Odynovo Tours Co., Ltd

Planning and booking our trip was really easy with Fei, who was very efficient and quickly responsive. We visited Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto, and some of their respective surrounding areas.
Our local guides and our private transportation were excellent. We especially enjoyed Ryoji in Tokyo and Yoshiko in Kyoto. It’s hard to pick favorite sights but the magnificent Fujisan must be mentioned as we had a clear sky when we visited and she was visible in all her glory.
The shrines and palaces looked spectacular against the Fall foliage.. We were fortunate to have great weather.
Hotels were great, especially Shibuya Excel which was in an awesome location for Tokyo exploration.
Of course nothing can be perfect, but when hitches or problems came up in our itinerary, Fei and her team quickly worked with us to try and make the trip as smooth as possible.
We loved the food, people, and traditions. A lovely first trip to Japan and hope to go again some time.

We were a party of 4 and had KimKim (Angel was the person helping us) arrange for a trip that included visits to Kanazawa, Osaka, Kyoto, with most of our visit walking the Kumado Kodo for 6 days. Angel was wonderful in providing a wonderful assortment of places to stay during our walk, with detailed instructions for the various busses and trains that we took during our visit. She also checked in each day, and was very responsive to various questions as they emerged--which not only helped with logistics, but greatly reduced our concerns. In preparation, we were able to look at various options, and thus make the trip better suited to our interests. As our first trip to Japan, we didn't know what to expect, and were really happy with the wide variety of places we stayed, and with the selective guide service (e.g. for a visit to Arashima bamboo garden). This trip was great at introducing us to ryokan, minshuku and onsen experiences, and we also stayed at more urban hotels and one totally wonderful boutique hotel in Kanazawa. We had great service and of course fantastic food throughout the trip, and really credit Angel for this as she worked with us and found overall such great places to visit and stay. We will definitely return to Japan, and look forward to working with Angel again to help with exploring new places.

Hotel Reviews

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto ekimae PREMIER

Kyoto

More a business hotel, which is understandable in Kyoto. Very nice staff, great buffet breakfast, good location next to train station. We walked to several of the main Kyoto attractions.

Authenticity & Character

Fine for a business hotel, though we usually prefer smaller more intimate hotels. This one was very convenient and clean and comfortable

Location

5 min. walk to Kyoto train station. Walked to major temples, Nichi market and Gion area. Great food in area (and in train station!)

Staff

Very helpful for logistics, directions etc.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean and comfortable, great breakfast buffet

Hotel Urashima

Katsuura

We didn't know what to expect of this resort hotel, and stayed 2 nights here after our Kumano Kodo walk. The cave onsens were truly wonderful, and when we used them, the were not crowded at all. You sit in delightful hot water overlooking the coast--and I even saw fish jumping amidst the surf. The buffet style dinner and breakfast was great, and the place has its own 'Lawsons' (convenience store) with wonderful snacks and lunch food. Our rooms were great with balconies overlooking the bay, and largish rooms that were great. We decided to stay at the hotel (after an early look at the tuna auction) and lounge around in our Japanese coats provided by the hotel. It was a perfect way to end our walk.

Authenticity & Character

We didn't fully understand this resort hotel, which wasn't that busy--though we might have been there off-season (November). We explored the upper hotel section, which had few people, but a lovely walk out along the peninsula with great views. On the lower level, one part of the the hotel appeared to be unused--perhaps slated for renovation. The cave onsens were delightful, and we visited them many times during our stay.

Location

Easy bus ride from the end of the Kumano Kodo trail, a delightful seaside town, and lovely hotel overlooking the town, on a peninsula.

Staff

A large hotel, but front desk staff very helpful and welcoming.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Our rooms were large, comfortable, clean, and a perfect way to relax after our walk.

Sansaro Cafe & Guesthouse

Koguchi

At Sansaro, we had limited interaction with our host, and sadly, the community onsen was closed for that day. We had walked a moderate day, but then rather than wait for a bus (few scheduled) we walked the additional 3 miles so arrived tired. The guest house has a nice central area and a series of small rooms which were small but comfortable. Dinner was modest, and we got very nice lunch bento boxes.

Authenticity & Character

It was nice to stay in this family home and get a feeling for rural life in Japan.

Location

If walking the Kumano Kodo trail, this place is away from the trail, so requires a bus to and from the trail. Since there are few buses, this is awkward. We opted to walk to get there. The bus back to the trail the next day was fine and right across from the hotel.

