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Shona Zhang

With strong passion for traveling,I worked as an English-speaking guide for 10 years with travel agent.I love to travel and communicate with different tourists from all corners of the world.Traveling is the most relaxing way to get to know different people and share diverse cultures,histories and lifestyles.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in Japan ,Thailand ,China,Myanmar,Cambodia, family tour ,honey moon ,culture visit ,biking ,cooking"

How did you get involved in travel?

"I graduated from the tourism university . My major is tourism English. After graduated I began to work as a local guide and National tour leader. l took many travel groups per year in high season, and each tour created lots of beautiful memories, which made me very happy and encouraged me to continue this career."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"My unforgettable travel experience is queue a long time in getting on an open-air train to see animals in Changlong wildlife park in China ,when I saw the giraffes,tigers,lions,rhinoceros,flamingoes etc,they are freely roming and playing in the wildlife park ,which touched my heart.I love animals."

Shona is part of the following groups: Japan Travel Agents, Japan Family Travel Agents
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Recent trip reviews for Shona

This experience was phenomenal! From the bus ...
Japan | May 30 - Jun 7, 2025

Keith
Keith P.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jun 08, 2025
This experience was phenomenal! From the bus from the airport and back on the day of our departure. Yumi & Yoshiko were fantastic tour guides. All of our excursions provided us with amazing memories. Our two sons enjoying exploring Tokyo and Kyoto. My wife and I are already planning to return. Thank you (ありがとうございます) for this experience KimKim team. Read more

This experience was phenomenal! From the bus from the airport and back on the day of our departure. Yumi & Yoshiko were fantastic tour guides. All of our excursions provided us with amazing memories. Our two sons enjoying exploring Tokyo and Kyoto. My wife and I are already planning to return. Thank you (ありがとうございます) for this experience KimKim team.

Hotel Reviews
Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
Tokyo

This hotel was perfectly located in Tokyo. Access to literally everything that you would want to experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The Shibuya Scramble was right outside the door. Exceptional location!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Kyoto

Great location! Very close to Amida-do temple. Not a far walk to shops.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ryokan Aura Tachibana
Hakone

Authentic Japanese experience. My wife enjoyed the onsen.

Authenticity & Character
Very authentic. The food was very traditional. No ramen, etc dishes so make your konbini run while you’re there if the food isn’t to your liking.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Samurai Sword Experience for Families
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Samurai Sword Experience for Families
Kyoto

Our guide Yoshiko was great! Very helpful. We enjoyed the tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
From Hakone to Kyoto
From Hakone to Kyoto
Japan

The Shinkansen was awesome! Tried bento for the first time and enjoyed a self-heating one.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The arrival and departure time was precise! Very impressive.
Full Day Tour of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Sagano Scenic Railway
Full Day Tour of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Sagano Scenic Railway
Kyoto

The bamboo forest was a bit crowded., but Yoshiko helped us take good pictures. She also provided good background history of the areas we visited.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tokyo Highlights Day Tour - East & West
Tokyo Highlights Day Tour - East & West
Tokyo

Our tour Yumi made this excursion amazing! Our whole family enjoyed this experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Yumi and our driver were great. The driver came out of the vehicle to greet us as we approached the vehicle after every stop.
Transport
Very timely!
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi with Oishi Park
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi with Oishi Park
Tokyo

Even though the weather was cloudy, we were able to see Mt. Fuji peeking through the clouds. Great fun on this day! We were actually sad to leave Yumi.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Jun 09, 2025
Hi Keith,
We are absolutely delighted to hear that your trip was such a phenomenal experience! It brings us immense joy to know that every aspect—from the airport transfers to your daily excursions—met your expectations. Yumi and Yoshiko will be thrilled to receive your kind words; they take great pride in sharing their knowledge and passion for Japan with travelers like you. Creating unforgettable memories for families is what we strive for, and hearing how much your sons enjoyed exploring... Read more

Hi Keith,
We are absolutely delighted to hear that your trip was such a phenomenal experience! It brings us immense joy to know that every aspect—from the airport transfers to your daily excursions—met your expectations.

