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Rob Pratt

With over five years of experience in the travel industry, I specialise in designing refined, bespoke journeys that go beyond the ordinary. My approach is rooted in thoughtful planning, cultural depth, and attention to the finer details that elevate a journey from memorable to exceptional.

My career in travel began after working as a seafarer, where experiencing diverse cultures sparked a lasting passion for meaningful travel. I later spent two years with a travel agency in New Zealand, gaining hands-on experience in itinerary design, operations, and client engagement.

I focus primarily on Japan and China, working closely with my colleagues in Japan to create seamless, immersive journeys that leave a lasting impression.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialise in designing customised journeys throughout Japan and China, with a strong focus on Japan. My itineraries range from vibrant cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka to scenic regions including Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa, and Hokkaido.

I curate a wide variety of experiences, from cultural activities like tea ceremonies, kimono dressing, calligraphy, and samurai or ninja encounters, to nature and relaxation-focused travel such as hot spring stays with Mt. Fuji views, scenic hikes, cycling routes, and coastal landscapes. I also enjoy creating family-friendly itineraries, incorporating theme parks, hands-on workshops, and anime or pop-culture experiences.

Whether clients are seeking luxury, cultural immersion, or off-the-beaten-path exploration, I focus on creating seamless, well-balanced journeys that reflect individual interests and feel effortless from start to finish.
"

How did you get involved in travel?

"My involvement in travel began during my early career as a seafarer. Spending extended time at sea allowed me to visit a wide range of destinations and experience different cultures from a unique perspective. Those experiences sparked a genuine curiosity about places, people, and the stories behind them.

After leaving life at sea, I moved to New Zealand and spent five years working for a local travel agency. There, I gained hands-on experience in itinerary design, operations, and client relations. While based in New Zealand, I also began collaborating remotely with Ben and Bella, supporting clients and itineraries across Japan and China. Over time, that experience naturally led me to establish my own travel agency, where I now focus on creating carefully curated, meaningful journeys.
"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"One of the most unforgettable travel experiences of my life was walking along the Great Wall of China. Standing atop such a vast and historic structure, surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes, I was struck by both its scale and its quiet power.

As I walked along the stone pathways, I felt a deep connection to the history beneath my feet, imagining the generations who had shaped and protected it over centuries. It was a moment that went far beyond sightseeing, it was an experience that left a lasting impression and continues to influence how I think about travel and the value of cultural depth.
"

Rob is part of the following groups: Japan Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Rob

Trip to Japan
Japan | Oct 16 - Oct 26, 2026

Katrin
Katrin E.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Oct 27, 2026
It’s been a great experience booking our trip through KimKim.
The guides were exceptional, fun and made our travel an amazing experience.
Rob did a fabulous job putting our trip together.
He checked in with us on a daily bases, gave us a heads up with what was happening on a daily bases. He made sure we got everything we need.
The drivers did a great job getting us where we needed to be.
The transportation from the airport to the hotel was flawless.
This was our first time in Japan....
Read more

It’s been a great experience booking our trip through KimKim.
The guides were exceptional, fun and made our travel an amazing experience.
Rob did a fabulous job putting our trip together.
He checked in with us on a daily bases, gave us a heads up with what was happening on a daily bases. He made sure we got everything we need.
The drivers did a great job getting us where we needed to be.
The transportation from the airport to the hotel was flawless.
This was our first time in Japan. What a great country.
We highly recommend KimKim.
It’s worth spending the money.

Hotel Reviews
The Thousand Kyoto
Kyoto

This hotel is very modern. Great service! It’s located right next to the train station. We loved the hotel caffe/ bar. Breakfast was good. There are so many restaurant located around this hotel that made it very convenient. This hotel is hosting a lot of travel groups mainly from the US. We loved our room very modern Japanese style. It’s in the heart of everything either walking distance or just a few train stops away.

Authenticity & Character
Very modern Japanese
Location
Very convenient location
Staff
Super friendly service
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very minimalistic Japanese design
Hakone Hotel Kajikaso
Hakone

If you are looking for authentic Japanese charm this is the hotel for you! What an amazing experience. We had our own hot spring in our room. The breakfast was authentic Japanese. Located in the heart of Hakone. Very charming little town. We had Mountain View’s with a large window. Waking up in the morning having tea and a great view of the mountains.

Authenticity & Character
Old charm Japanese
Location
Authentic Japanese experience
Staff
Great service very friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Yes
Imperial Hotel
Tokyo

This hotel is located in a wonderful spot next to little local alleys and restaurants. Old world and modern, right next to Ginza. The service is amazing, the staff is super friendly. This hotel is very luxurious with art deco design. We loved the breakfast in the 17th floor with amazing views. Best breakfast buffet we have ever seen. Again the service is amazing! It has several different restaurants. The champagne bar is fabulous.

