Soleil Ponce-Higa
I design meaningful Japan journeys for travelers who want more than a checklist. My focus is sustainable, experiential travel — quiet landscapes, local food, traditional crafts, nature, and places that still feel deeply connected to community.
I help travelers experience Japan beautifully but responsibly, especially as popular cities face overtourism. Instead of only following crowded routes, I create trips that balance iconic highlights with lesser-known places, smoother pacing, and authentic local encounters.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I specialize in Japan trips that feel scenic, thoughtful, and less crowded. I especially love Mount Fuji and Yamanashi, Nakasendo, Kumano Kodo, Naoshima, Ishigaki, Taketomi Island, Toba, Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata, Tateyama Kurobe, Kamikochi, and seasonal sakura or autumn routes away from heavy crowds.
I also enjoy planning hiking, onsen stays, arts and crafts, local food experiences, countryside escapes, ski trips in Yamagata, historic walking routes, and community-based experiences.
As a foodie, I prefer places with real flavor and local heart — not just TikTok-famous restaurants, but family-run spots, regional dishes, and meals that support the community while giving travelers a more authentic taste of Japan."
How did you get involved in travel?
"My love for travel started with mountains. Before Japan, I explored the Philippines first — hiking peaks, visiting islands, and discovering how much beauty exists in my own country.
When I moved to Japan, that same curiosity stayed with me. I began searching beyond the usual tourist path: mountain trails, onsen towns, seasonal landscapes, local restaurants, craft villages, and quiet places that make you feel the soul of Japan.
Travel planning became a natural extension of that love. I wanted to help others feel what I felt — that travel can be personal, respectful, and unforgettable when it is planned with care."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Climbing Mount Fuji is one travel memory I will never forget. I had dreamed of a certain mountain landscape since I was young, without knowing where it was.
Years later, I climbed from the Fuji Yoshida side and descended toward Gotemba. The trail was foggy, then suddenly the clouds cleared — and there it was. The exact place I had seen in my dreams.
Another place close to my heart is Taketomi Island in Ishigaki, where my husband proposed. Its quiet streets, traditional houses, and island atmosphere remind me that the most meaningful places are not always the loudest ones."
Soleil's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
The best times to visit Japan are spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms and fall (September to November) for vibrant fall foliage, both offering pleasant weather and...
Explore the culture, history, and delicious flavors of Japanese cuisine with this 14-day culinary adventure. You'll start in Osaka, touring the lively Dotonbori district for...
Japan's train system makes it possible to visit at least four regions in 16 days. First-timers will enjoy guided tours of the Meiji Jingu Shrine and other landmarks. Foodies can...
Recent trip reviews for Soleil
Soleil and her Team are Stellar!
Japan
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Oct 2 - Oct 12, 2026
Outstanding!
Japan
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Sep 17 - Sep 24, 2026
Thank you so much, Thomas! It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your journey through Japan. I’m so happy to hear that you had an amazing trip and felt well taken care of throughout your stay. Thank you for trusting me and kimkim, and for your kind recommendation. I hope you brought home many wonderful memories, and I would be delighted to welcome you back to Japan someday! ^_^
Well-supported and extremely helpful
Japan
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Aug 13 - Aug 24, 2026
Andy!! 🥹 Thank you so much for this!! This honestly made my day. 😊
It was such a pleasure planning everything with you and Daryl and I’m really happy that everything came together and that you both felt looked after throughout the trip.
And I’m especially glad we actually got to meet in person after all those messages and video calls! ^^
Thank you again for trusting me with your trip and for taking the time to write such a lovely review. I really, really appreciate it. 🥹🙏🏽
Hope you and Daryl are getting some proper rest now after Japan! 😊
Cheers!
Soleil
Soleil was awesome.So responsive and amazing...
Japan
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Aug 6 - Aug 18, 2026
Soleil was awesome.
So responsive and amazing
Thank you so much, Shubham and Akanksha! 😊 It was such a pleasure helping with your Japan trip, and I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a lovely review.
Wishing you many more wonderful travels together, and hopefully Japan sees you again someday!
Soleil is excellent
Japan
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Jul 11 - Jul 17, 2026
Our guide Soleil was very attentive and perfectly helpful. Her choices for activities and events matched our interests perfectly and she was in large part responsible for our wonderful family vacation. I recommend her services to anyone traveling to Japan. Thank you to the KimKim team for a lovely trip.
Thank you so much, Wilson Family! It was truly a pleasure planning your family’s Japan adventure and getting to know what you would all enjoy. You were all wonderful to work with, and I’m very grateful that I could be part of such a memorable family vacation. I hope you brought home many happy memories from Japan, and I would love to welcome your family back someday! 😊