Odynovo Tours Co., Ltd

We both really enjoyed our trip to Japan. It was a long time dream trip that finally happened.
KimKim was introduced to us by a mutual friend who had benefited from your services before on a trip to Japan. We decided to contact you and are very glad we did.
Judy was very helpful, patient, accommodating and understanding as our primary liaison/contact with KimKim. She responded quickly when we had questions and showed flexibility when we suggested changes to the itinerary. In short, she was wonderful to deal with and we would not hesitate to work with her again.
All of our guides were superb!
Yuki, Hiroshi, Mayumi, and Moto were informative, friendly and courteous. We liked them all!

Thank you again for an amazing experience!

Working with KimKim and our agent Olivia was a fantastic experience. Being in the USA, we were very far from and unfamiliar with Japan. Having local experts plan our trip made all the difference. We were able to provide some highlights that we wanted, including a game at the Tokyo Dome, and Olivia made it all happen. The hotels (B Asakusa in Tokyo and Vischio Kyoto by Granvia in Kyoto) were perfect. The included breakfasts made it even better, and laundry on site was extremely helpful for our week and a half trip.
Drivers and ground transportation were arranged by Olivia and we had fantastic tour guides, Moto in Tokyo and Taku in Kyoto who shared so much knowledge with us. Ten out of ten all the way! Thank you team KimKim!

Hotel Reviews

the b asakusa

Tokyo

Great, clean hotel. Easy access to Asakusa area which has tons to do. Right next to subways. Laundry on site and good breakfast to start your day!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA

Kyoto

Great, clean hotel. Located across the street from the train station. Don't get it confused with the other Granvia. We walked to the wrong hotel to start. Laundry on site and amazing breakfast to start your day! Be careful of the robot that wanders the lobby.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Asakusa Sumo Club: Sumo Show Admission with Chankonabe in Tokyo

Tokyo

Loved it, absolutely a must do if you are in Japan. I believe it is a chain, we saw the show in Tokyo but also saw a club when we were in Kyoto. So fit it in whenever or wherever your travel plans allow. Not only was everyone friendly and awesome, they also let you try and wrestle the professionals at the end of the match. Highly recommend!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day Tour to Hiei Mountain & Lake Biwa

Kyoto

The shrine is out of the way, up in the mountains. It's really cool to do things that most tourists don't get to. It was very peaceful and the views were great. The highlight of the day was Lake Biwa. The paddle board trip was excellent, the guides were so nice, and a swim in the lake at the end just made for the perfect day.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Samurai Sword Experience in Kyoto (Family & Kid Friendly)

Kyoto

The museum was fun, but the sword experience was unreal. We got hands on katana training from a real samurai instructor, Yama. He was fantastic and made sure we got the most out of our brief experience. It was an event to remember.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Daikoku Car Meet & JDM Culture Experience

Tokyo

This was wild. We didn't really know what to expect, but my son is at the age where he is really into cars, so we had to try it. Our guide Mike was great and is really knows a lot about cars! He first took us to a mega auto store where many people meet up and then head out to other locations for the night. Fair warning, there is a lot of driving around! From Tokyo we went to Yokohama which is about 40minutes away. We stayed at the meetup for about an hour and then went to another location, back towards Tokyo. Don't expect to get in early once you set out on this adventure! A must for any car enthusiast. You never know what vehicles you might see!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Judy was a perfect support provider during all the trip phases, from planning with suggestions till supporting during day by day trip (reminding all the steps for coming day).

He replied to any question before and during the trip with professionalism and competency.

Hotel Reviews

GINZA HOTEL by GRANBELL

we stayed in this hotel for 2 + 1 days during the trip. The first 2 days we had a comfortable room. For last night we had a good room but not same level of the first one. At the end, we were satisfied by the comodations provided.

Authenticity & Character

Location

the position close to local restaurant and metro stops.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cross Hotel Kyoto

Kyoto

we liked the position close to the downtown area of Kyoto and to the Geisha's area. Very easy to move to any touristic places in Kyoto using Metro, busses and JR Trains. Laundry service was perfect. The hotel is an eco-sustainability very careful to any consume of plastic, etc.

Authenticity & Character

Location

close to downtown area

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Candeo Hotels Osaka Shinsaibashi

Osaka

We stayed only 2 night in this hotel during our trip. Very nice position close to main street and Dotonbory area. Service provided was good, any particular claim to share.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Kyoto's Cultural Treasures: Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji

Japan

Amazing trip around the Kyoto city main monument to visit. We spent a fantastic day with our lovely guide TAKU, very competent and friendly.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Taku has been a fantastic guide. He drived us to many interesting places explaining the Japanese History too to allow use to better understand what we were visiting. Fluent English speaker, we suggest to spend a day with him.

Transport

easy to take ad fast to move from different places.

