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Odynovo Tours Co., Ltd

We are a tour operator with a dedicated team of local specialists in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, and China who are enthusiastic about delivering exceptional service. Using our solid local connections and extensive knowledge of the destinations, we will help you create your dream vacation. Every year, thousands of discerning travelers work with us to customize their trips. Over 90% of them rate their experience as excellent. It's easy to see why: they get the experience created based on their interests and needs, travel without hassle as every detail is well taken care of, and return with memories that will last for a lifetime.

Odynovo Tours Co., Ltd is part of the following groups: Japan Travel Agents, Cambodia Travel Agents, China Travel Agents

Featured trips & expertise

Top itineraries and travel advice
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Recent Trip Reviews for Odynovo Tours Co., Ltd

A hearty mix of tourist traps and great experiences
Japan | Nov 15 - Nov 22, 2025

J
Josh V.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Nov 24, 2025
A lot of the events on our itinerary felt like tourist traps or promotional items that KimKim is paid to advertise. For example, on one occasion, we grabbed lunch at a random hotel, and did a food tour where one of the restaurants was staffed by people who barely spoke Japanese. Our tour guides were great; locals who were much more skilled at Japanese than English, for better and for worse, and offered us amazing recommendations for places to go and restaurants to eat at... only to take us to... Read more

A lot of the events on our itinerary felt like tourist traps or promotional items that KimKim is paid to advertise. For example, on one occasion, we grabbed lunch at a random hotel, and did a food tour where one of the restaurants was staffed by people who barely spoke Japanese. Our tour guides were great; locals who were much more skilled at Japanese than English, for better and for worse, and offered us amazing recommendations for places to go and restaurants to eat at... only to take us to the restaurant booked by KimKim, which they had very little to say about. However, on one occasion, KimKim let us pick the restaurant we ate at, which was pretty amazing. That same tour hit a bunch of authentic temples, which while deeply over-commercialized, were great to see. I'm biased toward that tour because we saw more nature than shops. If there's a tree on Mount Fuji, we didn't drive anywhere near it... but Kiyomizu was breathtaking.

The reason for the stars off is primarily the amount of tour that felt like a cookie-cutter, copy-and-paste operation. We adjusted our itinerary to be close to family and friends, but the parts that we moved made me question our guide's experience. Because we were further away from the usual events, our typical day began a little after 7AM with an hour or more of transit. Sure, we incurred that when we asked to be further from some of them... but as an example, we were closer to Mt Fuji than her normal tour. She had us leave our hotel at 6AM sharp to be to Tokyo station in time to catch the shuttle... right back to where we started. Literally we drove past our city on the way back to Mount Fuji. This is the sort of thing I paid a planner *specifically* to prevent, and it wasn't an isolated incident: We had to leave the very next day at 7:25 AM to catch a bullet train between our two hotels... which allowed us to arrive *over two hours* before we were able to check in. After we were back in the city from the copy/paste itinerary, things smoothed out. But basically, just look up someone else's itinerary! KimKim won't do a good job on customizations.

My group had a lot of fun on this trip. The rating is because I genuinely believe we'd have had *more fun* if we just planned it all ourselves.

Hotel Reviews
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Kyoto

This hotel was pretty amazing, but it was more of a roller coaster. The breakfast bar was great; I'd have been blown away had I not just been at a Keio Plaza that set my expectations sky-high. This hotel's breakfast had most of the same stuff, though our other hotel literally had a soft serve ice cream machine... how do you compete with that? Additionally, this hotel's restaurants had very weird hours. Some were only open alternating Tuesdays/Thursdays, for example. The dinner restaurant required reservations... at a hotel. Otherwise, the amenities were on point, and I particularly appreciate the hotel shuttle to Kyoto Station. The rooms had a good deal of floor space but were short on furniture, meaning there weren't many places to set things, so luggage just had to sit on the floor. At least doing so left plenty of walkway. The fixtures (showers and toilets) were all great, there were no problems with water temperature or pressure, and the hotel had blackout curtains and other lighting control. The hotel paid a lot of attention to aesthetics; the lobby was stunningly beautiful. However, there was only one set of elevators in the whole hotel, so we managed to stop on every floor on our descent from level 6, just to watch people elect to wait for the next elevator.

Authenticity & Character
Stunning lobby, good Japanese breakfasts
Location
Very close to a cool temple, and within a comfortable commute of Kiyomizu and many others.
Staff
Helpful and friendly staff, very accommodating for English speakers
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were comfy and the whole hotel was very clean, neat, and pretty. More room to set stuff would have helped.
Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji
Tokyo

This hotel's breakfast bar is carrying it. It was that wonderful. The hotel had water pressure problems and the shower flailed wildly between unpleasantly cool and painfully hot. But I worked around that by drawing a bath, and I'd do that every day for the breakfast bar, which blew the other hotel from our trip out of the water. The beds were comfortable, though on the firm side, which I believe many will appreciate. Beyond that, our experience was perfect. The rooms were small but there was space to put our stuff under tables and on a shelf above the beds' headboards, so we did better here than at our other hotel which had more floor space but no furniture to put things on.

Authenticity & Character
Features fancy Japanese toilets and modern lighting fixtures. Blackout curtains, good lighting control with multiple color temperatures. American hotels could learn a thing or two.
Location
We wanted to be in Hachioji specifically, so this was convenient for us. If you're vacationing mostly in Tokyo, this will not be convenient for you.
Staff
Very friendly and accommodating to English speakers.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was neat and tidy. Housekeeping did great.
Activity Reviews
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Kyoto

This experience really made the trip for me. Kiyumizu was breathtaking; a real must-see among the temples. We actually hit multiple on this tour, and our guide was so friendly and accommodating; she made plenty of time for all the stuff we wanted to do. Dinner selection was on us, which was also stunning. If I ever book through KimKim again, I'd just tell them I want more of this. It was night and day in so many respects. We met the guide at our hotel, at an hour we set; she provided us bus passes so that we didn't have to worry about transit for these events (or anything else that day), we did everything we wanted at the temples, had a great meal, and left ecstatic.