Authenticity & Character
Art Decco design - Frank Loyd Right
Location
In the heart of everything Old world with little alleys and restaurants. Located right next to Ginza - short walk
Staff
Best service ever
Cleanliness & Comfort
Couldn’t be better
Activity Reviews
 Hozugawa River Boat Ride and Arashiyama Exploration. (Private Guide &Public Transportation)
Hozugawa River Boat Ride and Arashiyama Exploration. (Private Guide &Public Transportation)
Kyoto

Great place! Go early Very crowded place

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Our guide
Day tour by public transport in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nishiki Market , Samurai and Ninja Museum; Authentic Tea Ceremony(Guided Tour;Public Transportation)
Day tour by public transport in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nishiki Market , Samurai and Ninja Museum; Authentic Tea Ceremony(Guided Tour;Public Transportation)
Kyoto

Great experience - our guide Yvonne was amazing

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Yvonne customized our experience by adding personal favorites
Transport
Our guide
Guided Tokyo City Highlights, Imperial Palace, Sushi Making & TeamLab Planets(Guided Tour;Public Transport)
Guided Tokyo City Highlights, Imperial Palace, Sushi Making & TeamLab Planets(Guided Tour;Public Transport)
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Food
Everything
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great overall Tokyo experience
Transport
Our guide
Guided tour to  Nara by private transfer: Temples, Shrines, and Tame Deer Adventure; Return to Kyoto
Guided tour to Nara by private transfer: Temples, Shrines, and Tame Deer Adventure; Return to Kyoto
Kyoto

This was an amazing experience - One the it’s kind

Quality of Experience
Best guide - with local experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide shared local favorites that I didn’t want to miss - we had the best sushi lunch as well as home made mochis - vintage finds at local places
Transport
Great driver
Private transfer from Tokyo to Hakone via Mt. Fuji
Private transfer from Tokyo to Hakone via Mt. Fuji
Japan

Great experience! Guide and driver

Quality of Experience
Driver and guide - Views - Hotel
Food
Everything
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very knowledgeable
Transport
On time very efficient
Tokyo’s Historic Temple and Glittering Skyline Moments(Guided Tour;Public Transportation)
Tokyo’s Historic Temple and Glittering Skyline Moments(Guided Tour;Public Transportation)
Tokyo

Amazing experience Our tour guide Roy was amazing

Quality of Experience
Our tour guide
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Super friendly and knowledgeable
Transport
On time and great drivers
Local specialist: Rob Pratt
Rob
Rob Pratt
Local specialist in Tokyo, Japan | Replied on Oct 27, 2026
Dear Katrin and Jeff, Thank you so much for this wonderful review! Louise and I are thrilled you both had such an amazing time on your very first trip to Japan. It was a real joy to plan this journey for you, especially with your wedding anniversary falling right in the middle of it. Celebrating with mountain views, your own hot spring at Kajikaso and then a new chapter in Kyoto sounds just perfect. Happy anniversary again to you both! We’re so glad Roy and Yvonne made Tokyo and Kyoto feel... Read more

Dear Katrin and Jeff,

Thank you so much for this wonderful review! Louise and I are thrilled you both had such an amazing time on your very first trip to Japan.

It was a real joy to plan this journey for you, especially with your wedding anniversary falling right in the middle of it. Celebrating with mountain views, your own hot spring at Kajikaso and then a new chapter in Kyoto sounds just perfect. Happy anniversary again to you both!

We’re so glad Roy and Yvonne made Tokyo and Kyoto feel so personal, and that your Nara guide shared all those local favourites, from the sushi lunch to the homemade mochi. I’ll pass your kind words on to all of them and to our drivers.

Thank you also for the lovely hotel reviews. That Imperial Hotel breakfast on the 17th floor sounds unforgettable!

Checking in with you every day was a pleasure, and it meant a lot to share your trip with you as it unfolded.

Whenever you’re ready to come back to Japan, we’d love to plan your next adventure together.

Warm regards,
Rob and Louise

Once in a Lifetime Trip!
Japan | Sep 18 - Oct 2, 2026

Landee
Landee K.
Kansas City, MO | Reviewed on Oct 06, 2026
We had just gotten married and wanted to have our honeymoon in Japan. We said it would be a trip of a lifetime-and it sure was! With the help of Rob, two tour guides, several drivers, and just the exceptional hospitality and kindness of the service staff at each hotel we stayed at, we had an unforgettable honeymoon. Shout out especially to Rob! His prompt communication and guidance made us feel totally prioritized and at ease. We didn’t have to worry about all the logistics of a long... Read more

We had just gotten married and wanted to have our honeymoon in Japan. We said it would be a trip of a lifetime-and it sure was! With the help of Rob, two tour guides, several drivers, and just the exceptional hospitality and kindness of the service staff at each hotel we stayed at, we had an unforgettable honeymoon. Shout out especially to Rob! His prompt communication and guidance made us feel totally prioritized and at ease. We didn’t have to worry about all the logistics of a long international trip and just got to enjoy our time in Japan.

Thank you for all who put in the work for us to have that trip of a lifetime! Only question now is when do we get to go back?

