Marii McDonald

Really enjoyed planning this amazing first trip to Japan. Marii listened to all of my requirements and helped me put together a trip that was memorable for all. We did encounter some glitches, but she rectified them and in the end everything worked out well
Tokyo stay at the Indigo Shibuya was amazing. The meiji shrine shinto ritual tour is highly recommended. We toured Tokyo on the east side with Molly and Yuri and had a great time exploring all the food choices and getting their recs for shopping and dining places in Asakusa and Akihabara. The sumo wrestling is just a fun family event so would rec.
Hakone Ryokan was superb and relaxing as an in between city stay
Kyoto was a favorite and we enjoyed our Tea Ceremony the most. The Gion tour was not necessary as we could have done on our own. The Thousands Tokyo is very well situated near the station allowing us quick in and out for exploration.
Hiroshima/Miyajima tour was well executed by our personal tour guide yuko who kept us on track but never made us feel rushed.
All of our train tickets were purchased ahead of time and we used our suica card for metro and short travel distances which worked great. Our guides were a big help in helping us navigate all this when asked.
I highly rec Kim Kim for those travelers that need some help with coordinating hotels, transfers and ideas for tours. I was fully involved in all the decision making with Marii guiding me along the way.
I really enjoyed our 2 main chats to put together all the days and tours which helped personalize our trip.
We were exhausted at the end of the day but really enjoyed the whole trip and will be back to Japan to enjoy at a bit of leisure. Awesome country with amazing people who were very welcoming.
We returned back to Tokyo for another day and loved the Wagyu beef and sake tasting tour. Probably should have done earlier in our tour so we could enjoy the correct sake for the rest of the trip!

Hotel Reviews

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza PREMIER

Tokyo

After our other two hotels, this one is mediocre. But pricing of hotels in ginza are astronomical so this was more of a budget hotel, with a comfortable room. Breakfast was okay but not as nice as the other stays in Shibuya and Kyoto

Authenticity & Character

very basic

Location

Staff

helpful when needed but didn't go out of the way

Cleanliness & Comfort

clean but no real ambience

The Thousand Kyoto

Kyoto

Great location and the staff is very helpful with navigating the area and trains. Make sure to come out the central hall at the station to get to the hotel. We went out the wrong way. They were very helpful in transferring our bags back to Tokyo and it only took a few minutes on our end.

Authenticity & Character

beautiful lobby

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

room was big enough for the 3 of us

HAKONE GORA BYAKUDAN

Hakone-machi

A must for a first time traveler. But one night is enough.

Authenticity & Character

the decor in the room was amazing

Location

one with nature

Staff

treated us like royalty with great attention to detail

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya

Shibuya

Decent size room for 3 people. Well situated near Shibuya station but quiet. Breakfast was amazing and service excellent

Authenticity & Character

the decor

Location

Staff

everyone was very kind

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour

Kyoto

Our guide was very kind but could not speak fluent English. He walked us around Gion, but we could have done that on our own and read from tour books. Took us to a traditional Kyoto Kaiseki dinner and conversation with him at that time was good.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

very kind guide, but his English was not very good and he was not able to engage with information during our stroll. He did take very nice pictures of our family

Relaxing Evening: Private Onsen and Kaiseki Dinner

Hakone

This is a 5 star experience you should not miss. We stayed at Gora Byakudan which provides an amazing experience at the Onsen, dinner and breakfast. They explain the tradition of the onsen and there are many instructions to follow prior to stepping in to the open onsen. We had a private one on our balcony as well which was nice. The dinner is like nothing I have experienced. You have to keep your mind open as it is very traditional kaisaki.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Dinner & Live Sumo Show with Former Professional Wrestlers

Tokyo

No trip would be complete without a live sumo show. Had a good time with our daughter and the crowd really fed in to the whole experience

Quality of Experience

Food

Hot Pot and Champo were okay

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Wagyu Beef & Sake Paring Foodie Tour in Ginza

Tokyo

Really fun experience with a knowledgeable guide. Encompasses understanding sake and then a very nice teppanaki style wagyu experience

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Full Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour from Kyoto with a Multilingual Guide by Public Transportation (Private)

Kyoto

Yuki was a wonderful guide and helped navigate the trains, boats and admission to the sites.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

You use high speed trains and local transport that is included in the cost of the tour. Tickets were prepurchased

Kimono Tea Ceremony Gion Kiyomizu (Private)

Japan

One of our favorite experiences. Very authentic and full of detail and beauty. She was so knowledgeable of the customs and rituals. They use excellent matcha so enjoy

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tokyo to Hakone Transfer: Mt. Fuji and Hakone Full-Day Tour with English-Speaking Driver

Japan

Our driver Gary was committed on getting us a view of Fuji which we somehow did for 15 min before the cloud cover came back. Took us to some amazing view points and never rushed us. Was a great resource on culture in Japan and ways to navigate the other cities. Spoke excellent English

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bring your music and enjoy on the drive!