Quality of Experience
Everything about it. The places, the guide, the pacing, the meetup.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
She was fantastically accommodating; beyond what I'd ever expect, especially given our other tours.
Transport
Transport was provided; everything was included.
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kyoto

Experience oozed authenticity; any deviation from that was carefully noted by our hostess. Good for tourists as there was time for photo shoots in our kimono, which was strongly encouraged. The place featured a small "zen garden" kind of structure for it, and while said garden was pretty much in the heart of the city where I'm not sure grass can actually grow, they made it work. Sitting on my knees is hard, but the hostess was very accommodating in that respect.

Quality of Experience
The authenticity of the experience, along with how sharable a moment it is (from a tourist point of view).
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly and informative, with good English skills.
Transport
We brought ourselves, so N/A
Mt. Fuji & Arakurayama Sengen Park Standard Lunch Course (Round Trip from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station)
Mt. Fuji & Arakurayama Sengen Park Standard Lunch Course (Round Trip from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station)
Japan

The tour guide was friendly, spoke great English, and took us through some basic Japanese language and culture lessons, which was cute. These stops were over-commercialized tourist traps that managed to be all about Mount Fuji while exhibiting surprisingly little nature (our final stop was better, as it was a shopping center located next to a very scenic lake). The stops on Fuji itself were just tourist traps that charge you (separately and individually) to so much as use the restroom (there *is* a free one on site, as well). I was told to avoid Mount Fuji because it's a tourist trap, and I accepted the risk because hey, I'm a tourist. What I didn't expect is some extremely poor planning on the part of KimKim that made the whole day a huge pain. We had to leave our hotel before breakfast opened (which would have been at 7AM) to make it to the meetup point on time (a bit after 8 AM). To add insult to injury, the bus we boarded in Tokyo passed within a few hundred meters of said hotel an hour later. I was livid. My party constituted three of the five individuals on this tour, and the other two were from a separate stop; KimKim should have arranged a stop for us. Breakfast was not provided on the tour, nor did we have time to catch any before departure. Lunch was some sad prepackaged meal offered at a random hotel along the way. I enjoyed our time by the lake, though.

Quality of Experience
Better scheduling with our existing itinerary.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was wonderful; friendly, informative, helpful, patient.
Transport
We were on a bus most of the time. How much walking we did was up to us, and we didn't need to worry about rail.
Master Tokyo's Must-Sees: 5-hour Tsukiji, Akihabara & Asakusa Highlights Tour
Master Tokyo's Must-Sees: 5-hour Tsukiji, Akihabara & Asakusa Highlights Tour
Tokyo

A lot of good sights, especially the thunder temple, and a good guide to tell us about them. Japan has largely over-commercialized these temples, but it doesn't feel so bad because it's all cheap, all done on the honor system (within the temples; stands around them are pretty touristy), and all deeply rooted in their culture (even most of the local shops and food stands). Some of the pacing could be improved; I'd rather walk and talk when possible, but this tour still left some wiggle room so we could do what we wanted in the area, and the guide made time for photos and helped us out with them. The tour also left us plenty of time to structure the rest of our day around it.

Quality of Experience
Flexible schedule, friendly guide, and good food at a quality restaurant.
Food
Food quality was good, quantity was acceptable, and timing was such that we could do what we liked in town afterward.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was very friendly and helpful, spoke English pretty well, and did his best to make the experience great for us.
Transport
Guide told us where to go, we just had to provide bus fare
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo

Our guide was great. The choice of eateries was questionable. The food selection was predetermined, rather than just setting a budget, so some members of our group left after eating very little (of the 8 pieces of sushi and 3 tempura that were offered at the first joint). The second joint seemed to be higher quality and was far more impressive. We actually bailed on the third place because it was just some type of ice cream and our group was falling asleep, nearly out of phone battery, by that point in the day.

Quality of Experience
Restaurant selection, food variety
Food
Variety, selection... these were two of the three worst restaurants we ate at on our whole trip. They weren't *bad,* there were just *better,* all around.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was very friendly and informative. We learned a lot from him.
Transport
Most of this experience was just walking somewhere to eat two fistfuls of food, the pacing of meals and stops was terrible, and we had no time to adjust for things the group was actually enjoying.
Local specialist: Sandy Ren
Sandy
Sandy Ren
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Nov 24, 2025
Hi Josh and friends, Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback. We genuinely appreciate your insights as they help us improve our services. We're glad to hear that you enjoyed certain aspects of the trip, especially the recommendations from your local guides and the breathtaking sights like Kiyomizu and Mount Fuji. However, we're truly sorry to learn that some parts of the itinerary felt less personalized and more like standard tourist experiences because they are join in group and have... Read more

Hi Josh and friends,

Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback. We genuinely appreciate your insights as they help us improve our services. We're glad to hear that you enjoyed certain aspects of the trip, especially the recommendations from your local guides and the breathtaking sights like Kiyomizu and Mount Fuji.

However, we're truly sorry to learn that some parts of the itinerary felt less personalized and more like standard tourist experiences because they are join in group and have the meeting points and they are far away from your hotel. I will pay more attention on the distance beteen hotel and meeting point. Thanks so much for your feeback about it. We strive to create unique journeys that cater to our travelers' specific interests, and it's disappointing to hear that we fell short in your case. It sounds like there were some frustrating logistical issues as well, and we understand how that can detract from the overall experience.

Your comments about the restaurant choices and the journey planning are noted, and we will address these concerns with our team to ensure we enhance the customization process in the future. We appreciate your honesty and hope to have the opportunity to create a more tailored experience for you or others in the future. Thank you again for your feedback, and we’re glad to hear your group had fun overall!

