san,
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful message. I am truly happy to hear that you had such a wonderful time in Japan! It was an absolute pleasure to help coordinate your trip, and I’m glad everything went smoothly.
I’ll be sure to pass along your gratitude to Eriko and Kazu — they will be thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time with them.
As someone who was born and raised in Japan, it brings me immense happiness that you chose to visit Japan and show interest in our culture. Your visit means a great deal to me, and I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to assist in making your trip memorable.
Thank you again for your kind words and trust. It was a pleasure working with you!
Sincerely,
Katsu