Yumi and Yoshiko will be thrilled to receive your kind words; they take great pride in sharing their knowledge and passion for Japan with travelers like you. Creating unforgettable memories for families is what we strive for, and hearing how much your sons enjoyed exploring Tokyo and Kyoto truly warms our hearts.

The fact that you're already planning a return visit is the highest compliment we could receive! We'd be honored to welcome you back and craft another exceptional journey for your family.

Thank you (ありがとうございます!) for choosing KimKim and for taking the time to share your feedback. It means the world to our entire team.

Warmest Regards
Shona

Read all Japan reviews

Shona was wonderful! She was always responsiv...
Japan | Mar 13 - Mar 31, 2025

S
stephanie l.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on May 23, 2025

Shona was wonderful! She was always responsive and we really liked the itinerary she planned. Shona planned a great trip that my husband and I and our kids age 5 and 8 enjoyed.

We had two exceptional tour guides this trip. Fumi in Kanazawa and Nao in Osaka. Highly recommend these guides.

Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on May 24, 2025

Hi Stephanie,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write and submit the review — I really appreciate it! I’m so glad to hear that you and your family enjoyed the trip, and it means a lot to me that the itinerary worked well for everyone, especially with your kids.

I’m also thrilled to hear that Fumi and Nao made such a positive impression — I’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to them!

Wishing you and your family many more wonderful adventures ahead, and I hope to help you again in the future.

Warmly,
Shona

Read all Japan reviews

Overall a great experience once we got there....
Japan | Apr 4 - Apr 13, 2025

J
Joe R.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on May 20, 2025
Overall a great experience once we got there. Some of it seemed too rushed. We should have selected a higher tier accommodation as the Tokyo and Osaka hotels were in less desirable areas, especially the Osaka Candeo Hotel, which was on a street strewn with garbage everywhere. The Tokyo hotel in Shinjuku was almost as bad. These were the only two areas in all of Japan that we visited where there was litter and garbage on the streets, but the Osaka one was by far the worst. It was disgusting. Read more

Overall a great experience once we got there. Some of it seemed too rushed. We should have selected a higher tier accommodation as the Tokyo and Osaka hotels were in less desirable areas, especially the Osaka Candeo Hotel, which was on a street strewn with garbage everywhere. The Tokyo hotel in Shinjuku was almost as bad. These were the only two areas in all of Japan that we visited where there was litter and garbage on the streets, but the Osaka one was by far the worst. It was disgusting.

Hotel Reviews
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto

The nicest hotel we stayed in in Japan. Very pleasant, but shocked to find there is no restaurant available after breakfast, not even a coffee shop, and no bar in the hotel. Its not a big deal as there are numerous restaurants and bars in the area, its just a little inconvenience when you're tired and want to just hang out.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel
Tokyo

Very small room, but super clean. The area was a mistake to choose as its somewhat sketchy.

Authenticity & Character
hard to get into the restaurant without a significant wait.
Location
its in a sketchy area with a lot of litter and dirty streets
Staff
We had the hotel forward our bags to a Yamato depot that the hotel staff assured us would be open on the Sunday we needed to pick them up It was closed and we had to leave on a cruise without our luggage. It cost $250 to have it forwarded to meet the ship almost a week later.
Cleanliness & Comfort
clean.
Candeo Hotels Osaka Namba
Osaka