Hotel Reviews
Royal Park Hotel Kurashiki
Kurashiki
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku
Tokyo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hakone Kowakien Mikawaya Ryokan
Hakone
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Hakone’s serene lake, mountain panoramas, and a leisurely evening(Private Guide&Private Vehicle)
Hakone’s serene lake, mountain panoramas, and a leisurely evening(Private Guide&Private Vehicle)
Japan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private transfer from Tokyo to Hakone via Mt. Fuji(Arakurayama Sengen Park)
Private transfer from Tokyo to Hakone via Mt. Fuji(Arakurayama Sengen Park)
Japan
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Naoshima day tour:Art Islands, Seaside Ferries, and Contemporary Creativity(Self guided Tour)
Naoshima day tour:Art Islands, Seaside Ferries, and Contemporary Creativity(Self guided Tour)
Kurashiki
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Canals, Art, and Timeless Streets of Kurashiki(Guided Tour;Public Transport)
Canals, Art, and Timeless Streets of Kurashiki(Guided Tour;Public Transport)
Kurashiki
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tsukiji Outer Market, Meiji Shrine, Sushi Making Class and Harajuku(Guided Tour;Public Transportation)
Tsukiji Outer Market, Meiji Shrine, Sushi Making Class and Harajuku(Guided Tour;Public Transportation)
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Selfguided Tokyo City Highlights, Sumo Lunch & TeamLab Planets(Selfguided Tour)
Selfguided Tokyo City Highlights, Sumo Lunch & TeamLab Planets(Selfguided Tour)
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Rob Pratt
Rob
Rob Pratt
Local specialist in Tokyo, Japan | Replied on Oct 10, 2026
Hi Landee, Thank you so much for this lovely review, and congratulations again to you both on your wedding! I’m so happy to hear the honeymoon turned out to be the trip of a lifetime. Planning it with you was a real pleasure. I’ll pass your kind words on to your guides, drivers and the hotel teams, as they’ll be thrilled to hear it. It means a lot that you felt looked after and could just enjoy Japan without worrying about the logistics. That’s exactly what I hoped for you. As for your... Read more

Hi Landee,

Thank you so much for this lovely review, and congratulations again to you both on your wedding!

I’m so happy to hear the honeymoon turned out to be the trip of a lifetime. Planning it with you was a real pleasure. I’ll pass your kind words on to your guides, drivers and the hotel teams, as they’ll be thrilled to hear it.

It means a lot that you felt looked after and could just enjoy Japan without worrying about the logistics. That’s exactly what I hoped for you.

As for your question about going back, I’d love that! Japan has plenty more to show you. You could try Kyoto and Nara in autumn colours, the snowy Japanese Alps in winter, or cherry blossom season in spring. Just say the word whenever you’re ready and I’d love planning another trip for you both again:)

Wishing you both a wonderful start to married life!

Warm regards,
Rob

Amazing!
Japan | Sep 18 - Oct 2, 2026

J
Jeanean M.
Kansas City, MO | Reviewed on Oct 03, 2026

Mr. Ju, Mr. Eric, Mr. Ye, and any other tour guides were all great. Shibuya was a great spa, was totally taken care of and relaxed, it is an experience. Rob was great from the very first communication to guiding us as we were in Japan. Great trip and using KimKim was such a positive experience, will use it again. Thank you!

Local specialist: Rob Pratt
Rob
Rob Pratt
Local specialist in Tokyo, Japan | Replied on Oct 04, 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful review!It was truly a pleasure helping you plan this special honeymoon from our very first conversation and supporting you throughout your time in Japan. Knowing that you had a great journey and such a positive experience with kimkim means a great deal to us. Thank you again for placing your trust in our team. We would be thrilled to help you plan another adventure in the future!

Responsive, thoughtful support from start to finish
Japan | Sep 21 - Sep 27, 2026

Mackenzie
Mackenzie H.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 28, 2026
I worked directly with Rob as the travel advisor coordinating this Japan honeymoon, and he was wonderful to partner with throughout the planning process. The itinerary went through several revisions as we worked to get the pacing, hotels, transportation and experiences right, and Rob was consistently responsive, flexible and helpful. I especially appreciated being able to rely on his local expertise and relationships with in-country partners when questions or logistical details came up. As... Read more

I worked directly with Rob as the travel advisor coordinating this Japan honeymoon, and he was wonderful to partner with throughout the planning process. The itinerary went through several revisions as we worked to get the pacing, hotels, transportation and experiences right, and Rob was consistently responsive, flexible and helpful. I especially appreciated being able to rely on his local expertise and relationships with in-country partners when questions or logistical details came up. As the trip approached, he was excellent about providing updated driver information, reservation confirmations, transportation guidance and day-of details so I could make sure the travelers had everything they needed. He also responded quickly whenever I needed clarification or wanted to double-check something. From the advisor side, I felt well supported throughout the process and appreciated having a knowledgeable local partner I could rely on.

Local specialist: Rob Pratt
Rob
Rob Pratt
Local specialist in Tokyo, Japan | Replied on Sep 28, 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a real pleasure working with you on this special Japan honeymoon. I truly appreciated the collaboration and trust throughout the planning process, and I hope we’ll have the chance to work together again soon!