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Leny Vergara

Hello! I'm Leny. Travel is my passion, and if you're anything like me, you believe the best adventures happen off the beaten path. Japan is the first country I lived in, and I fell in love with it. It's rich in culture, a paradise for foodies with consistently high-quality cuisine, and I adore speaking the language and even singing Japanese songs. There are countless places to explore.

My goal is to guide you through the Land of the Rising Sun, creating journeys that ignite your sense of wonder. Planning your travels with me means more than just booking flights and hotels—it's about crafting unforgettable moments. I pay attention to every detail, ensuring every part of your journey is as special as you are. I'm excited to start our adventure together!

How did you get involved in travel?

"My wanderlust began with living abroad, and the first country I called home was Japan. I spent four enriching years there before returning to Manila, then moving to Vietnam, and Bangkok, and eventually finding my way back to Japan.

Driven by a dream to see as much of the world as possible, I've visited 30 countries and counting. These travels have been a blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and exploration, seeking out the finest in landscapes, cities, restaurants, and island-hopping destinations. Beyond my personal travels, my passion for culture, food, and exploration has blossomed. It's fueled my love for travel and inspired me to create dream itineraries for clients, sharing my enthusiasm for unforgettable experiences."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"It isn't easy to name just one unique travel experience, as my travels have taken me to so many incredible places. Here are a couple that stand out:

Safari in South Africa was unlike anything I've ever done. Seeing wild animals up close was so exciting. And I'm happy to say I've already spotted three of the Big 5.

Then, waking up early for a sunrise adventure at Mount Batur in Indonesia was totally worth it. Riding up the mountain in a bumpy Jeep got my heart racing, but the view at the top was unbelievable. Watching the sunrise above the clouds was just incredible.

Rio de Janeiro is such an amazing city! Its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer truly amazed me. The friendly and helpful people made my experience even more special. One highlight was taking a Harley Davidson tour, including an interesting ride through the Favela during the day. Experiencing real Churrasco while watching Sugar Loaf Mountain was unforgettable. Exploring the lively streets and relaxing on the beautiful beaches at Barra and Ipanema created memories that will stay with me forever. Rio is absolutely unforgettable!
"

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

Recent trip reviews for Leny

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

Our trip to Japan was truly a 5-star experien...
Japan | Mar 20 - Mar 28, 2026

Lindsey
Lindsey B.
Honolulu, HI | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2026
Our trip to Japan was truly a 5-star experience from beginning to end. We traveled as three generations — my mother (70), my daughter (13), and me (43) — and the pace of the itinerary was absolutely perfect for all of us. Every accommodation reflected what we had shared as priorities, including thoughtful locations, wonderful amenities, and memorable meals. We especially appreciated the ryokans and the opportunity to experience onsen culture in such an authentic and comfortable way. One of... Read more

Our trip to Japan was truly a 5-star experience from beginning to end. We traveled as three generations — my mother (70), my daughter (13), and me (43) — and the pace of the itinerary was absolutely perfect for all of us. Every accommodation reflected what we had shared as priorities, including thoughtful locations, wonderful amenities, and memorable meals. We especially appreciated the ryokans and the opportunity to experience onsen culture in such an authentic and comfortable way.

One of the most meaningful highlights of our trip was the private cooking experience in Takayama with Toma, Hisa, and Bob. Being welcomed into their home was incredibly special. They created such a warm and comfortable environment and even invited us to dine in their formal dining room. Their home is a cultural treasure, having been the birthplace of more than 6,000 babies over generations, as their family served as obstetricians for the community for decades. Sharing food, stories, and history in such a personal setting created memories we will cherish forever.

Our journey from Takayama to Kanazawa with Ku included a stop in Shirakawa-go to see the UNESCO village. Ku was an excellent driver and guide, sharing insider knowledge about the best times to visit each house and helping us avoid crowds. Her kindness and professionalism made the day feel relaxed and seamless. In Kanazawa, Megu introduced us to the local food scene, taking us to places we never would have discovered on our own and helping us navigate ordering and regional specialties. It was an incredible culinary experience and truly one of the highlights of our trip. The following morning, Megu guided us through the samurai district, beautiful gardens, and geisha district, sharing thoughtful context that made each stop feel meaningful and engaging.

