Shona Zhang

This is my third trip to Japan but my second time utilizing Kimkim. Wanted to try them again to see if there are improvements if I were to go Kyushu. So I booked a trip with them to head to Kyushu, Chugoku and then Osaka.

So my journey was Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Kumamoto, Hiroshima and then Osaka.
Lets start with the positives.

The journey itinerary was mostly planned well, activities had somewhat sufficient time for most locations. Shona had made a sturdy plan in theory. And had hired a good team of guides to show me around.

My favorite would be the boat ride in Takachiho Gorge followed by the Food tour in Hiroshima. That was amazing.

Now on small things to work on. This is alot better than when I used them for the first time.
Firstly, for locations that require longer travel distance by public transport, do either make sure the guide is hired for sufficient time, sometimes, 8 hours in insufficient to cover 4 locations.

For me specifically, Miyazaki, it is a location far and also public transport has an interval of 1 hour and 30 mins. There was a rush between Aoshima Shrine and Udo Shrine. And also the guide could only cover 2 out of 4 locations. I personally could not cover Haniwa Garden within the time limit before it closed.
Do try to check in during the planning stage on potential transport requirements due to this

Lastly for Kumamoto, I was not able to go to Mt Aso, but its understandable due to the weather and the recent tragic accident on the crater. But even if we had tried to go, the time is quite tight and within the day period, we could cover only 3/4 theoretically speaking.

Overall to help with feedback, my advice is to understand the distance between locations and reserve the guide and drivers for the right amount of time. This is of course best done in the planning stage given the months to do so

But overall, it was an amazing trip, Shona did try to be as helpful as possible to alleviate the trip needs which I do feel is commendable. Thank you for the improvement from my previous engagement with you.

Looking forward to utilizing them again should the need arise.

Hotel Reviews

Citadines Namba Osaka

Osaka

This is my most favourite hotel in Namba. If you are staying in Namba, this is a good place to stay especially for anime fans

Authenticity & Character

You really feel like you are in your own apartment rather than a hotel. Thats my feeling on its character

Location

it is just a few minutes walk away from Namba station and the closest to DenDen Town.

Staff

super helpful staff. Or maybe my minimum japanese did help make conversations more fun haha

Cleanliness & Comfort

No doubt, its like you have a clean house

The Royal Park Hotel Hiroshima Riverside

The name is quite royal but the place is alright. The rooms are quite small. Luggage wise you will need to have a think fo where to set up. It is abit of walking distance from Hiroshima Station but with that, reasonably price. TV options are its weakpoint when you are chilling. Not much channels and also the VOD card is more for... special viewings...

Authenticity & Character

it has that hotel look in the USA.

Location

alittle bit of walk to Hiroshima station but you walk past a very nice river.

Staff

Very polite and friendly helpful staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

it is clean thought abit squeezy potentially

THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO

Very very easy to access as its just infront of Kumamoto station. The rooms are super nice similar to Solaria Nishitetsu series. They have a public bath for guests to use. but with that being said, your room doesnt have a bathtub for you to soak privately

Authenticity & Character

Maintains its high profile look

Location

Just beside Kumamoto Station. Easy to access Train, buses and Trams

Staff

Polite and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Its very comfortable

JR Kyushu Hotel Miyazaki

The hotel is easily accessible from the Train station and located at the main bus terminal, ease of access around the City. You can also walk about maximum 20 minutes to core food and nightlife areas

Authenticity & Character

Good for quick, easy movment. Nothing too fancy

Location

its in the heart of the transport system. Eae of access around the city

Staff

Helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

abit more smaller than nishitetsu. Definitely made to just stay for sleep without anything too fancy

Solaria Nishitetsu hotel Kagoshima

Again Solaria Nishitetsu, you cant go wrong with this choice

Authenticity & Character

It incorporates the Yatai village for people who want a quick Yatai feel and has that professional feel

Location

Near the train and bus services. Ease of access around the city and alittle outside

Staff

Helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

It is comfortable for solo travellers. Maybe huge travellers might find it uncomfortable to walk through room with a corridor. It is comfy for asians like me

Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Fukuoka

Fukuoka

The Solaria Nishitetsu is a hotel chain that you cant go wrong with. Accessibility is good to public transportation. Rooms are super clean and have sufficient space for solo travellers

Authenticity & Character

Its standardized service and professional style

Location

Near subways and trains. Ease of access

Staff

Helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Its clean and has the needed amenities. Enough said

Activity Reviews

Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour

Hiroshima

Hiro was a great guide and has excellent english to guide

Quality of Experience

Miyajima is a great sight with very cute deers

Food

momiji manju is yum. It goes well with Georgia Sarutahiko coffee

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Hiro is excellent at guiding

Transport

easy enough to take the ferry

Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour

Hiroshima

this is a definite must for first timers. To try all types of food. And with the friendly company of Kensuke. Its great

Quality of Experience

The food was great. amazing variety

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Kensuke was friendly and engaging.

Transport

Easy enough to chill and walk around

Shrine and Takachiho Gorge 1 Day Highlights Tour From Kumamoto

Kumamoto

Takachiho Gorge and Amanoyasugawara are great sights to go to. Couldn't go to Mt Aso but its weather and road conditions and also accident so it cant be helped

Quality of Experience

Takachiho and Amanoyasugawara made it worth

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Zeal was an understanding and good planner

Transport

Ride was comfy to get from point to point

A Journey Through Myth and Nature

Miyazaki

Miyazaki was almost perfect. What was lacking is the realization that public transport intervals are horrendous. But Aoshima and Udo Shrine are definitely breathtaking places

Quality of Experience

Everything was great except for transport. Made me rush at Aoshima

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Elvis was great at managing as best given the situation

Transport

The buses are bad. Intervals horrendous. Would have liked transport

Full day to Kagoshima with Sakurajima

Kagoshima

Sakurajima and Sengan-en and ending with the sunset at Shiroyama. Amazing planning by Eve

Quality of Experience

Sengan-en and Sakurajima is a must to go and see

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Eve is superb at planning. Everything fell into place

Transport

ease of transport as long as you plan

Full Day Nagasaki Peace Park and Glover Garden Tour

Fukuoka

A great day trip here. Loving the peace and zen fo the park and some understanding on the history of the bobing

Quality of Experience

Nagasaki is a good experience outside of the bustle

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Jyo plans the route well

Transport

ease of access around the area. just need to take the right train to Nagasaki

Full Day Fukuoka Castle Ruins ,Hakata Folk Museum,and Canal City Tour

Fukuoka

Had Jyo for my guide. she is a vert smart guide and knowledgeable. And she had good planning for the flow of the itinerary

Quality of Experience

The vibes of the place

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Jyo is a good planner

Transport

easy access to the locations

If you're seeking to create a private tour of Japan, then Shona of kimkim can provide you with the resources to develop, coordinate and create an experience that will be unique as you desire. We enjoyed 22 days of adventure as a party of four staying in seven locations with accommodations of four star arranged by both kimkim and ourselves. Shona was instrumental in providing us with private professional guides, bike tours, foodie tours, event tickets, private transfers and purchasing rail tickets with reserved seating located strategically for convenient luggage storage. We began and ended our adventure in Tokyo with stops in Nikko, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Koyasan and Hakone. There were a variety of day trips that allowed us to experience the beautiful countryside. We had a very active itinerary which required close collaboration from all parties in order for it to flow and be successful. Our trip to Japan was so memorable and we wouldn't have been able to do it without the assistance of kimkim.

Hotel Reviews

Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU

Hakone

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

莲华定院 (Ren'gejo-in Temple (Pilgrim's Lodging))

We had a amazing room with a private bathroom garden view named waterfowl.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Candeo Hotels Osaka The Tower

Osaka

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa

Kanazawa

Amazing breakfast buffet with so many options for a Japanese or Western taste

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel

Location is bit isolated unless you have your own transportation

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza PREMIER

Tokyo

Room was tiny and breakfast was ok

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Osaka Foodie Walking Tour at dark

Osaka

Need to update the meeting location. It was raining hard and we had to walk for twenty minutes to the new meeting location

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transfer from Kyoto to Osaka via Nara