Best regards
Sandy

Perfect 2 week trip to Japan
Japan | Nov 9 - Nov 22, 2025

Charlotte
Charlotte B.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Nov 24, 2025
This is was a trip of a lifetime. Every city was different and memorable. All of our guides were knowledgeable and timely. We are not big shoppers so they were able to accommodate our extra time with additional sights. Shona, our local specialist, was able to help us adjust a train ticket within an hour and helped us navigate minor bumps during our trip. Read more

This is was a trip of a lifetime. Every city was different and memorable. All of our guides were knowledgeable and timely. We are not big shoppers so they were able to accommodate our extra time with additional sights. Shona, our local specialist, was able to help us adjust a train ticket within an hour and helped us navigate minor bumps during our trip.

Hotel Reviews
Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel
Tokyo

This hotel was very basic but location could be a huge draw for some people because it is right off of shibuya crossing and near the large train station.

Authenticity & Character
Pretty basic hotel.
Location
For us the location was very loud and busy which we do not love. But some people might like how busy it is.
Staff
When checking on the computer the staff brought me to I told the staff member helping me I had paid for breakfast already. She said I did not and so I bought 2 additional breakfast vouchers. Our local guide had to call the front office and ask for a refund which they did but seems like a situation that could have been avoiding.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean but basic
Miyako City Osaka Hommachi
Osaka

Best hotel we stayed in while on our trip. Room was by far the biggest out of any location. Very nice lobby with a great luggage locker and coffee/drink machine.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Not as close to any metro station but easy walk to main tourist spots
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable bed
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima-ekimae
Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima

Very new hotel. Breakfast selection was great. Very convenient to the train station and local train cars.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful views of the mountains and the city for our room
Location
So close to the major train station with lots of food options
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Park Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto

Hotel was nice. They had a fitness room and a coin laundry facility. Location was good near a metro

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right near a metro station
Staff
Kept rooms clean and friendly in lobby
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bed was comfortable and rooms were clean.
Hakone Hotel Kajikaso
Hakone

This hotel has potential to be a great place to stay for the right people. The onsens are great but there is no tattoos allowed so my husband could not enjoy. The rooms are outdated with peeling wall paper and old bathrooms. The dinner and breakfast was included which in theory sounds great but the menu is fixed. The food is definitely for a particular person who values presentation over taste. I would be surprised if a kid would enjoy any of the food because it is heavily raw fish.

Authenticity & Character
This is hotel is authentic. When going to meals you were encouraged to wear a yukata provided by the hotel. Beds were comfortable but room did not have properly working AC.
Location
Hotel is on the river in Hakone which is nice. Easy to get to town and right near a 7-11
Staff
The person who checked us in did not mention we were supposed to wear the yukata to each meal so we showed up in our normal street clothes which was awkward. Also, we had to cancel a dinner due to a reservation which led to multiple confusing phone calls from various staff and we even had someone enter our room despite having a do not disturb sign on the door.
Cleanliness & Comfort
AC did not function properly
the b ginza

Overall a nice hotel. Rooms were small but that is standard in Tokyo. The breakfast was good but the sitting area could only accommodate a certain amount of people so most mornings there was a 5-15 minute wait to get in.

Authenticity & Character
They had a coffee machine and pancake machine in the lobby which was nice
Location
Near a metro and a lot of great shopping
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel was clean but bed was pretty firm.
Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Nov 24, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback with us. Reading that this was "a trip of a lifetime" is the highest compliment we could receive—it’s exactly what we strive to create for every traveler. We’re delighted to hear that each city left a unique and memorable impression, and that our guides’ expertise and punctuality enhanced your experience. It’s especially rewarding to know that we could adapt the itinerary to your preferences, replacing shopping time with extra... Read more

Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback with us. Reading that this was "a trip of a lifetime" is the highest compliment we could receive—it’s exactly what we strive to create for every traveler. We’re delighted to hear that each city left a unique and memorable impression, and that our guides’ expertise and punctuality enhanced your experience. It’s especially rewarding to know that we could adapt the itinerary to your preferences, replacing shopping time with extra sightseeing opportunities—that’s the true essence of personalized travel. A special shout-out to Shona for her swift resolution of your train ticket and her support throughout the trip. Our local specialists take great pride in turning potential hurdles into smooth transitions, and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with her,hope our paths will cross again in the future.

Our trip was amazing and everything went acco...
South Korea | Oct 16 - Nov 18, 2025

Annie
Annie A.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Nov 23, 2025
Our trip was amazing and everything went according to plan.
We interacted first with Jones with whom we spent 11 days from Seoul to Gwangju. Jones is very reliable and has a very good knowledge about his country. If he does not know the response to a question, he will make sure to look for it. He advised us about good places to eat. We definitely recommend him especially for several days like we did with Jones.
Luke in Busan was very nice and very open about the culture of Busan.... Read more

Our trip was amazing and everything went according to plan.
We interacted first with Jones with whom we spent 11 days from Seoul to Gwangju. Jones is very reliable and has a very good knowledge about his country. If he does not know the response to a question, he will make sure to look for it. He advised us about good places to eat. We definitely recommend him especially for several days like we did with Jones.
Luke in Busan was very nice and very open about the culture of Busan.
Christine is very professional and though we spent only one day with her, it was very interesting to discuss about the past and the present of Korea. She has a lot of knowledge and experience.