dirty hotel, poor location

Authenticity & Character
seems like a fancy lobby but the hotel is dirty and unkempt. The "restaurant is actually a poorly run buffet cafeteria with terrible food and unhelpful staff. Our worst hotel experience in Japan.
Location
filthy streets and poor location.
Staff
Front desk staff OK, but severely overworked. This is a low end tourist hotel catering to the motorbus tour crowd.
Cleanliness & Comfort
filthy and uncomfortable. Tiny room with bed jammed against the wall. Tiny bathroom with the sink hanging over the toilet on one side and the small tub on the other. Barely room to sit down. Heat and A/C didnt work. Bathroom exhaust didnt work. The view out the window was of a concrete wall 1 meter away and exhaust stacks from the building next door. It was awful.
Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on May 20, 2025
Hi Joe, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback — I truly appreciate your honesty. 🙏 I’m really glad to hear that overall, you had a great experience once everything was underway. That means a lot to us! I’m sorry to hear that the pace felt rushed at times and that the locations of the hotels in Tokyo and Osaka didn’t meet your expectations. Your comments about the surrounding environment, especially near the Osaka Candeo Hotel, are very helpful — we take that... Read more

Hi Joe,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback — I truly appreciate your honesty. 🙏

I’m really glad to hear that overall, you had a great experience once everything was underway. That means a lot to us!

I’m sorry to hear that the pace felt rushed at times and that the locations of the hotels in Tokyo and Osaka didn’t meet your expectations. Your comments about the surrounding environment, especially near the Osaka Candeo Hotel, are very helpful — we take that seriously, and I’ll look into alternative options in better neighborhoods for future guests, or your next visit if you'd consider coming again.😊

Warm regards,
Shona

1st time traveller to Tokyo and Kyoto (05/2025)
Japan | Apr 11 - Apr 17, 2025

Lorne
Lorne B.
Canada | Reviewed on May 13, 2025
I have commented on the actual hotels and excursions on the trip details section of your web site. The trip that we went on was very enjoyable. We stayed in quality hotels, enjoyed amazing excursions to interesting temples and other tourist attractions. All our transfers were completed by professional drivers driving new vehicles. They arrived on time and always contacted us the night before to confirm details. The guides we had were both very impressive and did excellent jobs guiding us to... Read more

I have commented on the actual hotels and excursions on the trip details section of your web site. The trip that we went on was very enjoyable. We stayed in quality hotels, enjoyed amazing excursions to interesting temples and other tourist attractions. All our transfers were completed by professional drivers driving new vehicles. They arrived on time and always contacted us the night before to confirm details. The guides we had were both very impressive and did excellent jobs guiding us to the various sites we attended.
While the overall trip experience was very well done, we found the planning part of this to be frustrating at times. At one point we were prepared to walk away and went so far as to investigate this same trip with one of your competitors. Our agent, Shona, while knowledgeable and capable, also complicated the planning process. One of the items we requested was to have guided escorts into/out of the train stations in both Tokyo and Kyoto. This was agreed to by Shona and we promptly paid for our trip. We then spent the next three weeks re-negotiating this. It had been agreed to and paid for and three weeks later we were still talking about it. My wife and I were both happy that we did not let this drop. After being in both train stations, the escorts reduced our stress levels a lot by taking us to the proper spots to meet up with our train
or taxi. On several occasions we reconfirmed information that had already been provided. While saying this, Shona was spot on during our trip. She confirmed driver details and followed up on all excursions to check on our experiences. She was present and involved and committed to ensuring that our trip was a success.
So overall, my wife and I found some of the planning to be frustrating, but, in the end we had this amazing trip with many good memories. I would still go back to Kimkim for future trips and I have passed on your company name to friends to help them with their travel needs.

Hotel Reviews
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Tsukiji
Tokyo

Possibly the nicest hotel we have ever stayed in. The staff from the Manager to the room stewards were impressively polite and friendly. The breakfast served was the best hotel breakfast we have ever had with a full buffet and a menu to order other meals. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and would not hesitate to stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Ryokan Togetsutei

We have never stayed in a hotel like this one before. We loved our experience here and the introduction and immersion into Japanese culture. We were greeted with kimono-wearing inn staff, had a tea ceremony welcome and were provided with our own kimonos. The room was totally Japanese from the furniture, mats, bedding and water garden structure. The onsen was awesome with some of the hottest thermal baths we have ever seen. We were provided with a 12 course traditional Japanese meal with serving bowls that we have never seen before. The traditional breakfast the following morning provided enough food to feed 2 or 3 people. We totally enjoyed this hotel and this immersive experience into the culture of this country. We will remember this day for a long long time.