Throughout the entire experience, Leny and her team were incredibly attentive and supportive. They kept us informed about where we needed to be, were always available to answer questions, and even helped recover my daughter’s retainer after it was accidentally left behind at a hotel. Their attention to detail and genuine care allowed us to fully relax and enjoy every moment.

Overall, this was an exceptional trip filled with unforgettable experiences, cultural connection, and thoughtful planning. We are deeply grateful for the care and expertise that went into creating such a special journey for our family. Highly recommend.

Hotel Reviews
Ryokan Hidatei Hanaougi
Takayama

Amazing experience, wonderful service, beautiful rooms and truly immersive experience. Private onsen was beautiful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
HOTEL AO KANAZAWA
Kanazawa

Very friendly staff, clean rooms, lovely bathrooms, comfy beds. Great food, loved the breakfast!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Japanese Cooking Class with Local Family in Takayama Old Town
Japanese Cooking Class with Local Family in Takayama Old Town
Takayama

Our private cooking class in Takayama with Toma, Hisa, and Bob was one of the most memorable experiences of our entire trip to Japan. From the moment we arrived, they welcomed us into their home with incredible warmth and hospitality, immediately making our multi-generational family feel comfortable and at ease. The experience went far beyond a typical cooking class — it was a meaningful cultural exchange. We prepared traditional dishes together while learning about local ingredients, customs, and daily life in Takayama. Toma, Hisa, and Bob were patient, engaging, and generous in sharing their knowledge, making the experience enjoyable for all three generations traveling with us. What made the experience especially unique was the setting itself. Their home is a cultural landmark, having been the birthplace of more than 6,000 babies over many generations, as their family served as obstetricians for the community for decades. Sitting together in their beautiful formal dining room to enjoy the meal we prepared felt incredibly special and personal. This experience created memories our family will treasure forever. If you are looking for an authentic, welcoming, and truly meaningful cultural experience in Japan, we highly recommend this cooking class. It was truly 5 stars.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Easy to walk there!
Transfer from Takayama to Kanazawa, including a visit to Shirakawa-go
Transfer from Takayama to Kanazawa, including a visit to Shirakawa-go
Japan

Our private transfer from Takayama to Kanazawa with Ku, including a stop in Shirakawa-go, was outstanding and far exceeded our expectations. Ku was an excellent driver — professional, safe, and incredibly kind — making the journey feel comfortable and relaxed for our three-generation group. The visit to Shirakawa-go, the UNESCO-listed historic village, was a highlight of the day. Ku shared thoughtful insights and insider knowledge, guiding us on the best timing to visit each house and helping us avoid the busiest crowds so we could fully enjoy the beauty and history of the village. Her familiarity with the area allowed us to experience the destination in a much more meaningful way than we could have on our own. Throughout the day, Ku was attentive, flexible, and genuinely invested in making sure we had a wonderful experience. The transfer was seamless, enjoyable, and stress-free, allowing us to focus on taking in the scenery and making special memories together. We highly recommend Ku for anyone traveling between Takayama and Kanazawa, especially if visiting Shirakawa-go along the way. Truly a 5-star experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Great driving! Very safe.
Kanazawa Food Tour: Private & Personalized with a Local Guide
Kanazawa Food Tour: Private & Personalized with a Local Guide
Kanazawa

Our time with Megu in Kanazawa was truly exceptional and a highlight of our trip. We had the pleasure of experiencing both a food tour and a half-day cultural tour with her, and both were outstanding. Megu has an incredible depth of knowledge and a warm, engaging way of sharing it that made each experience feel personal and memorable. During the food tour, Megu introduced us to local spots we never would have discovered on our own. She helped us understand regional specialties and guided us through how to order, making the experience approachable and enjoyable for our three-generation group. It was such a fun and delicious way to connect with the culture through food. The following day, Megu guided us through Kanazawa’s samurai district, beautiful gardens, and geisha district. Her storytelling brought each location to life, providing context that deepened our appreciation for the history and traditions of the area. The pacing was perfect, allowing time to explore, ask questions, and truly take in each setting. Megu is thoughtful, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing her culture. We left with a much richer understanding of Kanazawa and memories our family will cherish. We highly recommend touring with Megu — it was truly a 5-star experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kanazawa Half Day Tour with an English-Speaking Guide by Public Transportation (Private)
Kanazawa Half Day Tour with an English-Speaking Guide by Public Transportation (Private)
Kanazawa