Staff

Our host was very busy so our interaction was limited, but we enjoyed our visit. She even passed along a beautiful Japanese 'coat' that a friend had given our host to pass along--a very nice gift.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Our room was quite small, and once the futon was down, there wasn't much room for luggage or even sitting. But, there was a common area to use and that was sufficient. The room was comfortable and quiet.

Ryokan Yunominesou 湯の峯荘

Yunomine Onsen

After a long walking day, we arrived for our first ryokan experience, and it was wonderful. The staff were so welcoming, the onsen lovely, and the dinner very special. We would have been delighted to stay longer at this ryokan.

Authenticity & Character

There are several onsens in this area, and this one was very nice with a lovely outside bath. The rooms were great (quite large, with a great balcony) and our dinner was amazing--many courses and directions for sequence for eating each course.

Location

On the trail, so an easy stay on the Kumano Kodo trail. We had a bus section the next day and the hotel took us a short distance so we would be assured a seat on the bus!

Staff

Very welcoming and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean and comfortable

Hitotoki

Chikatsuyu

Hideo san and his wife were wonderful hosts, and the meal she prepared was unbelievable--complete with special saki and plum brandy! It was very special to get to know this family just a bit for our one night stay while walking the Kumono Kodo trail. Our hosts were so kind and gracious--we only wished our Japanese was better so we could have learned more about them. Hideo san does this as his 'hobby' (though he admits his wife shoulders much of the burden). We really enjoyed meeting the family and our stay. We were worried about our next day (a long one, where we needed to catch an early bus)--but we were treated to a delightful early breakfast, and a ride to the bus stop which made our day much easier. We are so grateful to Hideo san and his wife for their hospitality.

Authenticity & Character

It was really nice to stay with a family and get a feeling for Japanese life. Our hosts went way overboard with our dinner--one of our most amazing dinners in Japan.

Location

For walkers, the place is a bit off the trail, which is awkward as the next day is long, and really requires a bus ride to make it more reasonable--but the family helped by driving us to the bus stop so it all worked out well.

Staff

Hideo san was wonderful, and with our paltry Japanese we were able to chat about many things. Such a lovely visit.

Cleanliness & Comfort

We were a party of 4 and each had a room that was clean and comfy. We shared the bath with the family and were very comfortable for the visit.

GUEST HOUSE Kumano Yasai

Takahara

We had walked a long day to get here, and initially couldn't find it. A neighbor pointed the way, but still, there was no one there. The outside is unassuming, but...we slid open the door and the interior is absolutely beautiful. It has a large living/sleeping room with futons all ready; a smaller area for eating, a small kitchen and a lovely bath. Shino (who did all this lovely work) brought a delicious dinner, breakfast, and provided a bento box lunch for us for our trail walk the next day. We reconnected with her at her cafe after a few hours walk and had a great coffee. Her place was so welcoming it made you want to stay longer--and think carefully about how to incorporate her lovely design in one's own house!

Authenticity & Character

The building is (I believe) 140 years old, with a beautiful renovation preserving the original glass windows, and classic Japanese style house. We loved the character of the house, which was so comfortable and well crafted.

Location

Just off the Kumono Kodo trail, and took a few minutes to find. We didn't have the time (or energy) to explore the village, but Shino's place was quiet and delightful.

Staff

We hope Shino will come visit us in Montana! (We are worried she works too hard--given the fantastic food she prepared for us)

Cleanliness & Comfort

Such attention to detail, so comfortable--just a space to relax and enjoy. One of our favorite places.

Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi

Kanazawa

This was perhaps the best hotel we stayed in for a variety of reasons. First, it was lovely--beautiful woodwork, lovely rooms and a pleasant small hotel atmosphere. The staff were absolutely wonderful--and treated us like family. We could have stayed many more days and been delighted. We walked to the temple being renovated, and would have loved to have seen more of the old part of Kanazawa, but didn't have time. We had the hotel's udon noodles which were wonderful, as was the breakfast. It was easy to move about town from the hotel, and easy to get to from the amazing Kanazawa train station (we walked). We would highly recommend this hotel!

Authenticity & Character

One of the most beautiful small hotels I've seen with beautiful woodwork, and wonderful ambiance.

Location

Easy walk from the train station, which itself is amazing. We walked around town easily.

Staff

So helpful and welcoming, wonderful food, and even a small gift at the end of our 2 day stay--which we would have loved to be longer.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The rooms are immaculate and very comfortable and quiet. We loved the attention to detail.

Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

Tokyo

The hotel was very good, with good food and very clean room. It is more like a business hotel, which is logical in Tokyo, and it was conveniently located. We enjoyed our stay.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Full Day Tour of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Sagano Scenic Railway

Kyoto

We had walked the Kumano Kodo trail, so the forest wasn't spectacular--and fall colors were late. But we had a wonderful guide for this day and we learned alot about the place, but also about Japan and current life there.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide Yoshi was wonderful--felt like a friend immediately, and one you could ask any questions of--and we did. Our time with her was just delightful

Transport

Yoshi met us at the hotel, ushered us through the train station (with pre purchased cards) guided us around Arashima and the temple, and back to the hotel--all so easy and relaxing!

The Kurobe Gorge Railway

Toyama

Quite unique to ride this old railway. The gorge is very steep but wooded, so interesting. We walked a few miles up the trail at the end. Cold on the way down (November)

Quality of Experience

Everyone was so nice--

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We drove up from Kanazawa and our driver was quiet but very friendly and helpful.

Transport

Easy for us, on time, convenient

The guides were all excellent
We have used kim kim before and would in the future recommend to people who have wishes for a personal trip .
We booked a significant portion ourselves but had the recommendations and input from Angela our kim kim appointed guide.
When we did use the guides they were fantastic helping us navigate the complexity of a foreign culture and language with knowledge and great guidance.
Would recommend to travelers to Japan much online shopping for hotels, reservations and definitely buying the JR pass. It’s even possible to do it all on your own but expect the challenges of navigating the Japanese language and culture. Google translate and maps are indispensable!

After 3 other travel services turned down my request to arrange travel on the Kumano Koto trail in Japan --saying everything was full-- I tried KimKim. Fei, the specialist assigned to help us was kind, attentive, and thorough. When we ran in to a lodging glitch while on the trail, she responded very well. I would definitely recommend using Kim Kim.

All the guides I had in Japan were awesome. My favorite part of the tours we’re going to the shrines and temples. The nature adventures were awesome too.

It was a wonderful trip with a well thought out plan for each of the days. We especially liked the guided tours with Yasuko in Kyoto, Nara and Arashiyama, Masako in Hiroshima and Yoko in Takayama. WE loved each of the shrines, temples, natural wonders and gardens that we saw. We loved the food at every place. Except for Hiroshima where the room was really tiny and we had to upgrade on our own, all the other hotels and rooms were lovely. We especially liked the hotels with Onsen and the Gasso house and Ryokan stays which were traditional and unique. One advice is to include some learning and workshops in the trip. We asked for it and our guide helped us find a Japanese sweet making workshop which was so much fun! We really enjoyed ourselves. Thank you Kimkim for this beautiful trip.

Activity Reviews

Transfer from your hotel to the airport with a private vehicle

Tokyo

Half Day Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryuji Tour (Private Guide+Public Transport)

Kyoto

Excellent guide

Full Day Nara Kofuku-ji, Todai-ji and Isuien Garden Tour

Kyoto

Excellent guide

Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Kinkaku-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha (Join-in)

Kyoto

Th tour was excellent. The guide was knowledgable and shared a lot of information. Also guided us into every site herself.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

One Day Miyajima Island and Hiroshima Tour with an English-speaking guide and public transportation

Hiroshima

Excellent guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full-day tour to Shirakawa-go with an English-speaking guide and public bus

Takayama

Here a new guide was given who took money from us for his lunch which was later returned when we told kimkim. He also took extra money for a shuttle up the hill which was also returned later. Not a good experience.

Full Day Takayama City Tour

Takayama

Transfer to Mt. Fuji and overnight in Hakone

Tokyo

Wonderful driver and guide. Brilliant weather.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Tea Ceremony, Senso-ji, Tsukiji Outer Market and Tokyo Tower Tour (Join-in)

Tokyo

The tea ceremony was excellent but the guide for the whole trip was not engaging and did not give us much information about the places we saw.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

engaging more information

Transport

Transfer from the airport to your hotel with a private vehicle

Tokyo

Driver was very late.

Thank you Jessica. We appreciate your patience and hard work in working with us over many months to plan our family trip to South Korea. You never waivered through our many requests and changes as our plans changed.

Thank you Sang, you were an excellent guide for our family trip. We felt very safe in your care and appreciated you sharing your knowledge of each of the areas we visited.

Hotel Reviews

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong

Seoul

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Laundry room big plus!

Lotte Resort Sokcho

Sokcho

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Surprised to find that 2 people had to sleep in mats on the floor.