Hotel Reviews
NINE TREE BY PARNAS SEOUL MYEONDONG 2
Seoul

Nicely situated. Has a business feel. It was very busy during stay with students groups . Very good breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sea Cruise Hotel
Sokcho

Cold atmosphere and huge hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rakkojae Hahoe Hanok Hotel
Andong

Best hotel we stay in during our 5 weeks trips. Everything was perfect and we wish we could have stayed longer.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Seaes Hotel & Resort

Very nice and relaxing resort. A nice place to discover the south of Jeju Island and to enjoy nuit the view on the sea. Definitely recommend it.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Skybay Gyeongpo
Gangneung

We did not go to this hotel as the program was changed. We were instead, in Itaewon in Seoul in the Hamilton Hotel. Though noisy because of it’s proximity with the Main Street of Itaewon, We recommended this hotel for its convenience location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Golgulsa Temple Stay
Gyeongju

The accommodation is so-do especially because it was raining during our stay.

Authenticity & Character
For the authenticity and character , we gave 4 , not for the accommodation but for the atmosphere and the activities the temple stay offer. It was an experience for us.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
HanokInn

Very well situated but the owner is not very talkative and and at ease with guests. The room , we had would not suit everyone as it was very very small with the bed in a mezzanine with a difficult staircase. Not a problem for us though but just mentioning . The breakfast, which is very light as announced, was kit to our taste. We had to have breakfast outside.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Samlockhon
jeonju

Great place to stay with very very nice people to welcome us. The top was very spacious and authentic. It was the best Hanok atmosphere wise with very kind owners would love to intersect with guests. The breakfast is home made cooking and everything is delicious. We definitely recommend recommend this Hanok beautifully situated in the center of Jeonju

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stanford Hotel and Resort Tongyeong

Cold atmosphere. Nice and big room and view on the sea.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Songjukheon Pension

We arrived late at this place and it is in the middle of nowhere . Si, we did not have the chance to meet the owners who live in another house. No breakfast which is a problem, the room, which is more of an apartment was c very clean but we think this place is better for a long stay and not for a one night stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Holiday Inn Gwangju

Nothing special to say

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Jeju Sun Hotel and Casino

Well situated as it is a good base ro discover Jeju city in a Jeju Island. Good breakfast. Nice room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shilla Stay Yeosu Expo Station
Yeosu

Though big and not traditional, this hotel has a great view on the harbor . It is clean and modern. We enjoy our stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lavalse Hotel

Very well situated near the older part of Busan. The view is spectacular when you face the bay. Though not an authentic hotel, ew definitely recommend this hotel for its convenience, view.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hanok Hotel Daam Seoul

Beautiful hotel: Beautiful authentic room, Delicious breakfast. Very nice staff. Very well situated, this Hanok has it all. One of the best of our trip.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Dressing & Namsan Tower
Full Day Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Dressing & Namsan Tower
Seoul
Full Day Korean DMZ and Hongdae Shopping Street Tour
Full Day Korean DMZ and Hongdae Shopping Street Tour
Seoul
Half Day Golgulsa Temple Stay
Half Day Golgulsa Temple Stay
Gyeongju
Half Day Golgulsa Temple Stay-D2
Half Day Golgulsa Temple Stay-D2
Gyeongju
Half Day Gyeongju National Museum and Tumuli Park Tour with Night View
Half Day Gyeongju National Museum and Tumuli Park Tour with Night View
Gyeongju
Visit Gayasan National Park and Haeinsa Temple
Visit Gayasan National Park and Haeinsa Temple
Daegu
Explore Nature on the Way to Sokcho: Garden of Morning Calm, Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Park
Explore Nature on the Way to Sokcho: Garden of Morning Calm, Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Park
South Korea
Taste of Korea, Authentic Home-Style Cooking Class
Taste of Korea, Authentic Home-Style Cooking Class
Seoul
Go on a Hiking Tour of Bukhansan and Ancient Seunggasa Temple
Go on a Hiking Tour of Bukhansan and Ancient Seunggasa Temple
Seoul
Hiking in Seoraksan National Park - Gwongeumseong Fortress Course
Hiking in Seoraksan National Park - Gwongeumseong Fortress Course
Sokcho

Because of the rainy weather

Half Day Andong Hahoe Folk Village and Byeongsan Seowon Tour
Half Day Andong Hahoe Folk Village and Byeongsan Seowon Tour
Andong
Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Discovery: Yangdong Village and Oksan Seowon
Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Discovery: Yangdong Village and Oksan Seowon
Gyeongju
Jeonju Nambu Traditional Market Tour
Jeonju Nambu Traditional Market Tour
Jeonju
Culinary Experience in Korea's Food Capital
Culinary Experience in Korea's Food Capital
Jeonju
K-drama Filming Spots in Jeonju - Jeonju Hanok Village and Gyeonggijeon
K-drama Filming Spots in Jeonju - Jeonju Hanok Village and Gyeonggijeon
Jeonju
Full Day Naejangsan National Park Hiking - Baekyangsa and Sangwangbong
Full Day Naejangsan National Park Hiking - Baekyangsa and Sangwangbong
Gwangju
Sunchang Gochujang Village, Damyan Bamboo Forest and 5.18 Memorial Park
Sunchang Gochujang Village, Damyan Bamboo Forest and 5.18 Memorial Park
Gwangju
The Healing Tour of Suncheon Bay National Garden and Wetland Reserve
The Healing Tour of Suncheon Bay National Garden and Wetland Reserve
Suncheon
Full Day Cicadas Castle and Haegeumgang Island Tour
Full Day Cicadas Castle and Haegeumgang Island Tour
South Korea
Korean Folk Village and Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Tour
Korean Folk Village and Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Tour
South Korea
Discover the Culture of Busan with Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Discover the Culture of Busan with Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Busan
Local specialist: Jessica Wang
Read all South Korea reviews

Wonderful Japan Experience with Excellent Support and a Few Lessons Learned
Japan | Oct 13 - Oct 20, 2025

Lisa
Lisa G.
Bethesda, MD | Reviewed on Nov 20, 2025
I recently organized a group trip to Japan for 15 travelers through KimKim and worked directly with Angel as our specialist. This was my sixth time working with KimKim and once again the level of customer service, communication, and genuine care stood out in a major way. Even though I did not travel with this group myself, Angel and her team were responsive, patient, and committed to supporting a very full itinerary across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Managing a group of this size with many... Read more

I recently organized a group trip to Japan for 15 travelers through KimKim and worked directly with Angel as our specialist. This was my sixth time working with KimKim and once again the level of customer service, communication, and genuine care stood out in a major way.

