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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, China Travel Agents, South Korea Travel Agents

Featured trips & expertise

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent Trip Reviews for Odynovo Tours Co., Ltd

Our daily guide Hera was fantastic! She kept ...
South Korea | Mar 29 - Apr 4, 2026

Danielle
Danielle M.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Apr 11, 2026
Our daily guide Hera was fantastic! She kept us on track and served as an incredible host for her country. Additionally, our travel agent Christine was so detailed and flexible. Such an incredible team! Read more

Our daily guide Hera was fantastic! She kept us on track and served as an incredible host for her country. Additionally, our travel agent Christine was so detailed and flexible. Such an incredible team!

Hotel Review
Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong
Seoul

We did not stay here

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day Petite France and Nami Island Tour
Full Day Petite France and Nami Island Tour
Seoul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Seoul Highlights
Explore Seoul Highlights
Seoul

Hera was incredible. She had incredible insights and was a lovely host!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hera was the best!!!!
Transport
Local specialist: Christine Liu

Incredible journey to a country full of incredible people!
Japan | Mar 2 - Mar 15, 2026

Astrid
Astrid O.
Linton Hall, VA | Reviewed on Apr 10, 2026
We had an amazing time. I appreciate that you were able to squeeze so many activities in for us because we are busy bodies. It was nice having the assistance of drivers and tour guides for the personal touches they offered. Especially loved Yukiko Yoshida, our guide in Kyoto. She was incredible! She had great energy to her, was incredibly knowledgeable, gave us really cool history lessons and context to understand better everything we saw. The food tours were also great because they helped us... Read more

We had an amazing time. I appreciate that you were able to squeeze so many activities in for us because we are busy bodies. It was nice having the assistance of drivers and tour guides for the personal touches they offered. Especially loved Yukiko Yoshida, our guide in Kyoto. She was incredible! She had great energy to her, was incredibly knowledgeable, gave us really cool history lessons and context to understand better everything we saw. The food tours were also great because they helped us acquaint ourselves with the cities in a casual way. We enjoyed the ramen class but we felt it took too much of our time in retrospect, so we will likely not do cooking classes again in the future unless we don’t know what else to do. The kendo class was silly fun but we thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was a fun contrast to the formality of the tea ceremony! Of course skiing in Nagano was incredible and getting to see the snow monkeys while it was snowing was magical. We can’t wait to come back and explore more of the beautiful and dynamic country!

Hotel Reviews
Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier
Tokyo

Beautiful, clean modern, it was a sophisticated way to spend our first nights in Japan. Conveniently located, made it easy to walk from there or take public transportation.

Authenticity & Character
Delicious breakfast
Location
Walkable to cool areas
Staff
So respectful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pristine
Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel
Nagano

Comfortable hotel but it does show its age a bit. The staff was wonderful and the facilities were easy to navigate. Ski in/ski out was awesome though! The rental shop is smaller than big resort shops so be patient. I unfortunately had to wear ski boots that were half a size too big

Authenticity & Character
Very authentic. The MCM vibes were strong in the room.
Authenticity & Character
Very authentic. The MCM vibes were strong in the room.
Location
Ski in/ski out, some of the best runs on a powder day.
Location
Ski in/ski out, some of the best runs on a powder day.
Staff
Very respectful, cordial, and helpful. Took every opportunity to please us
Staff
Very respectful, cordial, and helpful. Took every opportunity to please us
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean, beds were comfy, but the space overall shows it age and feeling a bit lost in time. Nothing was wrong with it, it just felt like it was straight from the 70s
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean, beds were comfy, but the space overall shows it age and feeling a bit lost in time. Nothing was wrong with it, it just felt like it was straight from the 70s
Kokuya Ryokan Shibu Onsen ( Shibu Onsen Kokuya )

Our experience at this hotel was one of the most pleasant on the trip. It was very private, very peaceful, very magical. Our meals here were some of the best we had on the trip, having a private on sun was incredible and suited our comfort level with public nudity haha. We felt very taken care of here and wished more places were like this!