Ramada Hotel & Suites Gangwon Pyeongchang

Pyeongchang

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Crown Harbor Hotel

Busan

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lotte City Hotel Jeju

Jeju

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Half Day Exploring Sokcho Beach and Jungang Market

Sokcho

For our family we would have skipped the market and spent more time at the beach.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Daegwallyeong Samyang Ranch Tour

Pyeongchang

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Busan City Tour with Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Busan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Gamcheon Village, BIFF Square and Jagalchi Market

Busan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Let's start with the good stuff. The accommodations arranged by KimKim for our five nights were traditional Ryokans with hot springs and were excellent quality with friendly staff, clean facilities and the usual tatami mats, sandals, low tables and great kaiseki meals. Unfortunately most of them were a considerable distance from the train stations in their communities necessitating expensive taxi fares to and from the accommodation. The two guides and the driver arranged by KimKim were pleasant people with reasonable knowledge.

The reason for the poor rating is the quality and local knowledge of the travel specialist assigned to us. Some examples (besides the fact that she booked accommodation so far from the train station).
* The original range of cost we were given by the initial contact person was immediately exceeded at the top end of the range by her first estimate and we had to assert a more reasonable cost by insisting on three star accommodation.
* We made a specific request to stay in Narai and original trip plans included this but suddenly this was no longer included and we were told that accommodation was not available despite us making the request many months ahead.
* When we requested luggage transfer for the day we were hiking we were a) told it wasn't available, b) it was not included even though this was another item we had asked for early on. Eventually, and only after insisting, KimKim told us it could be obtained at our accommodation and they would reimburse the cost for us.
* When we arrived in Takayama from Kanazawa we discovered she had arranged for us to spend the entire day in the Gassho-syle villages (although it really only needed a half day) so we missed seeing the once-a-year spectacular, UNESCO-rated autumn festival in Takayama by less than hour.
* When we asked to receive all our itinerary, maps and tickets in hard copy ahead of time we were told that it might get lost so we should go to a convenience store and print it out ourselves with the help of our first guide. Again, only after we insisted did we get a hard copy but we did not receive it until after we had checked into our first hotel which meant that the information for that location was of no use as we had already consumed the time for visiting places in that city. Furthermore the map for our hiking was small, poor quality print so almost unreadable and, in any case, only in Japanese.
* For one portion of our itinerary it stated that we would go by train from one city to another after being with a driver and guide for most of the day. On this basis we purchased our 7-day JR Pass to coincide with this portion of our trip only to be told later that this was a mistake and that the driver and guide would be taking us to our final destination city.

These are some examples of the poor service, there were others. Unfortunately for KimKim we had a different travel service organizing a separate part of our month in Japan so we had a comparator organization to judge against. On every level KimKim came out looking inferior as well as being more expensive. I would not recommend them to other travellers.

ADDENDUM:
After providing this feedback we were impressed at how seriously KimKim took it and also how seriously they acted to address our concerns. Our dissatisfaction was significantly reduced by their response.

Great service from Fei and the team, booked all the hotels and transfers that we needed in a custom arrangement, was seamless for us. Thanks Fei!

Fei was very responsive in communication and provided a great snap shot of the western side of Japan. Going to the Japanese Alps was a great experience! Many itineraries leave this area of the country out in favor of the top cities and I think you miss a lot if you don't go to these areas. We enjoyed our bike ride through the rural areas as well as seeing areas from the Samurai and Edo time.
During our travels Fei checked in to make sure we were doing ok and having a good time. Was nice to know she was still available even after everything was booked.

Hotel Reviews

Kamikochi Lemeiesta Hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

TOKYU STAY Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu

Takayama

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hyatt House Kanazawa

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Half Day Cycling in Takayama

Takayama

We were actually in Hida, which is much smaller and different than Takayama. We got to see a more rural area that is not very touristy and it was a great peek into areas that still do rice and family vegetable farms. In addition we went to a beautiful shrine overlooking the farm land and the mountains in the distance.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Shirakawa-go Tour From Kanazawa to Takayama

Kanazawa

I am very glad we got to see the smaller village before going to the larger more touristy Shirakawa-go. The museum part of this village was really good. There was hardly anyone over on that side and it was much more interesting than the main village. Eating at the soba noodle cafe was also good.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our trip to Japan was fantastic. Fei setup a wonderful trip and we went to a number of different locations which allowed us to take in various aspects of Japan. All of our guides were great, offering us insight to the history of their mystical country.

We had a couple of changes to our itinerary while on our trip and Fei was there to quickly handle them seamlessly. Thanks to Fei and wonderful guides we had a trip of a lifetime.