Even though I did not travel with this group myself, Angel and her team were responsive, patient, and committed to supporting a very full itinerary across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Managing a group of this size with many moving parts is not easy, and overall the coordination, accommodations, and activities were excellent.

Our hotels in all three cities were beautiful, centrally located, and convenient for exploring on foot or by train. The activities chosen for the group were engaging and memorable. TeamLab Planets was a highlight for many and became one of the most talked about experiences of the entire itinerary. Travelers also enjoyed the castles, shrines, markets, and cultural touches throughout the journey.

We did encounter a few hiccups during the trip, which I believe are helpful to name for growth on both sides. Some of the full day excursions were too long and packed too tightly, which made the days feel rushed for travelers who wanted more time to absorb the history and culture. Time management and pacing are especially important for first time visitors to Japan, and future itineraries would benefit from shorter days, more breaks, and a bit more built-in flexibility.
We also had inconsistent experiences with local guides. One of our female guides was phenomenal, thoughtful, and highly communicative. Another guide struggled with communication and cultural expectations, which created some strain during one of the full day tours. That said, Angel was receptive when this was brought to her attention and took action to support the group.

There was also an issue with the tea ceremony and samurai museum tickets not being booked in advance even though they had been paid for. This was understandably frustrating for travelers who were looking forward to these activities. I appreciate Angel and Sandy stepping in quickly to help resolve this, and I am currently processing reimbursements on my end with their support. Mistakes happen, and I appreciate the team’s transparency and willingness to correct it.

Despite the challenges, what impressed me most was the care, grace, and helpful attitude Angel consistently demonstrated. She was in daily communication with our trip leaders, monitored the group’s needs closely, and made every effort to keep things running smoothly. Her dedication did not go unnoticed by the travelers or by me.

Overall, this was a meaningful trip for my community. My travelers experienced Japan through culture, food, history, and shared connection. The minor issues do not overshadow the fact that KimKim curated a beautiful journey for us, and our group made incredible memories together.

I would absolutely work with KimKim again and with Angel again. With a few adjustments to pacing and guide selection, I know future Japan itineraries will be even stronger. Thank you, Angel and Sandy, for your time, flexibility, and support through the entire process.

Local specialist: Angel Tang
Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Nov 24, 2025

Hi Lisa,
Thank you for your great feedback! 😊
It is my pleasure to assist you with the trip and I am very glad to hear that you are having a lovely time with us.
I look forward to being at your service again for your future trip!
All the best,
Angel

Japan 2025
Japan | Nov 4 - Nov 13, 2025

Jennifer
Jennifer G.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Nov 17, 2025
My son and I took a trip to Japan and planned it through kimkim. Our local agent Angel was amazing to work with and connected us with the best tour guides in Tokyo and Kyoto. She stayed in touch with us throughout the trip and made sure we had all the information we needed to travel efficiently. We could not have asked for a better experience. I definitely will use kimkim again when booking a custom luxury vacation. Read more

My son and I took a trip to Japan and planned it through kimkim. Our local agent Angel was amazing to work with and connected us with the best tour guides in Tokyo and Kyoto. She stayed in touch with us throughout the trip and made sure we had all the information we needed to travel efficiently. We could not have asked for a better experience. I definitely will use kimkim again when booking a custom luxury vacation.

Hotel Review
Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station
Osaka
Authenticity & Character
Could tell it was an American brand
Location
Near train station
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
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

This was one of my favorite days. Motoki was once again very accommodating and made sure we got to see everything we wanted. Our driver was also very accommodating and there to pick us up whenever we were ready to move on to the next stop.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Gion Geisha Walking Tour
Gion Geisha Walking Tour
Kyoto

This tour was very informative. Our guide gave us a ton of historical information about the area and the Geisha culture. We didn’t get to see everything I would have liked to see but still very interesting.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sightseeing in Arashiyama - Boat Ride and Bamboo Grove
Sightseeing in Arashiyama - Boat Ride and Bamboo Grove
Kyoto

Due to weather our boat ride got cancelled but our guide made sure to keep us busy with other sites. In addition to the bamboo forest we visited another site that was not on our list but one that I had heard about. Yoshiko was very accommodating.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Driver was extremely professional and very accommodating
Drive to Hakone from Tokyo
Drive to Hakone from Tokyo
Japan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Vehicle was extremely comfortable
Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkakuji Temple
Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkakuji Temple
Kyoto

Our guide in Kyoto, Yoshiko, was such a pleasure to tour with. She was very knowledgeable and despite the rain (and crowds) she made this day interesting and memorable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Samurai and Ninja Museum with Experience
Samurai and Ninja Museum with Experience
Kyoto

Although this was interesting, the museum was very crowded and was my least favorite part of the trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The staff and guides at the museum felt rushed.
Transport
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kyoto

This was so much fun! I loved getting dressed in the kimono and learning about the traditional tea ceremony customs.