Authenticity & Character
If you are looking for a traditional Japanese inn/hotel experience this is it. Fabulous.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA
Kyoto

This was another high end hotel that delivered a high end customer experience. We enjoyed everything about this hotel. It is conveniently located adjacent to the main shopping area and the train station. They had a beautiful buffet breakfast with sufficient choice to satisfy any diner.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shiba Park Hotel
Tokyo

This hotel feels like you are walking back in time. Very nicely decorated, it feels like you are walking through a library. It had an impressive breakfast buffet. The thermal bath facilities were high end with everything spotlessly clean. I would recommend this hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day Tokyo City Tour
Full Day Tokyo City Tour
Tokyo

This was an excellent day of sight-seeing in Tokyo. Our guide Sayumi (Sam) was excellent, it was like spending a day with an old friend. She provided us with subway cards to make it easier/quicker to navigate around the city. We thoroughly enjoyed this day with Sam. In addition to the temples and shrines we visited we also got to see areas of the city "not on the tourist maps" which we always find interesting to see.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide (Sam) was awesome. She planned our route to ensure maximum coverage of the sites we were visiting.
Transport
All transfers/taxis/buses were well planned. Drivers were professional and drove late model high-end cars.
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kyoto

This whole experience was new to us. From dressing in kimonos to the actual tea ceremony itself. The staff were very accommodating and answered all our questions. We enjoyed the three hours we spent there and definitely gained some insights into Japanese culture.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkakuji Temple
Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkakuji Temple
Kyoto

Another fantastic day with our guide Mitsui. The temples viewed were most impressive. We enjoyed our time here a lot.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Historic Higashiyama Walking Tour: From Kiyomizu-dera to Philosopher's Path
Historic Higashiyama Walking Tour: From Kiyomizu-dera to Philosopher's Path
Kyoto

The historic district was awesome to see. The Kiyomizu-dera Temple complex was very impressive. This was a most enjoyable day and we felt like we were able to see a lot of sights.

Quality of Experience
This was my favorite day of the week.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Sagano Bamboo Grove and Tenryuji Temple Tour
Half Day Sagano Bamboo Grove and Tenryuji Temple Tour
Kyoto

Our guide on this day (and the next) was exceptional. Mitsui was very personable and we enjoyed her company. The Bamboo Grove and the Tenryuji gardens were impressive. We were not a fan of the Yakatabune boat ride.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
I can't say enough good things about Mitsui our guide. Personable, efficient, well planed. Sheworked hard to ensure our time with her was enjoyable.
Transport
Gion District and Nishiki Market
Gion District and Nishiki Market
Japan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on May 23, 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your reflections on your recent trip. I’m truly touched by your kind words about the hotels, excursions, guides, and transfers—it means a lot to hear how much you enjoyed the experience once everything came together. At the same time, I want to sincerely apologize for the frustrations you encountered during the planning stage, especially regarding the train station escorts in Tokyo and Kyoto.While I’m relieved the escorts ultimately proved... Read more

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your reflections on your recent trip. I’m truly touched by your kind words about the hotels, excursions, guides, and transfers—it means a lot to hear how much you enjoyed the experience once everything came together.

At the same time, I want to sincerely apologize for the frustrations you encountered during the planning stage, especially regarding the train station escorts in Tokyo and Kyoto.While I’m relieved the escorts ultimately proved valuable during your travels.
I’m thrilled that you left with so many wonderful memories and that you’d consider Kimkim (and me!) for future adventures. Your recommendation to friends is the highest compliment we could receive.I hope our paths cross again someday.

