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Mina Helland

Mina is part of the following groups: Japan Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
12 Days in Japan - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
In 12 days, you can explore as few as four destinations, like Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka, or over eight on a faster-paced trip, adding in lesser-known locales like...
11 Days in Japan - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Thanks to efficient public transportation, you can fit a lot into 11 days in Japan. First-timers and families can take a Japan highlight tour that comprises Tokyo, Kyoto, and...
15 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With 15 days in Japan, you can delight in a well-rounded introduction to Tokyo and Kyoto's rich history and culture on a highlights tour or include time in Kanazawa, Naoshima,...
Family itineraries
Best of Japan Family Tour: Toyko, Kyoto & Osaka - 8 Days
Get your first taste of Japan on this family-friendly tour that introduces you to bustling cities, historic temples, and lively culture. Start in Tokyo, where you'll see the...
Japan Family Highlights Tour: Osaka, Kyoto & Tokyo - 10 Days
Discover the best of Japan with your family on this 10-day vacation that hits the country's natural wonders and cultural landmarks at a kid-friendly pace. Begin in Osaka, where...

Recent trip reviews for Mina

The Team at KimKim was incredible!
Japan | Apr 18 - Apr 26, 2026

K
Kristin M.
the Netherlands | Reviewed on May 03, 2026

Mina and her team were incredible throughout the year-long planning until we were safely home from our trip! We were so happy with the entire experience! We already want to plan our next trip. Special thanks to Iris and Carinta for their help too! We felt supported wherever we went with the emergency line - such a great feature! Thank you again! Can’t wait to work with KimKim on our next adventure!

Local specialist: Mina Helland
Read all Japan reviews

Couldn't have done it without KimKim
Japan | Feb 14 - Feb 20, 2026

J
Jonathan C.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026
Mina was a crucial part of planning a week-long visit to Japan with my two teenage kids. She was responsive to feedback, made changes at our request and was extremely thorough going over all the details, especially in the days leading up to our trip. We particularly enjoyed her recommendation for a casual dinner on our first night after arriving at a wagyu beef-centered restaurant. Kudos as well to our guides Franziskus (Tokyo), Seika (a delicious Shibuya food tour) and Zef (Kyoto). One... Read more

Mina was a crucial part of planning a week-long visit to Japan with my two teenage kids. She was responsive to feedback, made changes at our request and was extremely thorough going over all the details, especially in the days leading up to our trip. We particularly enjoyed her recommendation for a casual dinner on our first night after arriving at a wagyu beef-centered restaurant. Kudos as well to our guides Franziskus (Tokyo), Seika (a delicious Shibuya food tour) and Zef (Kyoto).

One note for U.S. travelers: a "double" room doesn't necessarily mean two beds in international hotels -- so if you definitely need a room with two beds, make sure you specify it clearly before booking.

Hotel Reviews
Tokyu Stay Shibuya
tokyo

Incredibly helpful staff at a property with clean, comfortable rooms located right in the heart of Shibuya. The in-room washer and dryer was a huge bonus.

Authenticity & Character
It's a very modern building and hotel.
Location
Less than a 15-minute walk to the heart of Shibuya
Staff
Were helpful and accommodating every step of the way.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Toilet occasionally gave off a sulphur-ish odor.
The Blossom Kyoto
Kyoto

Elevated, western-style hotel in a super charming part of Kyoto. Bountiful free breakfast buffet is a nice touch.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Mina Helland
Mina
Mina Helland
Local specialist in Tokyo | Replied on Feb 23, 2026
Hi Jonathan! Thank you so much for your lovely review! It truly means a lot to me :) It was such a pleasure assisting you in planning this trip to Japan with your kids. I really enjoyed shaping the itinerary together and making adjustments along the way to ensure it felt just right for your family. I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the wagyu dinner on your first night! Starting the trip with a great meal is always a good idea :) I will also be sure to pass your lovely comments along to... Read more

Hi Jonathan!