Transfer from Kyoto to Osaka via Nara

Japan

Driver picked up us in the hotel in Kyoto. Then we moved to Nara to vistit shine and temple area like scheduled. We spent a nice day in Nara visiting this amazing area and meeting the famous Nara's deers too. Driver suggested us what visit, provided us main historical and cultural information but then we were able to visit the areas alone with our timing.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

One Day Miyajima Island and Hiroshima Tour

Japan

We arrived to Hiroshima station from Osaka and our Guide (Masako) was waiting for us to the track. Then we moved to Miyajima Island for a wonderful experience. With the knowledge of Masako, we were able to reach all main points like planned avoiding big affluence of tourists.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

1-Day Mt. Fuji & Hakone Tour [Return by Shinkansen] With Lunch (From Shinjuku)

Tokyo

The full esperience was really nice but unfortunately due to the wheather conditions, we were not able to see the top of Fuji all day. However we spent a very good day across Fuji and Hakone mountains.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya

Kyoto

We appreciated the organization, the preparatory ceremony that put us in the right mood, and the selection of the kimono and accessories. The ceremony provided the historical and cultural background needed to fully experience the event.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

My best friend and I planned a 'boys trip' to Japan with our teenage sons to celebrate both of our 50th birthdays. We have traveled together in the past are accustomed to 'do it yourself' itineraries, however we understood that planning a successful Japan adventure would require professional expertise along with a substantial measure of self-guided research.

We reached out to KimKim and began working with Olivia approximately nine months prior to our travel date, which was needed as we continuously revised and refined the itinerary to ensure that scheduled activities and excursions would not conflict with our own self-guided and planned events. The KimKim text-chat portal was an ideal asynchronous platform for us to communicate as it allowed us to do our research in order to provide Olivia with helpful responses to her questions and recommendations. The messaging system delivers by both text message-notification and email so we never missed Olivia's updates.

Olivia understood our requirement to pack an aggressive itinerary into a relatively short timeline and the results were flawless, and to say we made the most special of lifelong memories would be a gross understatement. One of many highlights of our trip was the excursion to Mt Hiei and Lake Biwa; for which we were surprised when our guide Taku told us that for his many years as a guide he had only done that tour three times in the past. The tour required of participants to capable and enthusiastic of a moderately-exerting day and I think Olivia understood that it was a good fit for our adventure-hungry group. Thank you to Taku for guiding us on that memorable day, and to Moto for memorable and educational days touring the Senso-Ji temple, the Imperial Gardens, Mt Fuji, and the Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine. Also to all our drivers who were exemplary in their communications; special mention to Mi who took us out from Kyoto to Awaji Island for a self-guided day at the Godzilla museum and Yumebutai gardens and green house - note that the trip to Yumebutai was an add-on by Olivia to ensure that we made the most out of our day since it was a long drive to Awaji Island.

Every single day of our trip was packed with singular highlights and we have Olivia to thank for putting it all together. We relied on her expertise and we were well rewarded for that trust. There was not one communication or logistical issue and Olivia was messaging us daily on our trip with relevant scheduling notes and updates. We can't thank nor recommend her enough to others, and hope to work with her again in the future.

Hotel Reviews

the b asakusa

Tokyo

Great location with access to mass transportation and two 7-11s across the street. A Don Quixote is less than a five minute walk away. Nice to start the day in more quiet area of Tokyo. Rooms were small (as expected) but completely functional. Highly recommended hotel breakfast before starting the day.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Access to two 7-11s, a Don Quixote and mass transit. Lots of great nearby dining options.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA

Kyoto

Great centralized location next to Kyoto station. Amazing highly recommended breakfast buffet.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Central Kyoto next to Kyoto station

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Highly recommended breakfast buffet.

Activity Reviews

Asakusa Sumo Club: Sumo Show Admission with Chankonabe in Tokyo

Tokyo

Fantastic show. We learned as much as we laughed.

Quality of Experience

Transport

A very short walk from our hotel.

Daikoku Car Meet & JDM Culture Experience

Tokyo

A fun and unique glimpse into car culture in Japan, however we thought the experience would be actually riding in "Fast and the Furious" type cars, but instead we were in a van visiting multiple car meet-up sites -- which actually was still very fun and interesting.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi with Oishi Park

Japan

A full picturesque view of Mt Fuji is only available consistent during winter months. For most of the rest of the year views of the mountain and peak are obscured by cloud cover. We were extremely lucky to see the peak for only a few moments during a brief clearing - and this wasn't even on the 20 minute boat-cruise part of the day. Our guide Moto saved the day with a tour of the spectacular Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine

Quality of Experience

It's a lot of travel from Tokyo for a 20 minute boat ride on a lake to not see Mt Fuji

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Samurai Sword Experience in Kyoto (Family & Kid Friendly)

Kyoto

We got sword training from a 5th generation Samurai. I don't think you can do better than that with anything.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Half Day Imperial Palace East Gardens and Senso-ji Tour

Tokyo

A great introduction to Shintoism and Buddhism in Japan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Thank you to Moto for an educational experience.

Transport

Day Tour to Hiei Mountain & Lake Biwa

Kyoto

A great day visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site followed up by paddle boarding in magical Lake Biwa. The only day we didn't arrive home at the hotel not covered and exhausted by sweat from touring all day.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Thank you Taku for an incredible day!