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

Our tour guide Motoki was fantastic. He made sure that we got to see and do all that we wanted in addition to what was on our itinerary. He also shared stories of the Japanese culture that added to our experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Motoki was the BEST!
Transport
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo

Minnie was a great guide and the food was incredible. Loved that it was a small group and we got to know our guide and the other couple in the tour.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Angel Tang
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
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Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
Photo taken by Jennifer G
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Read all Japan reviews

Touring Japan with great friends
Japan | Oct 16 - Nov 6, 2025

K
kevin O.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Nov 16, 2025
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... Read more

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 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
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 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
Half Day Fushimi Inari Taisha to Tofuku-ji Temple Hiking Experience
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Geisha (Maiko) Tea Ceremony & Show
Geisha (Maiko) Tea Ceremony & Show
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Kanazawa Full Day Walking Tour
Kanazawa Full Day Walking Tour
Kanazawa
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Shirakawago Day Trip
Shirakawago Day Trip
Kanazawa
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Nikko 33km Scenic Cycling + Farmhouse Lunch (Approx. 5 Hours)
Nikko 33km Scenic Cycling + Farmhouse Lunch (Approx. 5 Hours)
Nikko
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Night Tour of Kanawaza With Dinner
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.
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
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
Full Day Tokyo City Tour
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Shona Zhang

Perfect Trip!:)
Japan | Apr 25 - May 10, 2025

M
Maddie C.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Nov 17, 2025
Angel did an awesome job curat the iternerary for us and suiting it to our interests. All of the guides and activities were excellent. The accomodations were also great. We had a perfect mix of planned experiences and free-time. Angel also did a really good job with the pacing of our trip between cities. Will probably use kimkim again!:) Read more

Angel did an awesome job curat the iternerary for us and suiting it to our interests. All of the guides and activities were excellent. The accomodations were also great. We had a perfect mix of planned experiences and free-time. Angel also did a really good job with the pacing of our trip between cities. Will probably use kimkim again!:)

Hotel Reviews
Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku
Tokyo

Amazing location; great hreakfast; clean and spacious room. Loved this for our Tokyo time!

Authenticity & Character
Location is perfect.
Location
Asakusa is a really fun part of Tokyo with a lot of cool shops and restaurants and history -- glad we stayed here and got to see a lot of it.
Staff
Attentive; kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was clean and neat.
Hakone Hotel Kajikaso
Hakone

This hotel was such a memorable experience -- it is in a beautiful area and there is so much to do in the hotel. They also give you yukatas to wear and free tea / juice. One of our favorite things was around 9PM we were exploring the hotel and there was a small spa area where we were able to just walk up and schedule a massage before sleep. Loved that we did not need a reservation or anything and that it was open at night-- super cool! The hotel also had a game room and kareoke room and late-night ramen bar. One thing is that the dinner was very traditional, so that part would not suit everybody's taste; during the dinner there were Geisha performances which was cool. Also, there was a cute store in the hotel with a lot of Hakone-specific items; I took back several different things as souvenirs.

Authenticity & Character
Very traditional.
Location
Pretty in a mountain area.
Staff
Kind and accomodating.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable and clean.
Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA
Kyoto

Overall nice place to stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy to get to town from here.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Candeo Hotels Osaka The Tower
Osaka

Fancy hotel; enjoyed our stay here.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mercure Tokyo Haneda Airport
Tokyo

Nice place to stay for our final night in Japan.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day Tokyo City Tour with Shinjuku Gyoen (cherry blossom)
Full Day Tokyo City Tour with Shinjuku Gyoen (cherry blossom)
Tokyo

Our tour guide was so nice and knowledgable! Loved her! Got to see a lot of different places in Tokyo and she took us adjusted the trip to suit what we wanted like if we saw something along the way that was not scheduled she let us check it out and get pictures. She gave us cute paper cranes as a goodbye gift.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Loved Ikuko!!
Transport
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi with Oishi Park
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi with Oishi Park
Japan

So beautiful and such a fun day! We enjoyed the boat ride, and we really loved the gardens in giew of Mt. Fuji. Our driver was very nice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo : Enter the Sanctuary ( join in, small group )
Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo : Enter the Sanctuary ( join in, small group )
Tokyo

Super fun; the sumo wrestlers had really great / funny personalities.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kyoto's Cultural Treasures: Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji
Kyoto's Cultural Treasures: Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji
Japan

Super fun day; we learned and saw a lot! Also loved our guide Hiro -- he was so nice and funny and knowledgable and REALLY good at taking photos. It was like we had a perfect two in one guide and photographer.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kyoto Cooking Class
Kyoto Cooking Class
Japan

So much fun and turned out delicious!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Japan

Loved trying the different foods Osaka is known for; would do again!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day City Tour with Osaka Castle
Full Day City Tour with Osaka Castle
Japan

So happy to have Hiro again for this tour -- getting the same tour guide for Kyoto and Osaka was really cool and added to our experience because it was like we were traveling with a friend!:) He also gifted us polaroids of the day as a parting gift -- so nice and I am keeping them forever!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Again, Hiro is awesome.
Transport
Local specialist: Angel Tang
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
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Photo taken by Maddie C
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Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
Photo taken by Maddie C
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Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Nov 20, 2025
Dear Maddie,
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! I'm absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience on your trip and that the itinerary felt like a good fit for your interests.
It was a true pleasure helping you plan your journey, and I'm so glad to know that the balance of planned activities and free time, the pacing between cities, and the accommodations all contributed to making your trip excellent. Our team of local guides really appreciates hearing that... Read more

Dear Maddie,
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! I'm absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience on your trip and that the itinerary felt like a good fit for your interests.
It was a true pleasure helping you plan your journey, and I'm so glad to know that the balance of planned activities and free time, the pacing between cities, and the accommodations all contributed to making your trip excellent. Our team of local guides really appreciates hearing that their efforts made a difference, and I'll be sure to share your feedback with them.
Wishing you all the best, and I hope we can assist you again in the future.
Warmly,
Angel

Read all Japan reviews

Christine (from Kimkim) was very responsive a...
South Korea | Nov 9 - Nov 15, 2025

T
Theodore L.
San Leandro, CA | Reviewed on Nov 16, 2025
Christine (from Kimkim) was very responsive and friendly, she had good suggestions for things for us to do. She didn’t always have the best attention to detail. It took several attempts to explain our situation, that we were combining a self paid trip with a hotel stay covers by the conference that invited me to Korea. After a couple of rounds she eventually got it right. She failed to consider that our arrival at the hotel was going to be before check in time and did not suggest... Read more

Christine (from Kimkim) was very responsive and friendly, she had good suggestions for things for us to do. She didn’t always have the best attention to detail. It took several attempts to explain our situation, that we were combining a self paid trip with a hotel stay covers by the conference that invited me to Korea. After a couple of rounds she eventually got it right.