Thank you so much for your lovely review! It truly means a lot to me :)

It was such a pleasure assisting you in planning this trip to Japan with your kids. I really enjoyed shaping the itinerary together and making adjustments along the way to ensure it felt just right for your family. I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the wagyu dinner on your first night! Starting the trip with a great meal is always a good idea :)

I will also be sure to pass your lovely comments along to our team and the guides :) I know they will be very happy to hear they helped make your time in Tokyo and Kyoto special.

I hope this was a meaningful experience for all three of you and that it will not be your last visit to Japan!

Warmest regards,
Mina

Read all Japan reviews

Wonderful Trip to Japan
Japan | Aug 12 - Aug 20, 2025

Alejandra
Alejandra A.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025
We had such an easy and amazing time exploring a big chunk of Japan! Yas was our guide once we arrived and was very helpful in explaining how to travel while in Japan and Mina was a wonderful local specialist! She always answered all my questions and helped us whenever we needed anything! Would highly recommend this site, especially when traveling to Japan! Read more

We had such an easy and amazing time exploring a big chunk of Japan! Yas was our guide once we arrived and was very helpful in explaining how to travel while in Japan and Mina was a wonderful local specialist! She always answered all my questions and helped us whenever we needed anything! Would highly recommend this site, especially when traveling to Japan!

Hotel Reviews
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hiroshima
Hiroshima

Very nice and spacious rooms! Breakfast was amazing as always in Japan. Very clean as well! Very comfortable nights rest!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
THE KANZASHI TOKYO ASAKUSA

Breakfast is amazing! Very nice and helpful staff, and very close to a lot of fun little shops, a temple, and more! Rooms are nice and clean. Very comfortable stay

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo
Kyoto

Breakfast is buffet style! The rooms are very spacious and clean! Really nice after a long day of being on your feet! Very close to a train station and a 7-11 !

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ryokan Fukuzumiro

Very nice and amazing staff!! The rooms are very comfortable, and our helper was very attentive to our schedule and needs! The onsen are to DIE for and soooo relaxing! Very nice koi pond inside and an amazing view from the rooms!

Authenticity & Character
Very traditional japanese inn!
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Yaenomidori Tokyo
Chuo City

Staff are very helpful and friendly. Highly recommend the foot bath spa they offer! Very nice rooms, very comfortable! Delicious breakfast too!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to the Haneda airport and really close to major shopping districts!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Airport assistant premium Tokyo HND [8:00 - 20:00]
Tokyo

Very helpful in teaching us how to operate in Japan with our IC cards and explaining a bunch of our itinerary to us!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Pocket wifi 1 day to 1 month
Pocket wifi 1 day to 1 month
Japan

Very very useful to keep us online for google maps and in case I needed my local assistant! Very easy to use and return as well

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transportation card IC
Japan

Very convenient and easy to use / recharge.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome to Japan!
Welcome to Japan!
Japan

Very fun arrival, learning how everything works! Relaxed arrival to prepare for the busy days ahead!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hakone Jinja Shrine
Hakone Jinja Shrine
Hakone

Very beautiful. Peaceful shrine with a lot of fun things to do right before the shrine as well!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience Ryokan
Experience Ryokan
Japan

Amazing experience and very friendly staff. The onsen is very peaceful and relaxing after a long day of exploring. The food is delicious as well and having the view of the river as you sleep is unbeatable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kimono Rental + Outdoor photo shooting
Kimono Rental + Outdoor photo shooting
Kyoto

Had so much fun taking the pretties photos with a kimono! The photographer is super nice and so is the staff at the kimono rental facility.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Goodbye Japan!
Goodbye Japan!
Japan

I was really sad to leave. Make sure you know what terminal your flight is on, to help prevent getting lost (like me) Transport was really simple otherwise.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Tokyo Skytree
Visit Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo

Very fun activity! Dinner inside is a bit expensive but a very nice experience. Many souvenir shops, and very amazing views!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mina Helland
Photo taken by Alejandra A
Photo taken by Alejandra A