Japan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Garden Walking Tour (Join-in)

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Half Day Fushimi Inari Taisha to Tofuku-ji Temple Hiking Experience

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Geisha (Maiko) Tea Ceremony & Show

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Kanazawa Full Day Walking Tour

Kanazawa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Shirakawago Day Trip

Kanazawa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Nikko 33km Scenic Cycling + Farmhouse Lunch (Approx. 5 Hours)

Nikko

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Night Tour of Kanawaza With Dinner

Kanazawa

Quality of Experience

Food

Very interesting venue

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Wasn't that much to see at night

Get a Taste of Nikko's Nature and Culture: Toshogu Shrine.

Nikko

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Tour with Whisky Tasting

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

Weather was so good that day

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Tokyo City Tour

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our trip to Japan was memorable and full of beauty. The itinerary gave us a wonderful mix of cultural, historical, and scenic experiences. Kamakura was by far my favorite stop - peaceful, rich in history, and beautifully guided by Kimura, who was phenomenal. He was kind, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable. We learned so much and felt truly cared for.

Unfortunately, our experience in Nikko was disappointing. Our guide, Martin, seemed ill, which was especially concerning because my mother is immunocompromised. His clothes and glasses appeared dirty, and the tour itself felt unorganized. We learned very little about the sites, didn’t have time to browse the shops, and there was no break for lunch, which left everyone hungry by the end of the day.

We raised our concerns, and the kimkim team responded quickly by assigning Edward for our Mt. Fuji excursion. Edward was wonderful - professional, thoughtful, and attentive. Thanks to him, we finished our trip on a positive note.

Our travel specialist, Shona, was kind but missed the mark in a few areas. Our hotel was changed twice after payments had already been made, our Disney tickets were not secured early enough to make restaurant reservations, and I also noticed that our Disney tickets were purchased for the wrong day leading to a bed to change around our itinerary very close to our departure date. Shona also mixed up the time of our final call, which caused some confusion and didn’t allow for our entire group to be present. The travel documents we received also had small errors, such as listing the wrong months (March and April instead of October) and including information about an activity we weren’t doing. We asked for restaurant recommendations but received only a few food ideas shortly before departure, so we ended up doing that research ourselves. Finally, our Mario Kart tour was cancelled due to rain, so Shona was kind enough to refund us directly $112/pp for the tickets and driver fees. While in Japan, Shona was very responsive and made sure we were taken care of. I wish this was the sentiment before getting to Japan, too.

Despite these bumps, Japan itself was absolutely magical. Kamakura and Mt. Fuji were unforgettable, and Kimura and Edward were the true highlights of our journey. With a little more attention to detail in the planning and communication process, this trip could have been flawless.

Hotel Review

Sunshine City Prince Hotel Ikebukuro Tokyo

Tokyo

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Tour with Whisky Tasting

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Exploring the Natural Wonders of Nikko

Japan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tokyo-Kamakura-Tokyo

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Meiji Shrine,the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace Akihabara,and Harajuku Tour

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The itinerary of the trip was unbelievable and Shona planned the trip of a lifetime…in the final analysis that is all that matters! We did have some minor challenges along the way which are worth mentioning to provide constructive feedback for next client. These include 1. Major issues w web site …after over a year of planning, the itinerary was dropped and had to be rebuilt. Our friends could not at first pay final payment because business office had no record of trip! We were never able to get two distinct trip plans….for example new plan did not reflect free meals at hotel in Hakone which was on earlier version ( although Shona eventually included). Minor issue but only 2 tee shirts provided at Christmas although 4 people traveling and paying money. Sometimes communication was challenging. Zoom calls did not work, for example. Shona worked really hard and generally available at all hours of day, leading us to worry that she might have needed more help from team. We learned the hard way that asking for extra steps, such as tickets to a tennis tournament, could be so challenging to not be worth the effort on the part of all. This I suspect is a function of the complex nature of Japan. The web site was confusing. Changes made in chat section not always accurately updated in trip plans, leading to some confusion, such as not knowing when rides to train would show up, location for foodie tour meet up spot was wrong, so spent an hour waiting in pouring rain to finally meet guide, etc. For the most part, these challenges were limited in number and guides, train tickets,etc. all worked like clockwork. Hotels were great, with exception of last night in Tokyo..room was so small it was hard for my husband and I to even move around free space. Your last night before a long journey home you really want to start w a good night’s sleep so that was disappointing. The hotels were in great locations and high quality, however, although the lake hotel in Nikko was far from town so long taxi rides for bike tour. In retrospect, we are still glad we stayed there as it was a very unique experience and the other choices would not have been as good. We had 4 guides that were over the top and made our experiences especially wonderful… we bonded so well with them that it was hard to say goodbye ( Tokyo, Kyoto, Nikko bike trip, and Nara transfer). All guides were good, but it was clear which ones were doing it to pick up extra money while in school, for example, versus having a true passion. We did not like the tours where you had to pay entrance fees yourself, such as with Kanazawa tours. For the most part, the itinerary did a great job ( with help of guides ) of avoiding crowds during high traffic season, which was greatly appreciated . The main exception was Tokyo sky tower on Sunday afternoon—- 2 hrs of lines and so crowded on top hard to take in view.