Warmest regards,
Shona

We were fortunate to have several great guide...
Japan | May 1 - May 10, 2025

L
Liz S.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on May 11, 2025
We were fortunate to have several great guides and drivers and on one case occasion guide/driver. Plus the drivers that picked us up and delivered us to the airport.
Toru was with us the first full day and did a city tour through a very rainy, but it was fun. The next 2 days we had Yuki for a 2-day trip to Mt Fuji and Hakone. Another great trip, with many adventures. The last day in Tokyo we went to Tokyo Disney with "Tours by Locals", great guide also.
We flew to Seoul and had 2 days... Read more

We were fortunate to have several great guides and drivers and on one case occasion guide/driver. Plus the drivers that picked us up and delivered us to the airport.
Toru was with us the first full day and did a city tour through a very rainy, but it was fun. The next 2 days we had Yuki for a 2-day trip to Mt Fuji and Hakone. Another great trip, with many adventures. The last day in Tokyo we went to Tokyo Disney with "Tours by Locals", great guide also.
We flew to Seoul and had 2 days with Ka, she was guide & driver. A great 2 days. lots to do and good eats. Then our last day was on our own and was good to.
Overall we were very happy with our tour, guides and hotels.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower
Tokyo

It was a great experience and very nice people.

Authenticity & Character
it was great
Location
beautiful grounds
Staff
All of it was great
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was clean and comfy
Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong
Seoul

Very nice d pleasant. With great breakfast and lunch buffet. Helpful people.

Authenticity & Character
It was a hotel.
Location
It was central
Staff
veryone was nice
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was clean and nice.
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu
Hakone

We enjoyed the whole place it was great and a type of place we had never encountered before.

Authenticity & Character
From our experience it was great
Location
Interesting
Staff
everyone was very helpful and kind
Cleanliness & Comfort
clean and well appointed
Activity Reviews
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Tokyo

Lovely groundsNot

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Wonderful!
Transport
Amazing
Tokyo Tower , Ueno Park, and Sumida River Cruise
Tokyo Tower , Ueno Park, and Sumida River Cruise
Tokyo

Thoroughly great, enjoyed our time on these activities.

Quality of Experience
Awesome Just being there.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Again, they were great. Clean
Transport
great
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi with Oishi Park
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi with Oishi Park
Tokyo

Mt Fuji was just as you see in pictures. We had clear skies and could see the top most of the time.

Quality of Experience
The guide and where we were
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
always great
Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi Tour with Hakone Tozan Railway
Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi Tour with Hakone Tozan Railway
Japan

As in any trip you can't control weather and some other things so some things didn't work. But you have to be flexible and so do the guides. And we were and the guides were.

Quality of Experience
It was just great
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Seoul Highlights
Explore Seoul Highlights
Seoul

Ka did a great job guiding us around Seoul. Lots to see and very interesting.

Quality of Experience
Ka
Guides, Drivers and Staff
She did an amazing job for us, even with some changes
Transport
Ka was driver and guide. Great job
Full Day Korean DMZ and Hongdae Shopping Street Tour
Full Day Korean DMZ and Hongdae Shopping Street Tour
Seoul

Fun to explore

Quality of Experience
We kind of split up and guide went with granddaughter and 2 of us went off for personal adventure
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Everyone was just great
Transport
Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on May 14, 2025

I’m absolutely delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your trip to Japan and South Korea—honestly, your happiness brings me even greater joy! Thank you sincerely for recognizing the efforts of our driverand guide team. It was our privilege to be part of your journey.
I truly hope fate brings us together again in the future—it would be my pleasure to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience.
Best Wishes forever

Read all Japan reviews

We had a fabulous time during our 15-day trip...
Japan | Apr 24 - May 8, 2025

Yusuf
Yusuf B.
Concord, CA | Reviewed on May 10, 2025
We had a fabulous time during our 15-day trip to Japan! The trip was planned and coordinated by local specialist Shona. She did a great job in planning the trip the way we wanted (including all the train reservations). We visited Tokyo (5 Nights), Kyoto (5 Nights), Matsue (2 Nights) and Osaka (2 Nights). In Tokyo and Kyoto, we had several private full day trips to points of interest as suggested and planned by Shona. Our local tour guides Yumi (Tokyo) and Yuji and Ken (Kyoto) were... Read more