Transport

All of our transportation, travel and bookings went well. If anything, we could have done more on a day than what was planned or coordinated to make some trips more efficient.

Activity Reviews

Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo: Enter the Sanctuary

Tokyo

10/10, would recommend to everyone!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A Hands-on Cooking Experience: Nigiri Sushi and More

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

When my friends and I started planning the trip to Japan, it wasn´t clear exactly where to begin. Fortunately for us, we discovered Kimkim, and shortly after completing the preferences survey, Shona got back to us with an itinerary proposal in no time. Since then, she has remained actively engaged with us through the rest of the planning, the trip, and up to the end.

In the planning phase, Kimkim´s itinerary chat allowed everyone on both sides of the chat to make and take into consideration others´ suggestions and recommendations. Shona let us know the requirements, addressed our concerns, and kept us up to date on bookings and reservations at every step, and we worked together to plan the best trip based on our budget. Thanks to this coordination, the itinerary was complete a long time before the trip. This breathing room ahead of the trip allowed for last-minute adjustments, which Shona actively managed for us.

During the trip, Shona and her team at Odynovo did not waver. From the moment we left for our trip up to when we returned, her team of coordinators, guides, and drivers was in constant communication with us. They made sure everything went smoothly, checking in to make sure we were where we planned to be and when we planned to be there; despite the language barrier.

The trip flowed seamlessly, a testament to their thoughtful planning. It was evenly paced, neither rushed nor laggy, considering the many activities we did and places we got to visit in a few days. The order of activities was well put together too. In every new place we visited, the guided days came first, followed by the self-guided days. Our tour guides were engaging and enthusiastic, intuitively showing us around, thereby boosting our morale to manoeuvre on our own and explore freely.

Leading up to the end of the trip, we only wished we had planned for more time. Shona and her team set a benchmark, a high bar, to which all trips to come, to Japan and other places around the world, will be compared. Japan is an interesting place, with a lot to offer in many aspects, and this trip, great as it was, was only an introduction, a momentous one. We look forward to returning sometime in the future, and we hope it will be just as amazing, if not more.

So, if you´re planning to visit Japan, and Shona is your agent, you´re in good hands. Actively participate in planning, remain engaged, and keep an open mind. Thanks, Kimkim, Odynovo, and thank you, Shona!

Hotel Reviews

Asakusa Tobu Hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

It´s close to great local places to explore for a tourist.

Staff

Welcoming and friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Overall, well-maintained.

Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo

Kyoto

Authenticity & Character

Location

You can walk around the local area and discover a lot with little effort.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka

Osaka

Authenticity & Character

Location

Great views from the higher floors.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Full Day Tokyo City Tour

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkakuji Temple

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Samurai Sword Experience for Adults in Kyoto

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kyoto Authentic Sake Tour in Fushimi: Sake Tastings & Explore Historic Breweries

Japan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

Japan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Sagano Bamboo Grove and Tenryuji Temple Tour

Kyoto

Our guides (Tomoe in Tokyo and Mitch in Kyoto) were super knowledgeable and went out of their way to make sure our family was happy.

My daughter and I took a 2 week trip to Japan. We started in Tokyo. It was helpful to have a driver take us from the airport to our hotel after the long flight and not having to try to navigate by ourselves to the hotel. In Tokyo, our first day was with Motoki Watanabe, who guided us to the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and Sensoji Temple among other sights and provided some information about what we were seeing. He also was flexible to alter plans as needed. One thing I found useful was navigating Tokyo subway system with his help so we could manage it the next few days. The next couple days were spent at Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea. Both were nice parks but if I had to pick one, it would be Disney Sea as it's totally different from other Disneyland parks. The final day in Tokyo we went to to the Ghibli Museum and explored Tokyo by ourselves.

Leaving Tokyo, we took the bullet train to Kyoto. In Kyoto, we were guided by Yoshiko Yoshida to the Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park Tour with a Boat Ride. She shared information about the area and since we had a little extra time, we went to the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The next day we were guided by Asuka Koyanagi and saw more of Kyoto going to Kinkaku-ji Temple, Nijo Castle and Fushimi-Inari Taisha. Only the last day in Kyoto navigating by ourselves, we did Samurai Ninja Museum and Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya. The Tea Ceremony was enjoyable since you learned about the ceremony while dressed in Kimonos.

From Kyoto to Osaka, we were driven by a driver and had Yukari Onishi for our guide. We stopped in Nara and visited the Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. We also fed the bowing deer. In Osaka, we went to the Aquarium, which my daughter found really cool since we saw a couple whale sharks. We also did a Sushi class, which was enjoyable even though my daughter really doesn't like fish.

Overall, the experience was a good one and would look to do again. All the guides spoke good English, willing to change things up if needed, and provided information about the areas that we visited. Most texted us the day before about the pickup for the tours. The hotels were all nice and provided breakfast in the mornings. Having the Kimkim app download on a phone is helpful so you can get any updates to the itinerary.