She failed to consider that our arrival at the hotel was going to be before check in time and did not suggest alternatives such as the option of paying for an early check in. She offered us one option for hotel— the L7 in Myeongdong. It was a nice hotel, well run, clean, with an excellent breakfast. However, for people our age, staying in Myeongdong got tiresome after a couple of nights. It would have been helpful to have been warned about the noise and crowds and offered a possible alternative.

We were directed to excellent activities and connected with an outstanding guide, Christine Lee and her husband Young. Christine was knowledgeable, warm and friendly. We got an excellent picture of Korean history talking with her and she showed us around Nami island and the garden of morning calm as an expert. These two experiences were outstanding!

Hotel Review
L7 Myeongdong by LOTTE

It’s a well run hotel, very clean, and the breakfast is excellent. Myeongdong is a central location with easy access to subway, the byeongbokgung palace. Myeongdong is where one of the major night markets with street food is located. However, it is harder to find quieter restaurants or easy places to walk around without crowds.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Central and close to subway.
Staff
Staff were great in the restaurant. They were unsure how to handle our early arrival straight from the airport.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless and great maid service daily.
Activity Review
Discover K-drama Locations in European Villages & Nami Island
Discover K-drama Locations in European Villages & Nami Island
Seoul

The best parts of this trip was the visit to Nami Island and the garden of morning calm. The Italian and French villages are a bit tired and run down. Christine Lee and Young did an amazing job showing us around and teaching us about the history and flora of the area.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Christine Liu
Christine
Christine Liu
Local specialist in Seoul and Japan | Replied on Nov 19, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed experience with us. We truly appreciate both your kind words and constructive notes, which help us improve our services. We’re delighted to hear that Christine (Kimkim team) provided friendly and responsive support, and that her activity suggestions enhanced your trip. It’s also wonderful to know that your time with Christine Lee and Young was a highlight—their expertise and warmth reflect the very best of our guide network. Nami Island and... Read more

Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed experience with us. We truly appreciate both your kind words and constructive notes, which help us improve our services. We’re delighted to hear that Christine (Kimkim team) provided friendly and responsive support, and that her activity suggestions enhanced your trip. It’s also wonderful to know that your time with Christine Lee and Young was a highlight—their expertise and warmth reflect the very best of our guide network. Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm are indeed gems, and we’re thrilled they made your Korean history exploration so memorable.

Read all South Korea reviews

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
China | Oct 16 - Nov 2, 2025

Pam
Pam A.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Nov 15, 2025
My husband and I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit China, and it truly exceeded all expectations. From ancient history to breathtaking natural landscapes, this trip had everything we could have hoped for and more. I want to thank Lisa for helping us put this amazing trip together through KimKim. She was so helpful and patient with us. Highlights of the Trip The Great Wall of China was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Walking along this historic wonder, we couldn’t help... Read more

My husband and I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit China, and it truly exceeded all expectations. From ancient history to breathtaking natural landscapes, this trip had everything we could have hoped for and more. I want to thank Lisa for helping us put this amazing trip together through KimKim. She was so helpful and patient with us.

Highlights of the Trip

The Great Wall of China was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Walking along this historic wonder, we couldn’t help but be amazed by its sheer scale and beauty. The panoramic views from the top were unforgettable, and standing on such an iconic piece of history was an emotional experience.

We visited Chengdu to see the adorable pandas—and they definitely lived up to the hype! Watching these playful creatures in their natural habitat was a highlight of the trip. The conservation efforts here are truly impressive, and it was a joy to witness their charm up close.

In Xi’an, we were fortunate enough to see the Terracotta Warriors, a monumental archaeological discovery. The sheer number of life-sized statues and the detail in each one was staggering. It’s amazing to think that this army was created over 2,000 years ago to protect China’s first emperor in the afterlife.

One of the most stunning natural attractions was Zhangjiajie National Forest Park—the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. The towering sandstone pillars surrounded by mist create an ethereal, almost otherworldly landscape. It’s a photographer’s dream and a must-see for nature lovers.

Finally, Guilin was a peaceful escape, with its surreal limestone karst mountains and tranquil Li River cruises. The views were unlike anything I’ve ever seen and felt like something out of a dream.

Cultural Immersion

One of the aspects of the trip that stood out was the incredible cultural immersion. We had numerous opportunities to experience China’s rich traditions and daily life. Whether it was a calligraphy lesson, a traditional tea ceremony, or learning about the history behind local markets, we were able to connect with the culture in meaningful ways.

The people of China were warm, welcoming, and eager to share their stories. Our guides were exceptional—they were incredibly knowledgeable, personable, and made sure we felt comfortable and engaged every step of the way. They took the time to answer all our questions and ensured we had a smooth and enjoyable experience.

We want to thank all our guides: Zhang Yaping (Amy - Beijing), Ma Jun (MJ - Xian), Xiao Tuanming (Nancy - Zhangjiajie), Lin Xue (April), Owen (Guilin) and Vivian (Shanghai). You were all wonderful to get to know and helped make the trip memorable.