We had a fabulous time during our 15-day trip to Japan! The trip was planned and coordinated by local specialist Shona. She did a great job in planning the trip the way we wanted (including all the train reservations). We visited Tokyo (5 Nights), Kyoto (5 Nights), Matsue (2 Nights) and Osaka (2 Nights). In Tokyo and Kyoto, we had several private full day trips to points of interest as suggested and planned by Shona. Our local tour guides Yumi (Tokyo) and Yuji and Ken (Kyoto) were all great in explaining the importance of the sites we visited. In Matsue and Osaka, we chose to do the sightseeing on our own but followed suggestions from Shona. The selected Hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka met our expectations. In Matsue we chose to stay at a Ryokan which provided a great cultural experience with Japanese traditions including the prefixed Japanese style dinners). If anyone is planning a trip to Japan, I would highly recommend Shona as your local travel specialist.

Hotel Reviews
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier
Tokyo

Great Location. Delicious breakfast spread

Authenticity & Character
As expected.
Location
A 5-10 min to Ginza Shopping District
Staff
Courteous front desk and restaurant staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was a bit smaller than expected.
The Blossom Kyoto
Kyoto

A tastefully designed hotel

Authenticity & Character
Great breakfast spread
Location
About 20 min walk to major shopping and restaurant district
Staff
Courteous staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
as expected
Kasuien Minami

An excellent Japanese Ryokan. Not much English spoken here. On site natural hot spring water Onsen. Highly recommended for cultural experience.

Authenticity & Character
Grand Japanese style decor throughout the facility
Location
Nothing in walking distance, but that was OK. Taxis available
Staff
An English-speaking front desk staff named Saphna (A Nepalese lady) who went out of her way in explaining the facilities and hotel traditions.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was great !
Hotel New Otani Osaka
Osaka

Great Hotel lobby with multiple on-site restaurants. Delicious breakfast spread

Authenticity & Character
Typical
Location
Except for Osaka Castle nothing is close by ...
Staff
Courteous customer relation staff helped us plan a trip to Himeji Castle
Cleanliness & Comfort
All good
Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on May 12, 2025

I’m absolutely delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your trip to Japan—honestly, your happiness brings me even greater joy! Thank you sincerely for recognizing the efforts of both myself and our driver/guide team. It was our privilege to be part of your journey.
I truly hope fate brings us together again in the future—it would be my pleasure to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience.
Best Wishes for ever
Shona

Read all Japan reviews

Shona Z
Japan | Apr 24 - May 8, 2025

Noorul and Maliha
Noorul and Maliha R.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on May 09, 2025
Shona was very responsive to our requests and needs. She always acknowledged our questions and concerns within 24 hours, and provided relevant trip guidance, information and options in a timely manner. We went thru at least 4 iterations of our trip plan, and she patiently and methodically worked thru each of these iterations and tailored the trip to our complete satisfaction. And when we were in Japan she reached out to us almost every day via email (and messages on KimKim portal) to... Read more

Shona was very responsive to our requests and needs. She always acknowledged our questions and concerns within 24 hours, and provided relevant trip guidance, information and options in a timely manner. We went thru at least 4 iterations of our trip plan, and she patiently and methodically worked thru each of these iterations and tailored the trip to our complete satisfaction. And when we were in Japan she reached out to us almost every day via email (and messages on KimKim portal) to coordinate the various private tours on our itinerary, including transfers to and from airport and various train stations. It was indeed her care and attention to details, her promptness in responding to our queries, and her clear, concise, and courteous communication skills which made our trip hassle-free and our Japan trip very enjoyable and memorable!

Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on May 12, 2025

Thank you so much for your kind recognition. I’m truly touched,It was my absolute pleasure to assist you—everything I did was simply part of ensuring you had the best experience possible.
I sincerely hope our paths cross again in the near future.
Warm regards,
Shona

Read all Japan reviews

Fun and memorable family trip in Tokyo, Hakodate, and Sapporo
Japan | Apr 27 - May 3, 2025

Megan
Megan P.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on May 04, 2025
Shona was super helpful with planning and coordinating our trip. She checked on us throughout the trip and promptly helped us when we ran into problems with our train tickets going missing at our hotel in Tokyo. Most of the drivers were kind and would share with me details about what type of car they would be in and the license plate number. Most of them also had a sign with our name on it so it was easier to spot. The driver who picked us up on our first day though did not have a sign. It... Read more

Shona was super helpful with planning and coordinating our trip. She checked on us throughout the trip and promptly helped us when we ran into problems with our train tickets going missing at our hotel in Tokyo.

Most of the drivers were kind and would share with me details about what type of car they would be in and the license plate number. Most of them also had a sign with our name on it so it was easier to spot. The driver who picked us up on our first day though did not have a sign. It took us 20-30 minutes for us to find each other. And when we did finally meet up, he was not friendly. But other than that one driver, the rest were great.

The first part of our trip we were in Tokyo, specifically Shibuya, Akihabara, and Ginza. Our time in Tokyo was mostly on our own but Shona did reserve us tickets to teamlab Borderless. We went there before doing some of the other things she recommended for us.

The second part of our trip we went to Hakodate. We had a tour guide for one day. Her name was Mutsumi. I later learned that we were her first tour group! I felt for her first time giving a tour she did well. She gave us water bottles to drink throughout the day and was attentive to our needs. She also answered any questions we had about Hakodate. Mutsumi also took us to places that weren't on our itinerary such as Hakodate park. My favorite place we went to that day was Goryokaku tower/park because we got a good view of the cherry blossoms.

For the last part of our trip we went to Sapporo. We also had a guide for one day while in Sapporo. Her name was Yumi. Yumi was also great because she gave us more history and information about the places we went to. Playing the simulation games at the Sapporo Olympic Museum and going to the top of Mt. Tengu were the highlights of the day for me.

Hotel Reviews
Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
Tokyo

Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu was a really convenient place to stay. It connects to Shibuya station and Shibuya Mark City. I thought the city noise would travel up to our room but it was pretty quiet where we were staying. The continental breakfast was great!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hakodate Kokusai Hotel

My family and I enjoyed the buffet and the onsen. Our hotel room was nice but the beds were 1) on an elevated platform and 2) a little on the lower side. Since I was traveling with older people, the low beds made it hard for them to get in and out.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The hotel is so close to many of the places we went to.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sapporo Stream Hotel
Sapporo

To get to the hotel room can be a bit tricky. You take one set of elevators to get to the lobby on the 7th floor. Then you take a different set of elevators to get to your room. Our room was very clean and if you participate in the eco cleaning, they reward you the next day with a free drink from the vending machine. All the amenities are in a "community bin" in the lobby so if you need a razor, lotion, coffee, or tea, you would have to go to the 7th floor. One of the downsides of the place was that you can hear the street noise from the room. The shower was also a bit weird because the stream of water shoots directly at the door, and there's no way to adjust the angle. Lastly, if you want to use the onsen, you have to upgrade your room whereas other hotels let all guests use the onsen.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Chasing Cherry Blossom in Hakodate
Chasing Cherry Blossom in Hakodate
Hakodate

My family and I came at the perfect time when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. We got to see them at Hakodate Park and Goryokaku Park. Our guide Mutsumi took us walking all over Hakodate which was funny because we didn't realize how close everything was.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Otaru Discovery: Glass Works, Music Boxes, and Ropeway with Sapporo Olympics Museum
Otaru Discovery: Glass Works, Music Boxes, and Ropeway with Sapporo Olympics Museum
Sapporo

This tour was lots of fun because there was lots of activities to do. The Sapporo Olympic Museum has different simulation machines of the different games. Then when we went to Mt. Tengu, there was ziplining and a nice photo area. Otaru canal was also nice and walking along the music box street was also fun. You'll find lots of omiyage over there.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Photo taken by Megan P
Photo taken by Megan P
Photo taken by Megan P
Photo taken by Megan P
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on May 05, 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful and valuable review of the trip,we will address the issues in our work and make improvements moving forward.We truly appreciate your recognition and trust in our work. We hope to see you on your next journey!