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

Tokyo

Great way to get an understanding of the fish market and the offerings. It is overwhelming with instagram influencers swaying you to go to certain vendors. Our guides knew where to go for the best offerings and introduced us to so many dishes which helped with our choices later in the trip

Quality of Experience

Food

so many varieties to sample.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

navigating the metro/subway for the first time so it was helpful

Special Access: Join a Traditional Shinto Ritual at Meiji Shrine

Tokyo

Highly recommend to immerse yourself in to the shinto culture and get an inside peak at the shrine

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our 15-day trip to Japan was incredible, and Marii made the entire planning process easy and stress-free. She provided great suggestions that we incorporated into our itinerary, and we loved how the trip included a little bit of everything—from traditional cultural experiences to modern attractions.

The tours were fantastic and gave us a well-rounded experience of Japan. Highlights included a tea ceremony, a food tour, and exploring different regions and aspects of Japanese culture. We also appreciated having free time built into the itinerary, along with Marii's excellent recommendations for places to visit, restaurants to try, and activities to enjoy on our own.

I would also like to recognize the wonderful guides we had throughout our trip. Every guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and welcoming. They made us feel comfortable from the start and helped create memorable experiences in each destination.

One of the highlights of our trip was our tour of Hakone and Mt. Fuji with Masashige. He took us to several beautiful viewpoints to see Mt. Fuji and shared fascinating information along the way. Seeing Mt. Fuji from these locations was truly unforgettable and one of the biggest highlights of our trip.

We were also pleasantly surprised by Kanazawa and Hiroshima. These destinations offered a different pace and were less crowded, allowing us to experience another side of Japan. Yoshiko, our guide in Kanazawa, and Lisa, our guide in Hiroshima, made these tours especially meaningful through their knowledge, storytelling, and passion for the local history and culture.

Another guide who left a lasting impression was Moeka during our Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Garden Tour. She had such wonderful energy and thoughtfully took us to quieter locations before visiting the bamboo forest. One of the most memorable parts of the tour was learning traditional calligraphy. She wrote our names in Katakana and guided us as we practiced writing them ourselves. It was a relaxing, unique, and unforgettable experience.

Hakone also deserves a special mention. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, and being surrounded by mountains and nature was the perfect way to slow down, disconnect, and appreciate Japan's natural beauty. It quickly became one of our favorite places on the trip.

All hotel, transportation, and activity information was easy to access. We experienced a couple of minor issues with Shinkansen tickets and a chopstick-making reservation, but Marii and her team responded immediately and resolved everything quickly. Their communication throughout the trip was excellent, including helpful reminders and detailed instructions before each tour, which made navigating Japan much easier.

Everyone we worked with was kind, knowledgeable, and professional. It was clear that a lot of care and attention went into planning our trip. Thanks to Marii and her team, our trip was smooth, well-organized, and truly unforgettable. We enjoyed every minute of it and highly recommend Marii and her team to anyone planning a trip to Japan.

The local guides and drivers were all excellent. Very knowledgeable, extremely helpful and caring. The level of care provided for my wife who is in a wheelchair could not have been better. The planned areas we visited were outstanding. Very pleased. Even when we had some misunderstandings on a few things they were very accommodating to make everything right.

Hotel Reviews

THE PRINCE KYOTO TAKARAGAIKE

Kyoto

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa

Hakon

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo

Tokyo

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Guided Tour from Muroran Port: Exploring Hokkaido's Majestic Nature, Featuring Lake Toya and Noboribetsu Hell Valley

Japan

Fantastic once again. Really hard to ask for anything better than our guide and driver. They were a great team showing us the beauty of the area. Lakes, mountains, parks, lighthouse. So beautiful. Lunch was also great !!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Aomori Highlights Private Car Tour (from Aomori Port)

Aomori

Our guide and driver were once again outstanding. They were so knowledgeable sharing beautiful Amori and all the sites around the area. Just fantastic!!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Hakodate Tour with English Speaking Guide and Vehicle (Private)

Hakodate

Fantastic guide and driver. Really impressed with knowledge and experience. Could not ask for better!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transfer from Kyoto to Daikoku Cruise Terminal via Shin-Yokohama station by Private transfer

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transport from Kyoto to Shin-Yokohama by Bullet Train

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Transfer from your Hotel to Kyoto Station

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

No

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Serenity in Arashiyama: Statues, Bamboo, and Scenic Retreats

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Miyajima and Hiroshima Tour From Kyoto with English Speaking Guide (Private)