Food: A Culinary Adventure

The food in China was another highlight of the trip. Every meal was a delightful adventure! We had the chance to try authentic dishes that we’d never seen in the U.S. The flavors were bold and varied, from the spicy Sichuan cuisine in Chengdu to the savory dumplings in Xi’an. I particularly loved the Peking duck in Beijing—crispy, tender, and simply delicious. The variety of textures and flavors in Chinese cuisine was incredible, and I came home with a newfound appreciation for their culinary traditions.

Overall Experience

All in all, this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip that I will never forget. The sights, the food, the culture, and the wonderful people I met along the way all made this an unforgettable adventure. The expert guides and well-curated itinerary ensured that we didn’t just see China—we truly experienced it.

If you’re considering a trip to China, I wholeheartedly recommend it. Kimkim can help you design the best trip. I can’t wait to return someday!

Activity Reviews
Beijing – Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City,Temple of Heaven with Peking Duck Lunch
Beijing – Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City,Temple of Heaven with Peking Duck Lunch
Beijing
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking along the Majestic Great Wall, Summer Palace
Hiking along the Majestic Great Wall, Summer Palace
Beijing

We had a great day to visit the wall.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit a Local Family and Learn to Cook Homemade Dishes
Visit a Local Family and Learn to Cook Homemade Dishes
Xi'an

This was an enjoyable experience. The family opened their home and we had a lovely time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover Xi'an: the Terracotta Army and Muslim Quarter
Discover Xi'an: the Terracotta Army and Muslim Quarter
Xi'an
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Highlights of Shanghai with Yu Garden and the Bund
Highlights of Shanghai with Yu Garden and the Bund
Shanghai
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cooking Class in Yangshuo
Cooking Class in Yangshuo
Yangshuo

This was extemely fun! Well worth it

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Marvel at China's Most Picturesque River - Li River
Marvel at China's Most Picturesque River - Li River
China
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the Scenic Countryside in Yangshuo by Cycling and Rafting
Explore the Scenic Countryside in Yangshuo by Cycling and Rafting
China

We didn't get to cycle but the rafting was very fun!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Chengdu: Pandas, Wuhou Shrine,Jinli with a Hot Pot Lunch
Explore Chengdu: Pandas, Wuhou Shrine,Jinli with a Hot Pot Lunch
Chengdu
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover the Beauty of Longji Terraced Fields and Learn to Make Bamboo Tube Rice
Discover the Beauty of Longji Terraced Fields and Learn to Make Bamboo Tube Rice
Guilin
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Revel in the Splendor of Zhangjiajie - Grand Canyon and Tianmen Mountain
Revel in the Splendor of Zhangjiajie - Grand Canyon and Tianmen Mountain
Zhangjiajie
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Marvel at the Picturesque Landscape in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Marvel at the Picturesque Landscape in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Xi'an City: Ancient City Wall and Drum Tower
Explore Xi'an City: Ancient City Wall and Drum Tower
Xi'an
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lisa Sun
Lisa
Lisa Sun
Local specialist in China | Replied on Nov 20, 2025
Hi Pam, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a heartfelt and beautifully written review. I’m truly grateful, and it means the world to me to hear that your trip to China exceeded your expectations. It was an absolute pleasure helping you plan this journey, and I’m so glad that you and your husband had such an unforgettable experience. Reading about your highlights—from the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors to the pandas in Chengdu and the breathtaking landscapes of... Read more

Hi Pam,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a heartfelt and beautifully written review. I’m truly grateful, and it means the world to me to hear that your trip to China exceeded your expectations. It was an absolute pleasure helping you plan this journey, and I’m so glad that you and your husband had such an unforgettable experience.

Reading about your highlights—from the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors to the pandas in Chengdu and the breathtaking landscapes of Zhangjiajie and Guilin—made me smile. China is a destination full of wonders, and I’m thrilled that you were able to experience so many of its cultural, historical, and natural treasures.

Your kind words about our local guides also mean a lot. I’ll be sure to share your appreciation with Amy, MJ, Nancy, April, Owen, and Vivian—they will be delighted to know they helped make your trip special.

And of course, I’m happy to hear that the food was such a memorable part of your adventure! China’s culinary diversity is truly remarkable, and it’s wonderful that you embraced every flavor along the way.

Thank you again for your trust and for letting me be part of your journey. I’m so happy that your time in China was meaningful, smooth, and enriching. Whenever you feel ready to explore more of Asia or return to China someday, I would be delighted to help you plan your next trip.

Warmest regards,
Lisa

Read all China reviews

Shona is the besttttt!🩷
Japan | Nov 5 - Nov 14, 2025

Kyah
Kyah H.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 15, 2025
Shona was truly the most incredible travel agent. From the planning, booking and trip, everything was perfect. During the almost year leading up to the trip she was so attentive and knowledgeable with any questions I had. Going to a new country where your language is not their main language can be very nerve racking but Shona made the entire process so easy. I had messed up our flight days coming into Japan and before I knew it Shona had everything taken care of and fixed. She truly took care... Read more

Shona was truly the most incredible travel agent. From the planning, booking and trip, everything was perfect. During the almost year leading up to the trip she was so attentive and knowledgeable with any questions I had. Going to a new country where your language is not their main language can be very nerve racking but Shona made the entire process so easy. I had messed up our flight days coming into Japan and before I knew it Shona had everything taken care of and fixed. She truly took care of everything. From drivers, hotels, train tickets. It was all so organized and well thought out. I can’t thank her enough for making my husband and I’s dream trip a fantastic reality!

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Full Day City Tour with Osaka Castle
Full Day City Tour with Osaka Castle
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Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
Photo taken by Kyah H
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Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Nov 15, 2025

Dear Kyah,

Thank you so much for your kind words! 🌸 I’m thrilled to hear that I was able to make your dream trip to Japan smooth and memorable. It’s wonderful to know that her planning and support made everything easier and more enjoyable for you and your husband. It truly means a lot! 💛

Best,
Shona

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