Authenticity & Character
We felt immersed in Japanese culture
Authenticity & Character
We felt immersed in Japanese culture
Location
Perfectly situated in the onsen town
Location
Perfectly situated in the onsen town
Staff
Overly helpful haha
Staff
Overly helpful haha
Cleanliness & Comfort
Well taken care of, very comfortable. Very clean. Mattress pads on the ground can only be so comfy haha
Cleanliness & Comfort
Well taken care of, very comfortable. Very clean. Mattress pads on the ground can only be so comfy haha
Activity Reviews
Kyoto’s Timeless Treasures: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace & Fushimi Inari Taisha
Kyoto’s Timeless Treasures: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace & Fushimi Inari Taisha
Kyoto

Our tour guide on this trip was incredible. She was super informative, was great about giving us lots of background information, and kept us moving so that we didn’t miss out on anything.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo

We had a lot of delicious food, but most importantly it was a really nice primer for the area

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Tokyo Highlights: Sensoji, Tsukiji & Imperial Gardens
Tokyo Highlights: Sensoji, Tsukiji & Imperial Gardens
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kyoto

We had so much fun, getting dressed up in traditional garments and learning about the tea ceremony. Everyone got an opportunity to take pictures in the Japanese garden in our fineries, and it was very pleasant.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Samurai Sword Experience for Adults in Kyoto
Samurai Sword Experience for Adults in Kyoto
Kyoto

How can you not have fun learning how to wheel a sword?! Playful, short and sweet, though I wish we had time to spar or something.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Japan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was hilarious and well informed. She went out of her way to take nice pictures of us and also was good about giving us tips somewhere to eat the rest of the week.
Hiroshima Peace  Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites
Hiroshima Peace Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites
Japan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Learn the Secrets Behind Ramen in a Cooking Class
Learn the Secrets Behind Ramen in a Cooking Class
Osaka

It was a fun experience to learn how the broth and Ramen are made, but in retrospect I think what I was really hoping to make was more of an udon noodle. We appreciate it, however that the techniques we are in there are very easily reproducible at home, especially because we already have a noodle adapter for our KitchenAid.

Quality of Experience
Gyoza and Ramen are delicious! It was fun to cook too!
Quality of Experience
Gyoza and Ramen are delicious! It was fun to cook too!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They were super friendly and helpful. They were very careful to make sure we were doing everything correctly so that we could take our technique home with us.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They were super friendly and helpful. They were very careful to make sure we were doing everything correctly so that we could take our technique home with us.
Local specialist: Sandy Ren
Sandy
Sandy Ren
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 11, 2026
Hi Astrid, Thank you so much for your kind message — I’m really happy to hear you had such a great time in Japan. I’m especially glad you enjoyed Kyoto with Yukiko Yoshida, as well as the food tours, skiing in Nagano, and the snow monkeys. I’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to her. Also, I really want to say thank you as well — it was such a pleasure working with you. Communication was always smooth, and I appreciate your flexibility and understanding throughout the trip. Thank you... Read more

Hi Astrid,

Thank you so much for your kind message — I’m really happy to hear you had such a great time in Japan.

I’m especially glad you enjoyed Kyoto with Yukiko Yoshida, as well as the food tours, skiing in Nagano, and the snow monkeys. I’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to her.

Also, I really want to say thank you as well — it was such a pleasure working with you. Communication was always smooth, and I appreciate your flexibility and understanding throughout the trip.

Thank you also for the honest feedback on the activities — it really helps for future planning.

It was a pleasure arranging your trip, and I hope to welcome you back to Japan again someday.

Warm regards,
Sandy

We felt like VIPs on our trip to Japan
Japan | Mar 25 - Apr 9, 2026

Hector
Hector R.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 10, 2026
This was our first time using KimKim and we could not have been more pleased with the arrangements that were made for us. Shona made all the plans and booked all of the activities for us. She booked activities such as a cooking class, foodie tour, digital art museum, Shibuya Sky observation deck, etc. These were activities that I didn't know about, or would not have thought of, but each one was enjoyed. She, of course, also booked all transportation, tour guides, and hotels.
The tour guides...
Read more

This was our first time using KimKim and we could not have been more pleased with the arrangements that were made for us. Shona made all the plans and booked all of the activities for us. She booked activities such as a cooking class, foodie tour, digital art museum, Shibuya Sky observation deck, etc. These were activities that I didn't know about, or would not have thought of, but each one was enjoyed. She, of course, also booked all transportation, tour guides, and hotels.
The tour guides made our lives easier because they know their way around and speak the language. We could have made this trip without using KimKim, but it would not have been as good and as easy as it was with KimKim.
I highly recommend using KimKim, you will not be disappointed.

Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 10, 2026

Hi Hector,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We are absolutely delighted to hear that your first experience with KimKim was such a positive one.
Thank you again for trusting us with your travel plans, and for highly recommending KimKim. We look forward to helping you create more unforgettable memories in the future!

Best Regards
Shona

The most incredible adventure of our lives!
South Korea | Apr 1 - Apr 6, 2026

Jason
Jason B.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2026
Our week in Seoul was more than we ever could have imagined. Prior to our trip, we had lots of questions and Jessica answered every question thoroughly and completely. From the moment we arrived at the airport, we were picked up and driven to our hotel which was perfect! It was so nice and perfectly located to everything we could want or need. Our private guide, Hera Kim, picked us up on our first day and we were off and running. Gyeongbokgung Palace and hanbok rental was our first adventure... Read more

Our week in Seoul was more than we ever could have imagined. Prior to our trip, we had lots of questions and Jessica answered every question thoroughly and completely. From the moment we arrived at the airport, we were picked up and driven to our hotel which was perfect! It was so nice and perfectly located to everything we could want or need. Our private guide, Hera Kim, picked us up on our first day and we were off and running. Gyeongbokgung Palace and hanbok rental was our first adventure and she guided us through and explained the history behind it all. Everything we did and everywhere we went, she gave us detailed information and descriptions. I felt super comfortable with her and we became good friends! Also, our private cooking class with Yum2Lab, Esda, was incredible. We were lucky enough to be in the class by ourselves so she gave us her undivided attention and we learned so much. The meal we prepared was delicious and she explained everything and was so sweet and friendly.

If we ever return to Seoul, we will definitely go through kimkim again and request the services of Hera. She was absolutely incredible! She took all the pictures we could have asked for without having to ask! Our day at the DMZ was amazing. Although fast paced and busy, we could not have navigated that without her. We learned so much from her and hope anyone who visits Seoul can have someone like her to guide them through. It's always a challenge traveling to a foreign place but she made us feel right at home and like a great friend!

Hotel Review
Stanford Hotel Myeongdong

We enjoyed the hotel very much. The staff was super helpful and friendly. We spent a little time in the hotel bar and the lovely young lady who waited on us both times was incredible. So sweet and friendly!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Perfect location! Steps away from anything you could wish for!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Korean Full-Course Meal Cooking Class at Local Home with Local Market Experience
Korean Full-Course Meal Cooking Class at Local Home with Local Market Experience
Seoul

We

Quality of Experience
Food
It was delicious! We ate all of it!! Definitely the best meal of the entire trip!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Esda was incredible. We took taxi and he was a little hard to communicate with and had trouble finding the place but we eventually made it.
Transport
It was a bit confusing trying to get to the location. We were not aware that we had to arrange our travel on our own. The hotel called the taxi for us but the driver had some trouble locating the address. Thankfully, our cooking instructor was waiting for us and even called to make sure we were coming.
Seoul City Tour with Cherry Blossom Spots: Yeouido Park and Namsan
Seoul City Tour with Cherry Blossom Spots: Yeouido Park and Namsan
Seoul

The day was perfect! Thanks to our guide, Hera Kim!

Full Day Korean DMZ and Hongdae Shopping Street Tour
Full Day Korean DMZ and Hongdae Shopping Street Tour
Seoul

Hera Kim gave us a quick history recap before we left and was right by our side for the entire day. We could not have done it without her help!