Kyoto

Great guide that shared so much history and knowledge. Driver was great and very caring. This was an unforgettable experience!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Kyoto and Nara Tour with English Speaking Guide and Vehicle (Private)

Japan

Our guide was the most knowledgeable and caring person you could hope for. Just incredible day together!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private transfer from Kyoto Station to the Hotel

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transfer from Hilton Odawara Spa & Resort Hotel to Odawara Station by Taxi

Hakone

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tokyo to Hakone Transfer: Mt. Fuji and Hakone Full-Day Tour with English-Speaking Driver

Japan

Our tour guide and driver were just incredible!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Tour - History, Art and Nature at the Imperial Palace

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

LLP

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Tokyo Tour with English Speaking Guide and Vehicle (Private)

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We just got back from Japan and everything was perfect! Mari worked with us to create the perfect experience. My husband got to forge a knife with a 7th generation knife maker in Kyoto. We incorporated private tours with small group tours. We loved our cooking class with Niko in Osaka. I would highly recommend KimKim Tours.
Mary from Ohio

Hotel Reviews

The Tokyo Station Hotel

Tokyo

It was great to get off the train from Osaka and have a hotel employee meet us at the train platform.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Conrad Osaka

Osaka

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Ace Kyoto

kyoto

Fun bar and great pizza!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Palace Hotel Tokyo

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour

Kyoto

Great guide! Very crowded!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The Osaka Home Feast: Cooking, Culture & Sake Discovery

Osaka

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour (Adults only)

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Japanese Knife Making Experience in Kyoto

Kyoto

A real “hands on” experience!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

English-Speaking Assistant from Tokyo Hotel to Tokyo Station

Tokyo

Well worth it!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I wanted a once in a lifetime experience and my agent DELIVERED. The hotels were exquisite and perfect, the tours were well planned with the sites and guides being kind and informative.

Hotel Reviews

Hilton Kyoto

Kyoto

My grandson's favorite. Beautiful and spacious. Well located by shopping areas

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hakone Kamon

Hakone

A true japanese experience Such gracious kindness!

Authenticity & Character

It was like stepping back into another world

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo

Tokyo

Graceful, beautiful, comfortable and the staff was gracious and welcoming

Authenticity & Character

The landscaping and view out the window of the restaurant was gorgeous

Location

Close to train station

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was perfect

Activity Reviews

Half Day Kyoto Tour with English Speaking Guide & Vehicle

Japan

Kyoto was a favorite city

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Hakone Tour with English Speaking Guide and Vehicle (Private)

Hakone

A beautiful day to be in hakone

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Harajuku Meiji Shrine Walking Tour in Tokyo

Tokyo

The guide did a great job explaining the history and meaning behind the shrines and traditions

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Relaxing Evening: Private Onsen and Kaiseki Dinner

Hakone

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome (Irrashaimase) to Tokyo!

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Wagyu Beef & Sake Paring Foodie Tour in Ginza

Tokyo

Wagyu dinner was great. Tried sake The sweets were yummy

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

East Tokyo Highlights: Half-Day Private Tour with Guide & Vehicle

Tokyo

The market is overwhelming for first timers so it was helpful to have someone help us navigate to the hest stalls

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Watch Morning Practice at a Sumo Stable (Small Group Tour)

Tokyo

A highlight

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

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

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

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

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

My daughter and I had an amazing time traveling from Osaka to Kyoto to Hakone and Tokyo. Marii was incredibly thoughtful in suggesting activities based on our interests and worked with the tour operators to accommodate her food allergy. The kimkim team was so helpful in sending daily reminders for activities, answering our questions while traveling and preparing tickets ahead of time. It made the trip much more relaxing while allowing us to fit in several cities over 8 days.

The time of year was lovely- pre cherry blossoms so fewer crowds- but we did see plum trees in bloom! The group tours were small and very personalized. It was nice to have time to ask questions. Our favorite activity was traveling from the Hakone hot spring (lovely!) to Tokyo with such a friendly driver who took us to several spots to view Mount Fugi, including by cable car and boat. We were fortunate with a clear, sunny day. It is a special site to see! Also highly recommended any tours to see the temples and Gion district in Kyoto and Osaka dotonbori district at night for the lights and food!

Activity Reviews

Hakone to Tokyo Private Transfer: Mt. Fuji and Hakone Full-Day Tour with English-Speaking Driver

Japan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

No

Transport

Transfer from Odawara Train Station to Hakone Hotel

Hakone

Quality of Experience

M

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kyoto Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour

Kyoto

Talk was an incredible guide a delightful to spend an evening with trying loc as l food and sake. He was particularly helpful quite navigating a food allergy. Highly recommend.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima by bullet train from Osaka

Osaka

Efficient way to see Hiroshima and Miyajima in one day but it did not felt rush. Incredible tour guide!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

O

Transport