Our time with Megu in Kanazawa was truly exceptional and a highlight of our trip. We had the pleasure of experiencing both a food tour and a half-day cultural tour with her, and both were outstanding. Megu has an incredible depth of knowledge and a warm, engaging way of sharing it that made each experience feel personal and memorable. During the food tour, Megu introduced us to local spots we never would have discovered on our own. She helped us understand regional specialties and guided us through how to order, making the experience approachable and enjoyable for our three-generation group. It was such a fun and delicious way to connect with the culture through food. The following day, Megu guided us through Kanazawa’s samurai district, beautiful gardens, and geisha district. Her storytelling brought each location to life, providing context that deepened our appreciation for the history and traditions of the area. The pacing was perfect, allowing time to explore, ask questions, and truly take in each setting. Megu is thoughtful, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing her culture. We left with a much richer understanding of Kanazawa and memories our family will cherish. We highly recommend touring with Megu — it was truly a 5-star experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Mar 31, 2026
Hi Lindsey, Brianna, and Linda, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing such a thoughtful and detailed review. We are so touched that your journey felt meaningful for all three generations of your family. Knowing that the ryokans, onsen, and private cooking experience in Takayama created lasting memories truly warms our hearts. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear that our guides and team could help make your days seamless, enriching, and filled with personal connection from... Read more

Hi Lindsey, Brianna, and Linda,

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing such a thoughtful and detailed review. We are so touched that your journey felt meaningful for all three generations of your family. Knowing that the ryokans, onsen, and private cooking experience in Takayama created lasting memories truly warms our hearts.

It’s incredibly rewarding to hear that our guides and team could help make your days seamless, enriching, and filled with personal connection from exploring Shirakawa-go to discovering Kanazawa’s hidden culinary gems. Moments like these, and the joy of sharing them with your family, are exactly what we hope every guest experiences.

We feel truly grateful to have been part of this special journey with you, and your words inspire us to continue creating experiences that touch the heart :)

With warm regards,

Leny & the Team

Hakone and Tokyo
Japan | Feb 16 - Feb 25, 2026

D
Diana C.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Mar 10, 2026
We had a terrific experience planning our trip through KimKim. Our agent, Leny, was fantastic to work with. She provided excellent hotel and travel suggestions and helped us design a wonderful itinerary. When we needed to make changes to our trip, she handled everything quickly and smoothly, which made the process stress-free. One highlight was our stay at the FuFu resort in Hakone. It was absolutely amazing. The food and the onsen were 5 stars! The private driver and guide Lenu arranged... Read more

We had a terrific experience planning our trip through KimKim. Our agent, Leny, was fantastic to work with. She provided excellent hotel and travel suggestions and helped us design a wonderful itinerary. When we needed to make changes to our trip, she handled everything quickly and smoothly, which made the process stress-free.

One highlight was our stay at the FuFu resort in Hakone. It was absolutely amazing. The food and the onsen were 5 stars! The private driver and guide Lenu arranged were also delightful and made exploring easy and enjoyable.

We would definitely use KimKim again for future travel.

Activity Review
 Day Trip from Osaka to Hiroshima with Bullet Train
Day Trip from Osaka to Hiroshima with Bullet Train
Osaka
Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Mar 11, 2026

Hi Diana, welcome back home!

I really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and experience with me! I’m so happy to hear that you had a wonderful trip. It was a pleasure helping plan your trip.

I hope we’ll have the chance to work together again on your next Japan adventure someday. If you ever decide to return or explore another destination in Japan, I’d be delighted to help.

Thank you again, and wishing you many more amazing travels ahead!

Warm regards,
Leny

Solo Trip to Japan with Support
Japan | Dec 8 - Dec 16, 2025

Rodney
Rodney K.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Dec 23, 2025
Instead of booking a large, generic group tour with fixed dates, rushed schedules, and little flexibility, I wanted something more personal for my first solo trip to Japan—and Kimkim delivered exactly that. Being able to choose my own dates and have a completely customized itinerary was exactly what I was looking for. My local specialist, Leny, really took the time to understand who I am and what I wanted out of this trip. Over several weeks, we worked together to create a thoughtful,... Read more

Instead of booking a large, generic group tour with fixed dates, rushed schedules, and little flexibility, I wanted something more personal for my first solo trip to Japan—and Kimkim delivered exactly that. Being able to choose my own dates and have a completely customized itinerary was exactly what I was looking for.