Local specialist: Jessica Wang

Twice as Good: Another Seamless Family Adventure
Japan | Mar 18 - Apr 1, 2026

Roanne
Roanne A.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2026

This is my second time using the KimKim service for my family vacation. Cannon was very responsive to all our questions and had provided many activities and planned free days where the whole family was able to enjoy. We really liked the hotels picked and convenience of locations for all of them. The itinerary went very smooth and fell in love with the country. I definitely would love to visit again.

Local specialist: Cannon Xiao
Cannon
Cannon Xiao
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 09, 2026
Dear Roanne 🙇‍♂️, Thank you so much for your kind words—and for trusting me again with your family vacation. It truly means a lot to me. I really enjoyed planning this trip for you, and I’m so happy to hear that everything went smoothly and that your family had such a wonderful time together. Knowing that you loved the hotels and enjoyed both the activities and free time is exactly what I was hoping for when designing your itinerary. It honestly makes me so happy to hear that you fell in... Read more

Dear Roanne 🙇‍♂️,

Thank you so much for your kind words—and for trusting me again with your family vacation. It truly means a lot to me.

I really enjoyed planning this trip for you, and I’m so happy to hear that everything went smoothly and that your family had such a wonderful time together. Knowing that you loved the hotels and enjoyed both the activities and free time is exactly what I was hoping for when designing your itinerary.

It honestly makes me so happy to hear that you fell in love with the country—that’s the best feedback I could ask for.

I hope I’ll have the pleasure of helping you again on your next trip to Japan. 😊

Warm regards,
Cannon

Wonderful Japan - Independent Tour
Japan | Mar 23 - Apr 2, 2026

K
Karen P.
Novato, CA | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2026
I created a specialized itinerary and Kim Kim agent Angel was able to coordinate beautifully. Japan is a lovely country with so many great sites not to be missed. We hit the highlights of Tokyo, Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka. What I like most was working in partnership with KimKim to have the type of experience we wanted: a little hustle, a little laid back, key historical sites without being overwhelmed with too much, and lots of fun activities.
Pros:
1. Angel is an absolute gem to...
Read more

I created a specialized itinerary and Kim Kim agent Angel was able to coordinate beautifully. Japan is a lovely country with so many great sites not to be missed. We hit the highlights of Tokyo, Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka. What I like most was working in partnership with KimKim to have the type of experience we wanted: a little hustle, a little laid back, key historical sites without being overwhelmed with too much, and lots of fun activities.
Pros:
1. Angel is an absolute gem to work with. She was responsive to my needs, listened carefully, alway with kindness, humor and professionalism.
2. The itinerary was affordable, considering we did not want to be on a tour bus with 20 others each day, allowing us independence while able to join in group activities on some days.
3. Each day, Angel would check in with the daily itin and schedule, including all tickets, maps, timing. Loved that.
Cons:
1. With the exception of Tokyo and Hakone, the hotels in Kyoto and Osaka were located far away from anything...more like office park areas, not walkable to anything. As this was my first time to Japan, hotel locations are essential to enjoyment, and this was dissapointing.
2. Due to those 2 hotel locations, we had to use uber or public transport to get anywhere, costing a lot of money and time that I didn't expect. I would suggest KimKim to review hotel locations that are tourist friendly and walkable to restaurants, stores, etc.
3. I was quoted a price for my initial itinerary, complete with hotels. Two weeks before departure, I was reviewing the itin and realized I needed more transportation built in, like train to hotel transfers, pick up/drop off from tours. I requested this and was quoted a huge amount, which was then negotiated down as we discussed the actuality. However, in the last quote, included was the price for my first hotel stay of 3 nights. This was odd and unexpected, I thought this was included in the initial quote, which it appeared to be. Confusing and not good.
Overall experience:
Loved this trip and Angel was a delight to work with.

Hotel Reviews
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
Osaka

Beautiful hotel, part of large chain, comparable with HIlton.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Nothing around at all, need transport for any shopping or dining. The property location is on the 16th floor of an office building, requiring 2 elevators to get to reception, then to your room. Inconvienient.
Staff
Everyone helpful and happy to help
Cleanliness & Comfort
Double room had an odd layout, the bath/toliet area far apart and the sink area exposed in room. We moved to a twin room that had tradional layout of seperate bath area. This room also had a nice couch and seating area.
Henn na Hotel Premier Kyoto Gojo Karasuma 

Budget hotel that has no reception desk - it's all automated like self serve check out. The lobby is a storage area for luggage with no comfort or amenities, like water or coffee. Room amenities are at the elevator door, it's all self serve. Why this is rated 3 stars is questionable. Took one look at small room with lumpy double bed and immediated left for another property.

Authenticity & Character
Good for students or those on limited budget.
Location
Located near nothing...no stores or restaurants, sans Lawsons Family store 2 blocks away.
Staff
Only appeared if you rang a bell. Not in attendance.
Cleanliness & Comfort
While it appeared clean, the comfort, based on the lobby experience, is lacking any welcome.
Hakone Airu
Hakone

What a serence little property. I was looking for a traditional onsen experience and this hit all the marks and them some. The reception was full hands on, being greated at the door, escorted to a small seating area for a personalised check in. Our room had a nice floor seating area and a private outdoor sitting pool, facing the mountains. The amenities were top of the line, so much that I purchased as they offered for sale in the nice gift shop. The hotel includes dinner and breakfast, what I did not expect, and was utterly delighted by, is that both meals are served privately in your own dining area. Truly an incredible experience.

Authenticity & Character
Traditional onsen that is great on budget while feeling more expensive. Lovely kimonos to wear throughout the property are provided.
Location
Located on a hilly street, about 1/2 mile from any retail stores or restos.
Staff
Everybody was kind, courteous and willing to please.
Cleanliness & Comfort
This is an onsen, so do not expect western beds. For a night or two, it's lovely.
the b asakusa
Tokyo

Delightful, smaller hotel in an excellent area, Asakusa. Nice reception and lovely rooms. Good breakfast options and staff willing to make something if needed. Loved it, highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Angel Tang

Our family vacation to Japan was amazing!
Japan | Mar 27 - Apr 6, 2026

John
John P.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2026
Our family vacation to Japan was amazing! Our excellent advisor Shona designed a great itinerary and made sure all of our needs were met. When hiccups occurred, she was quick to figure out a solution and went out of her way to make sure we were satisfied every step of the way. We highly recommend Kimkim, and especially Shona to make your next vacation one to remember. Read more

Our family vacation to Japan was amazing! Our excellent advisor Shona designed a great itinerary and made sure all of our needs were met. When hiccups occurred, she was quick to figure out a solution and went out of her way to make sure we were satisfied every step of the way. We highly recommend Kimkim, and especially Shona to make your next vacation one to remember.

Activity Reviews
Full Day City Tour with  Osaka Castle
Full Day City Tour with Osaka Castle
Japan

We had a great time with our guide Yuki. He was very friendly and organized and was flexible with us when we wanted to change things during the day. We loved seeing the traditional areas of Kyoto, as opposed to the modern feel of the city centers of Kyoto and Tokyo.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Nara City Tour, Overnight in Osaka
Full Day Nara City Tour, Overnight in Osaka
Japan

We had fun seeing the deer, but be ready to be swarmed by aggressive deer who want crackers, and will definitely let you know if you’re taking too long handling them over by nipping your arms and legs. I’d recommend just watching those less informed feeding them. The area is very nice, but the museum is terrific! Definitely make it a point to spend some time seeing the many artifacts/national treasures inside.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Tour of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Sagano Scenic Railway
Full Day Tour of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Sagano Scenic Railway
Kyoto

The walk through the bamboo forest was nice, but very crowded. We absolutely loved the grounds surrounding the bamboo forest, as they were very tranquil, and just beautiful with the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kyoto

Our family of four, with two sons on their twenties, really enjoyed the tea ceremony. It was fun to dress in traditional clothes and learn about the history and traditions behind it. It’s fun for all ages.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day  Meiji Shrine,the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Harajuku Tour
Full Day Meiji Shrine,the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Harajuku Tour
Tokyo

Our family enjoyed visiting the Meiji shrine, a peaceful oasis in a busy city. The grounds were very pretty and our guide Kaiko was terrific! We loved learning about the history of the shrine from our guide and from visiting the museum.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 09, 2026

Hi John,
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. I truly appreciate your kind feedback.

I am also especially grateful for your understanding and cooperation when any unexpected situations arose during your trip. It means a great deal to me, and I’m very glad we were able to navigate everything together smoothly.

It would be my great pleasure to assist you again in the future, whether for your own travels or for arranging trips for your family and friends in Japan.

Thank you once again for your trust and support.
Best
Shona

Judy from Kim Kim was very helpful and listen...
Japan | Mar 20 - Mar 31, 2026

Judith
Judith W.
Australia | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2026
Judy from Kim Kim was very helpful and listened to what we wanted as a family. Judy paired us with a private tour guide called JJ from Nara to Oaska, JJ was a great guide and well informed, she even it took one for the team when the deer's were chasing us food.
Thank you, highly recommend Judy from the Kimkim Tour group.
Read more

Judy from Kim Kim was very helpful and listened to what we wanted as a family. Judy paired us with a private tour guide called JJ from Nara to Oaska, JJ was a great guide and well informed, she even it took one for the team when the deer's were chasing us food.
Thank you, highly recommend Judy from the Kimkim Tour group.

Hotel Reviews
The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi
Osaka

Hotel was in a perfect location to food and transport & night life. Rooms were smallish especially when sharing but all in all it was clean and had great amenities. Breakfast was included and enough variety available.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kyoto U-BELL Hotel

Hotel was in a good location to food and transport. Rooms were reasonable with queen bed especially when sharing but all in all it was clean and had great amenities. Breakfast was included and enough variety available.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great location to transport & food
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel

Hotel was in a good location to food and transport. Rooms were small especially when sharing but all in all it was clean and had great amenities. Breakfast was included and enough variety available.

Authenticity & Character
Clean and good amenities
Location
Near train stations restaurants
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Japan

Hide our foodie tour guide is a legend, he was funny, easy going and pleasant to share meals with. He was a great guide and answered questions not related to food as well.

Full Day Nara City Tour, Overnight in Osaka
Full Day Nara City Tour, Overnight in Osaka
Japan

Our guide JJ from Nara to Oska was informative and very pleasant to deal with, she was always helpful in answering our questions.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kyoto

We got to experience wearing a Kimono, the staff were very helpful and informative when dressing you. Our host teaching us the traditions of why they have a tea ceremony was very informative and pleasant.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Judy Zhang
Judy
Judy Zhang
Local specialist in Seoul and Japan | Replied on Apr 09, 2026

Hi Judith,

Thank you so much for your kind words — it truly means a lot to me 😊

I’m so happy to hear that you and your family had a great experience, and that JJ took such good care of you during your time from Nara to Osaka. It sounds like the deer made things extra memorable as well! 🦌

It was a real pleasure planning this trip with you, and I’m so glad it turned out to be such a special experience for your family.

Thank you again for your recommendation — I truly appreciate it and hope to help you with another adventure in the future!

Warm regards,
Judy

In January 2026 we traveled to Japan- three a...
Japan | Jan 20 - Jan 30, 2026

C
Colleen G.
Amesbury, MA | Reviewed on Apr 06, 2026
In January 2026 we traveled to Japan- three areas including Tokyo, Kyoto and last, Niseco for skiing! This was our 3rd trip working with kimkim and similar to past vacation explorations, it was a wonderful experience all around! Sandy was our local contact in Japan and she worked enthusiastically and diligently to tailor our trip to our specific needs, also nudging us kindly to consider things we wouldn't normally have chosen like "Sumo Experience" in Tokyo - which we truly enjoyed! ... Read more

In January 2026 we traveled to Japan- three areas including Tokyo, Kyoto and last, Niseco for skiing! This was our 3rd trip working with kimkim and similar to past vacation explorations, it was a wonderful experience all around! Sandy was our local contact in Japan and she worked enthusiastically and diligently to tailor our trip to our specific needs, also nudging us kindly to consider things we wouldn't normally have chosen like "Sumo Experience" in Tokyo - which we truly enjoyed! Charlie was our Japanese American guide (friendly, knowledgeable and fun!) for the Sumo tour and we fully learned much from him and the kindly retired but still practicing Sumo wrestlers living at the Sumo Stable. Even had a taste of sparing for fun! Sandy connected us with our Tokyo tour guide Ayumi (friendly, knowledgable, gracefully passionate about her country) who proved to give us an outstanding tour of Tokyo sights (like Tokyo skyscrapers, rare fog free view of Mt Fuji from Tokyo, Imperial Palace Gardens and beautiful history lesson about Japan and the Imperial family, natural and tranquil Shinto shrines and introduced us to the most delicious, bountiful and steaming hot Ramen on one of our chilly days. We traveled on a high speed train from Tokyo to Kyoto that was so swift yet very quiet. In Kyoto, the cultural capital, our tour guide was Taku and he really gave us a thorough and enjoyable tour. It was very clear he had great passion and humble pride about his country. We really enjoyed our time learning from and exploring with him! Taku brought us to our traditional Ryokan accommodation with Onsen/hot spring baths. The proprietors could not have been more welcoming and accommodating. Had a second enjoyable day with Taku where we ventured through a Bamboo forest, snow monkey park, Nijo Castle, food market, learned about the beautiful and refined Geisha and more junior Meiko traditional Japanese entertainers who attend training in the Gion district of Kyoto. Headed north by plane to Niseko ski country and spent several days skiing the remarkably light and fluffy snow. Our kimkim designed Japan experience was THE BEST!!

Local specialist: Sandy Ren
Sandy
Sandy Ren
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 11, 2026
Hi Colleen, Thank you so much for your wonderful message — I’m really happy to hear you had such an amazing experience in Japan. It’s great to know you enjoyed the Sumo Experience, Tokyo highlights, Kyoto with Taku, the ryokan stay, and of course skiing in Niseko. I’m especially glad the guides were able to bring each place to life for you — I will definitely pass your kind words on to Charlie, Ayumi, and Taku. I also really appreciate your trust in me throughout the planning process and... Read more

Hi Colleen,

Thank you so much for your wonderful message — I’m really happy to hear you had such an amazing experience in Japan.

It’s great to know you enjoyed the Sumo Experience, Tokyo highlights, Kyoto with Taku, the ryokan stay, and of course skiing in Niseko. I’m especially glad the guides were able to bring each place to life for you — I will definitely pass your kind words on to Charlie, Ayumi, and Taku.

I also really appreciate your trust in me throughout the planning process and your openness to trying different experiences — it was a real pleasure working with you.

Thank you again for choosing to travel with us, and I hope we can help you plan another Japan adventure in the future.

Warm regards,
Sandy

Angel, an amazing travel professional and a wonderful individual.
Japan | Nov 10 - Dec 2, 2025

Debbie
Debbie L.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Apr 05, 2026
Angel was the most amazing organizer; informed, personable and fun to work with. We were 4 women who enjoy adventure and talking to local people. We each have done a fair amount of traveling on our own and arranging our own trips with family and friends but this time relied on KimKim to make our arrangements. Their local day trip guides were extremely knowledgable, thoughtful, kind and with a sense of humor. We appreciated times when the various local guides adjusted the schedule or... Read more

Angel was the most amazing organizer; informed, personable and fun to work with. We were 4 women who enjoy adventure and talking to local people. We each have done a fair amount of traveling on our own and arranging our own trips with family and friends but this time relied on KimKim to make our arrangements.

Their local day trip guides were extremely knowledgable, thoughtful, kind and with a sense of humor. We appreciated times when the various local guides adjusted the schedule or site given to avoid the crowds. Sometimes we explored new places and had to adjust the schedule given unknown circumstances. The experiences felt unique while at the same time we were visiting major sites. So many places we went were so special. We made a number of requests in the beginning and made a few major adjustments just before embarking. When we had an unexpected emergency she responded immediately --anticipating the next steps with calm.

I wish Angel could arrange all my trips.

Local specialist: Angel Tang
Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 05, 2026

Hi Debbie, receiving your feedback and encouragement at this moment brought tears to my eyes—it is not only a tremendous affirmation of my work but also the greatest birthday gift I could have received. I miss you all deeply. May your families stay healthy and happy. Angel