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Enchanting Japan
Japan | Apr 11 - Apr 28, 2025

Melissa
Melissa K.
Queensbury, NY | Reviewed on May 01, 2025
All the private guides were amazing. We really liked our time with them, usually they would pick a restaurant for lunch that included a local dish, which was very enjoyable. Read more

All the private guides were amazing. We really liked our time with them, usually they would pick a restaurant for lunch that included a local dish, which was very enjoyable.

Hotel Review
Hotel Fukinomori

We booked a private onsen under the stars... The authentic dinner experience was marvelous.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
A Fun-Filled Cooking Class in Tokyo - Wagyu Beef and More
A Fun-Filled Cooking Class in Tokyo - Wagyu Beef and More
Tokyo

Excellent food and instruction

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Sagano Bamboo Grove & Arashiyama Walking Tour (Join-in)
Half Day Sagano Bamboo Grove & Arashiyama Walking Tour (Join-in)
Kyoto

We were unable to go on the boat ride, which took away a lot from the tour. Too many shrines and gardens

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
One Day Miyajima Island and Hiroshima Tour
One Day Miyajima Island and Hiroshima Tour
Japan

Really liked this island tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Rural Bike Tour
Half Day Rural Bike Tour
Takayama

Beautiful location to bike. Guide was very enjoyable to work with.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on May 02, 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful review of the trip. We truly appreciate your recognition and trust in our work. We hope to see you on your next journey!

Read all Japan reviews

Wonderfully tasty tour of Japan and South Korea
Japan | Apr 7 - Apr 24, 2025

M
Mark Z.
Switzerland | Reviewed on Apr 29, 2025
Thanks to Kimkim we had a wonderful trip of Japan and South Korea. We got to see all the must-sees, from the Imperial Palace Gardens to Himeji Castle to the Korean DMZ, but we also got to see a few less-obvious places. We went to Kinomoto to visit a soy sauce brewery and a sake brewery, we stayed in a wonderful hotel with hot springs in Hakone and we visited teamLab Borderless in Tokyo - which was incredibly impressive, a very *different* kind of art experience. And of course, we got to try... Read more

Thanks to Kimkim we had a wonderful trip of Japan and South Korea. We got to see all the must-sees, from the Imperial Palace Gardens to Himeji Castle to the Korean DMZ, but we also got to see a few less-obvious places. We went to Kinomoto to visit a soy sauce brewery and a sake brewery, we stayed in a wonderful hotel with hot springs in Hakone and we visited teamLab Borderless in Tokyo - which was incredibly impressive, a very *different* kind of art experience. And of course, we got to try all kinds of different foods, which was half the point of our trip :D

Our tour guides were all friendly and the trip went smoothly. Shona coordinated with us and even provided alternative ideas for a self-guided day when her original suggestion turned out to be unexpectedly closed.

Hotel Review
Hakone Hotel Kajikaso
Hakone

Lovely hot spring tub in the room, very comfortable room overall. The food was great, and we got lucky enough to have a geisha performance while we had our kaiseki dinner. The "public" section of the hot springs was also really really nice, including sitting outside during a rainstorm.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo

Fuka was lovely company on a fun trip to Shinjuku - and she selected great restaurants, too!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 29, 2025

Thank you so much for your review of the trip. We truly appreciate your recognition and trust in our work. We hope to see you on your next journey!

Read all Japan reviews