My local specialist, Leny, really took the time to understand who I am and what I wanted out of this trip. Over several weeks, we worked together to create a thoughtful, well-paced daily itinerary. I could choose from hotels that matched my style and budget, a mix of private and small-group tours in areas I wanted to explore, the foods I was excited to eat, and the sights I didn’t want to miss. Everything was well organized, including realistic travel time between locations, which made the trip feel smooth and stress-free.

Leny’s expertise, planning, recommendations, and patience made this trip truly exceptional and memorable. Every tour she arranged was fantastic—none were canceled, and all of the guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely enthusiastic. Some personal highlights included the 5-hour Tsukiji, Akihabara & Asakusa Highlights Tour, Best of Shibuya Food Tour, Dinner with a Maiko in Kyoto (which unexpectedly turned into a private dinner with a Geisha!), the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Garden walking tour, Kyoto’s Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace tour, and the All-Star Food Tour in Ginza.

One of the most valuable parts of the experience was knowing that Leny or someone on her team was always available if I needed help. I received daily reminders of the next day’s plans along with any tickets or vouchers, which was reassuring. Her real-time communication and spot-on recommendations for restaurants, shops, souvenirs, and museums were invaluable. Even when something didn’t go as planned, Leny and her team jumped into action, kept me informed, and resolved the issue with a solution that ended up being even better than the original plan. And when I got lost in Japan’s train stations many times, her team’s patience and guidance made all the difference.

Even though this was a solo trip, I felt like I had a supportive team behind me. Next time, I plan to bring my two teenage daughters to Japan, and I will absolutely be using Kimkim again to plan that trip.

Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Dec 24, 2025

Welcome back home, Rodney. I hope you’re settling in nicely.

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with my team and me. I’m delighted to hear that the trip turned out perfectly, as you mentioned, and that you enjoyed all of the experiences. It was also a pleasure working with you during the trip-planning process.

I look forward to helping you plan your next Japan adventure—perhaps with your teenagers this time. I will be sharing your feedback with my team and our partner teams as well.

Thank you again, and wishing you a Merry Christmas.

Warm regards,
Leny

Leny was fantastic prepping for the trip. Aft...
Japan | Oct 25 - Nov 10, 2025

Kevin
Kevin M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Dec 11, 2025

Leny was fantastic prepping for the trip. After numerous live calls we adjusted our itinerary to our needs and timing. Leny was patient and made all the necessary adjustments. The trip was fantastic and every day we had a text outlining our day and travel. Just an awesome experience and Leny was the best

Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Dec 11, 2025

Hi Kevin,

I hope you’re settling in nicely. Thank you so much for your kind words. It was a pleasure helping you shape the trip and fine-tune the itinerary, and it was great working with you throughout the planning process. I’m really glad the daily updates and arrangements made everything smooth and enjoyable. I appreciate your trust, and I’m happy to hear you had such a wonderful experience. I look forward to helping you with your future Japan trip.

Warm regards,

Leny

First-Time Solo Traveler in Japan: Effortless and Unforgettable!
Japan | Oct 22 - Nov 4, 2025

Kristi
Kristi R.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 09, 2025
What an incredible experience! As a first-time female solo traveler in Asia, I couldn’t have asked for a smoother, more enjoyable trip. The Kimkim team was fantastic, and a huge shoutout to Leny, my amazing Kimkim agent, who was always just a message away with helpful insights, restaurant suggestions, and even quick itinerary tweaks while I was in Japan. Truly a godsend!
My journey took me through Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, and back to Tokyo over the span of two weeks. The big...
Read more

What an incredible experience! As a first-time female solo traveler in Asia, I couldn’t have asked for a smoother, more enjoyable trip. The Kimkim team was fantastic, and a huge shoutout to Leny, my amazing Kimkim agent, who was always just a message away with helpful insights, restaurant suggestions, and even quick itinerary tweaks while I was in Japan. Truly a godsend!
My journey took me through Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, and back to Tokyo over the span of two weeks. The big cities were so much fun to explore—especially with the thoughtfully chosen hotels that made each stay comfortable and convenient. The smaller towns gave me a completely different perspective on Japanese culture that I never would have discovered on my own.
Every hotel was excellent, the food was out of this world, and the tours were exactly what I hoped for—most ended up being private, which made everything feel so personal. The tour guides were incredible and really brought each destination to life.
If you’re a female solo traveler wondering if this is doable—it absolutely is! Kimkim made it stress-free and enjoyable from start to finish. 10/10 would recommend, and I’m already planning my next trip to Japan!

Hotel Reviews
Hyatt Regency Tokyo
Tokyo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Matsuzakaya Honten
Kanagawa
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Thousand Kyoto
Kyoto

Really such a fantastic location to get anywhere you need in Kyoto and beyond. In the center of it all!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mercure Hida Takayama
Takayama

The public baths are a huge win! What a great hotel and location. But beware, there are a LOT of tours that stay here too, so there tend to be long wait times to the elevators or breakfast in the mornings.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa
Kanazawa
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Park Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Master Tokyo's Must-Sees: 5-hour Tsukiji, Akihabara & Asakusa Highlights Tour
Master Tokyo's Must-Sees: 5-hour Tsukiji, Akihabara & Asakusa Highlights Tour
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ken was a great tour guide and made the experience so fun and personal! 10/10 for Magical Trip
Transport
Ghibli Museum & Ghibli Film Appreciation Bus Tour (Round Trip from Shinjuku)
Ghibli Museum & Ghibli Film Appreciation Bus Tour (Round Trip from Shinjuku)
Tokyo

As a huge Studio Ghibli fan, visiting the museum was an absolute dream come true. My tour guide, Michico, was incredible—so knowledgeable and passionate, and it made the experience even more special knowing she was a fellow Ghibli fan. She was truly a highlight of the trip! The museum itself is something beyond words—magical, whimsical, and full of surprises. It’s a must-visit for any Ghibli lover. I spent hours exploring, letting my inner child lead the way, and loved every minute of it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Relaxing Evening: Private Onsen and Kaiseki Dinner
Relaxing Evening: Private Onsen and Kaiseki Dinner
Hakone

Hakone is a beautiful and fun destination, but I realized that traditional ryokans aren’t for me. While the experience is unique and deeply rooted in Japanese culture—complete with traditional clothing and footwear—I personally found it a bit uncomfortable. For travelers who want an authentic cultural stay, I highly recommend trying a ryokan at least once. However, if you prefer familiar comforts, this experience might push you out of your comfort zone and could feel a little stressful. The site itself was amazing and the staff incredibly attentive.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kimono wearing and Tea ceremony (Sado) in Kyoto (Private)
Kimono wearing and Tea ceremony (Sado) in Kyoto (Private)
Japan

I can’t rave enough about this Tea Ceremony experience! The women running the tea house were incredibly kind and generous with their time. What was supposed to be a 30-minute visit turned into an hour and a half of conversation, laughter, and exchanging stories with the staff. This was truly the highlight of my entire trip—an authentic, heartfelt experience that I’ll never forget. If you’re considering it, don’t hesitate. I recommend it 100%!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour
Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour
Kyoto

My tour guide, Ayuri, was absolutely amazing! I loved this entire tour—it gave me the chance to see areas that most travelers overlook because of the usual “tourism blinders.” Ayuri’s knowledge and passion made the experience unforgettable.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo with Chanko-nabe Lunch
Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo with Chanko-nabe Lunch
Tokyo

Wow, wow, wow—this experience was absolutely amazing! Learning about sumo wrestling directly from retired sumos was unforgettable, and then having them cook a delicious lunch for us? How cool is that! The sumos were hilarious, passionate, and so eager to share the history and culture of the sport. After the meal, we even practiced and had a match in the ring with them—which was hysterical fun and such a unique memory. 10/10 recommend, especially because our tour guide, Mayu, was so personable and an excellent translator, making the whole experience seamless and enjoyable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Dec 10, 2025

Hi Kristi,

I hope you’ve settled in nicely after your trip. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your feedback — I really appreciate it. It makes me happy to hear that you had such a wonderful experience traveling solo in Japan.

I’ll make sure to pass your kind words on to my team and our partners as well. They’ll be glad to know their efforts helped make your journey special. If there’s ever anything you’d like to explore again in Japan or anywhere else, I’d be more than happy to help.

Warm regards,
Leny

The trip was great - seamless and a lot of on...
Japan | Nov 23 - Nov 29, 2025

A
Alex H.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Dec 07, 2025
The trip was great - seamless and a lot of on the ground help once we got to Japan. We had fun learning about the metro system and generally walking all over. And some of the guides were terrific. The Kyoto visit was by far the most incredible part of the week. Thanks for your help! Read more

The trip was great - seamless and a lot of on the ground help once we got to Japan. We had fun learning about the metro system and generally walking all over. And some of the guides were terrific. The Kyoto visit was by far the most incredible part of the week. Thanks for your help!

Hotel Review
Patina Osaka
Osaka

Absolutely amazing! Brand new, right on Osaka Castle... A little walk to the metro but not bad. Breakfast was incredible. We will definately stay here again!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour
Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour
Kyoto

Incredible. the guide Akira Itoh was knowledgable and very friendly. An incredible visit!

Quality of Experience
Food
Tofu lunch was a bit boring
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience Old and Nostalgic Tokyo: Yanaka Walking Tour
Experience Old and Nostalgic Tokyo: Yanaka Walking Tour
Tokyo

Very neat learning about this neighborhood. The guide Michiko Aoyama was incredible - she was tireless and took us all over, to all the alleys of the neighborhood finding millinium old shrines. Great tour! And wonderful tour guide!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Dec 08, 2025
Hi Alex, Welcome back home! I hope you're settled in nicely.
I’m very glad to hear you enjoyed the trip and that everything went smoothly once you arrived in Japan. It’s great that you and your son embraced the metro system and explored on foot—that’s one of the best ways to experience local life.
I’m also happy to hear Kyoto was a highlight and that some of the guides made the experience memorable. During the Arashiyama tour, the traditional vegetarian Buddhist lunch is intentionally... Read more

Hi Alex,

Welcome back home! I hope you're settled in nicely.
I’m very glad to hear you enjoyed the trip and that everything went smoothly once you arrived in Japan. It’s great that you and your son embraced the metro system and explored on foot—that’s one of the best ways to experience local life.

I’m also happy to hear Kyoto was a highlight and that some of the guides made the experience memorable. During the Arashiyama tour, the traditional vegetarian Buddhist lunch is intentionally simple and natural, reflecting the philosophy of shojin ryori, which focuses on balance, purity, and appreciation of seasonal ingredients. This approach is very different from standard cuisine, yet it provides a meaningful cultural experience.

Thank you again for sharing your feedback. It was a pleasure planning this father-and-son journey with you. If you ever return to Japan or explore another destination, I’d be happy to help again.

Best regards,
Leny

Not the best
South Korea | Nov 29 - Dec 1, 2025

B
Bryn P.
Kennesaw, GA | Reviewed on Dec 04, 2025
When we arrived to Seoul, we were supposed to have a 4 hour tour coming straight from the airport. However, it was 6.5 hours and we only did 2 of the 5 things listed on the itinerary before forcing to call it quits due to the young children in our group. This day was very poorly planned. We got to the lunch spot, bought a few different items, and were ready to go, but we were told we needed to stay put and wait for 30 minutes until our guide and driver had time to enjoy their lunch. This was... Read more

When we arrived to Seoul, we were supposed to have a 4 hour tour coming straight from the airport. However, it was 6.5 hours and we only did 2 of the 5 things listed on the itinerary before forcing to call it quits due to the young children in our group. This day was very poorly planned. We got to the lunch spot, bought a few different items, and were ready to go, but we were told we needed to stay put and wait for 30 minutes until our guide and driver had time to enjoy their lunch. This was a waste of our time. The guide also told us she’d reach out to her manager to see about a refund for the spots we were unable to hit and I have yet to hear back. If the cable car is known to have lines and you chose to not purchase tickets in advance, why would that not be the first stop?

The second day at the DMZ was amazing. Vincent was great.

Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Dec 06, 2025

Hi Bryn, thank you for your review, and I hope you’re settled in. I’m sorry for what happened on Day 1—we wish we had known during your trip so we could have fixed it right away. I’ll investigate this with our partner supplier. I’m glad you enjoyed the DMZ tour with Vincent. Thank you, and I’ve reached out to you directly as well.

Warm regards,
Leny