In summary, what I really liked about the trio was attention to making experiences unique, and not touristy, so we felt we really could experience the real Japan. The private guides did that, as well special events such as country bike trip in Nikko, monastery stay in Koyasan, geisha tea house ceremony, Nara deer interactions, visit to ancient home in third town on Shirakawago day trip, Kimono museum in Mt Fuji, etc. Please don’t take the comments above as taking away from the incredible service we got from Shona. This was not a cookie cutter trip to a very busy tourist site… it was well planned, unique, creative, flowed well and a great collaborative effort between ourselves and our guide!,

Hotel Reviews

Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU

Hakone

Dinners great

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

莲华定院 (Ren'gejo-in Temple (Pilgrim's Lodging))

Unique experience although hungry after meals!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Candeo Hotels Osaka The Tower

Osaka

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa

Kanazawa

View of electrical equipment on roof of building next door

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel

Big room beautiful location Rooms a bit dated but very charming . Far from town

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza PREMIER

Tokyo

Rooms too small. Breakfast good and location great

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Room too small. View into office suite of building across way

Activity Reviews

Osaka Foodie Walking Tour at dark

Osaka

Guide good .. first restaurant just mediocre.. second good. Poring rain and we were told to meet at old meeting point ..had to walk in rain to catch up to guide

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transfer from Kyoto to Osaka via Nara

Japan

Highlight of trip was spending so much time w Hector… he even walked back to hotel check in w us to be sure no issues and kept sending useful advice after the long day w him ended. So much fun. Lived his knowledge, enthusiasm, sense of humor, shortcuts and tailored itinerary

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Garden Walking Tour (Join-in)

Kyoto

Just ok

Half Day Fushimi Inari Taisha to Tofuku-ji Temple Hiking Experience

Kyoto

Guide was nice but harder to communicate with

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Geisha (Maiko) Tea Ceremony & Show

Kyoto

Thought it would be touristy but it felt very authentic and we really loved the Q and A w geisha

Quality of Experience

Kanazawa Full Day Walking Tour

Kanazawa

Guide was nice but did not feel as if we learned as much . Did not like concept of paying for lunch for all.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Shirakawago Day Trip

Kanazawa

Loved all 3 towns,but the most authentic was the last one.. especially house visit.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Night Tour of Kanawaza With Dinner

Kanazawa

Guide was just Ok . Restaurant was great and unique

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Nikko 33km Scenic Cycling + Farmhouse Lunch (Approx. 5 Hours)

Nikko

Our tour guide was so wonderful ! Loved the entire day . Bikes good. Well organized .

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Get a Taste of Nikko's Nature and Culture: Toshogu Shrine.

Nikko

KENTO was as good as it gets … so much fun and we will never forget our time with him.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Tour with Whisky Tasting

Tokyo

Yumi was outstanding

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Tokyo City Tour

Tokyo

Yumi was as good as it gets .. we became best friends before the trio was over. She spent so much time ensuring everything went smoothly and had unique suggestiins to make Tokyo and mt Fuji flow smoothly.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport