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Vio Travel

Vio Travel is the first virtual Destination Management Company in Asia/Pacific, offering a hand-picked selection of the region's best travel experiences, unique hotels, and travel packages. With our innovative booking platform, we help travelers easily create unforgettable holidays, whether they are looking for a short trip or a multi-day, multi-country package.

At Vio Travel, our mission is to help travelers connect with amazing local experiences. Our curated collection includes hundreds of unique experiences, transfers, flights, and a carefully chosen selection of unique properties across 12 countries. We believe in offering personalized, one-of-a-kind experiences that immerse travelers in the culture and beauty of the region, leaving them with memories that will last a lifetime.

Vio Travel is part of the following groups: Japan Travel Agents, Australia Travel Agents, Cambodia Travel Agents

Featured trips & expertise

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Road trip itineraries
Honeymoon itineraries

Recent Trip Reviews for Vio Travel

Extremely helpful and proactive...
Australia | Jan 23 - Jan 29, 2026

G
Gordon S.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026
Vicky was extremely helpful and proactive at getting us the information we needed before and during the trip. Read more

Vicky was extremely helpful and proactive at getting us the information we needed before and during the trip.

Activity Review
SEIT Uluru & BBQ Dinner
SEIT Uluru & BBQ Dinner
Uluru

We had a wonderful day touring Uluru and learning the history and significance of the people who have lived here.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Jan 31, 2026

Thabks so much Gordon. Appreciate your positive feedback.
Take care and All the Best
Vicky

Vicky planned a wonderful trip for us. We had...
Australia | Dec 29 - Jan 26, 2026

Gina
Gina S.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Jan 27, 2026
Vicky planned a wonderful trip for us. We had well appointed lodging and a good variety of activities. Read more

Vicky planned a wonderful trip for us. We had well appointed lodging and a good variety of activities.

Hotel Reviews
QT
Sydney

Great location and loved the quirky hotel that was once a theater. Giving 4 stars because they were delayed in responses to request for additional amenities such as a blanket and extra pillow. We’d definitely stay at this hotel again.

Authenticity & Character
Remnants of the old theater.
Location
In the heart of the CBD and next to the tram.
Staff
Very kind staff. It would be nice to have them ask how they could help, such dining recommendations and more information about the restaurants on site.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne on Flinders
Melbourne, VIC

Great location and roomy space. We had trouble with the washer dryer unit. It ran all night and in the morning it still said 4 hours to go to finish. It never stopped even

Authenticity & Character
Nothing special regarding character but nearby a lot of character.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Hermitage Hotel
Mount Cook Village

Amazing view and lovely room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Only one elevator functioning for a large hotel.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury
Adelaide

Wonderful staff a comfortable room.

Authenticity & Character
Historic building, bedroom door was awkward.
Location
Close to the market
Staff
Helpful getting us an early breakfast due to an early activity.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ramada Suites Queenstown
Queenstown

Short visit, not much to review

Authenticity & Character
Location
Big hill getting downtown.
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise - Real NZ Fiordland Navigator
Manapouri
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel St. Moritz
Queenstown
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Quest Cathedral Junction
Christchurch

Stained sofa seats

Authenticity & Character
No stained furniture! Also spill water and when wiped up you could see the dirty floor.
Location
Didn’t like the food coming into our room. Also no windows in the bedroom.
Staff
Not there for arrival and no outreach for things to do.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Warn and smelly
Regent of Rotorua
Rotorua

Decent hotel but nothing special

Authenticity & Character
Location
A better bar
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Hotel Britomart
Auckland

Wonderful room and location. The staff were very friendly and even came up to our room on arrival to show us how to use the smart features.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Awesome location and hotel!
Activity Reviews
Rotorua to Auckland via Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves
Rotorua to Auckland via Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves
Rotorua
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The F Factor Food Tour
The F Factor Food Tour
Adelaide

Sweet guide but too many chocolate and nut stops.

Quality of Experience
More variety
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Panoramic Sydney Sights - Half Day Tour
Panoramic Sydney Sights - Half Day Tour
Sydney
New Years Eve Sydney Harbour Cruise
New Years Eve Sydney Harbour Cruise
Sydney
Kangaroo Island in a Day Tour from Adelaide
Kangaroo Island in a Day Tour from Adelaide
Adelaide

Great sites but too much butt time. Would’ve liked our lunch to know what we had ahead of us.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sydney’s Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour
Sydney’s Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour
Sydney

Our guide was great. Would’ve liked our lunch spot preset up for us. The restaurants were busy so we only had one quick option.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Taste the Barossa - Premium Day Tour: Small Group Tour
Taste the Barossa - Premium Day Tour: Small Group Tour
Adelaide
Queenstown to Mt Cook Tour (One-Way)
Queenstown to Mt Cook Tour (One-Way)
Queenstown (NZ)

Wish we were better informed on what stops we’d be making. Appreciated the guides who told us what to expect for the day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Small Group Eco Tour
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Small Group Eco Tour
Melbourne

Loved this!! I wish we would’ve been told to dress warm.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Luxe Bus Great Ocean Road with Wildlife Wonders
Luxe Bus Great Ocean Road with Wildlife Wonders
Melbourne

Loved this although we were cut short for fires.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Laneways of Melbourne
Laneways of Melbourne
Melbourne

Wonderful tour. Would recommend doing this on day one.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Foodie Discovery Walking Tour
Foodie Discovery Walking Tour
Melbourne

Great variety of foods and fun guide. Loved it.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Queenstown (NZ)
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bike the Valley of the Vines from Arrowtown- Return Shuttle from Queenstown
Bike the Valley of the Vines from Arrowtown- Return Shuttle from Queenstown
Queenstown (NZ)

Love this ride and flexibility to stop when we wanted. Beautiful scenery and yummy wine.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Glacier Explorers  - The ultimate ice adventure in Aoraki/Mount Cook
Glacier Explorers - The ultimate ice adventure in Aoraki/Mount Cook
Aoraki / Mount Cook Village
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mt Cook to Christchurch 1 Way Tour (Small group)
Mt Cook to Christchurch 1 Way Tour (Small group)
Aoraki / Mount Cook Village

Would have liked more stops and more time off the bus.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Christchurch to Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Tour
Christchurch to Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Tour
Christchurch

Saw a bit of the sperm whales. Videos were helpful too.

Te Puia - Te Pō combo (Te Rā Guided Experience + Indigenous Evening Experience)
Te Puia - Te Pō combo (Te Rā Guided Experience + Indigenous Evening Experience)
Rotorua

A little long for the tour in the craft school.

Waiheke Island - The Gourmet Food & Wine
Waiheke Island - The Gourmet Food & Wine
Auckland

Fun and beautiful tour. I would suggest a more neutral food than oysters.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Jan 27, 2026

Thank you for your feedback Gina, I really appreciate it.
Wishing you many more travel adventures ahead
Thanks again
Vicky

We just returned from a fabulous holiday to A...
Australia | Dec 20 - Jan 4, 2026

M
Margaret K.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jan 08, 2026
We just returned from a fabulous holiday to Australia and New Zealand. Vicky our travel specialist and kimkim were extraordinary in accommodating our travel goals and needs. We wanted to make the most of our special holiday and therefore had a very busy trip with lots of different locations, tours, and internal flights, etc. Vicky took our ideas of what we wanted to do and accomplish and turned them into a reality. Throughout our planning and travels, the kimkim site was easy to use and... Read more

We just returned from a fabulous holiday to Australia and New Zealand. Vicky our travel specialist and kimkim were extraordinary in accommodating our travel goals and needs. We wanted to make the most of our special holiday and therefore had a very busy trip with lots of different locations, tours, and internal flights, etc. Vicky took our ideas of what we wanted to do and accomplish and turned them into a reality. Throughout our planning and travels, the kimkim site was easy to use and Vicky was very knowledgeable and responsive. Changes in plans and schedule were managed seamlessly. We requested two bedroom three bed apartments and the lodging recommended by Vicky exceeded our expectations. Tour operators were top notch. Everything was perfect and we were glad we had Vicky and kimkim as our travel experts/consultants

Hotel Reviews
Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland
Auckland
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Beacon - 2 Bedroom Luxe Apartment
Queenstown

Wonderful views of the lake and mountains

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank
Melbourne
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments
Port Douglas
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
It was during holidays and most of the time there was no staff to assist except for emergencies
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Sebel Quay West Suites
The Rocks

Best view ever

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Penguins, Koalas and Wildlife (Phillip Island) from Melbourne
Private Penguins, Koalas and Wildlife (Phillip Island) from Melbourne
Melbourne

The penguin stole the show. Well worth the long day.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Long drive heavy traffic. 11 hour day
Daintree Rainforest,Cape Tribulation,Mossman Gorge -PRIVATE TOUR from Port Douglas
Daintree Rainforest,Cape Tribulation,Mossman Gorge -PRIVATE TOUR from Port Douglas
Port Douglas
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
ABC Reef Safaris - Port Douglas Snorkelling max 12 passengers
ABC Reef Safaris - Port Douglas Snorkelling max 12 passengers
Australia

Best tour hands down

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Blue Mountains Wildlife Full-Day Sights and Hiking from Sydney
Blue Mountains Wildlife Full-Day Sights and Hiking from Sydney
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Sydney Sights 4 hours - Private Tour
Sydney Sights 4 hours - Private Tour
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Jan 08, 2026

Hi Margaret,
Thank you so much for your feedback. I am glad we were able to assist you in creating your ideal Family holiday. Wishing you many more travel adventures ahead, and all the Best for 2026
Vicky

We ha a wonderful time in Australia and New-Z...
Australia | Oct 30 - Dec 31, 2025

Andrée
Andrée C.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 09, 2026
We ha a wonderful time in Australia and New-Zeland. Vicky our specialist was wonderful. She helped us planning, she was available to answer our questions/help before and during our trip. We recommand her. Read more

We ha a wonderful time in Australia and New-Zeland. Vicky our specialist was wonderful. She helped us planning, she was available to answer our questions/help before and during our trip. We recommand her.

Hotel Reviews
The Sebel Quay West Suites
The Rocks

Wonderfull view on Sydney, exceptional location, comfort and spacious apt

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sails In The Desert
Yulara

Clean. Basic

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne on Flinders
Melbourne, VIC

Location in front of train main station. Lots of noise all day. Apt old. The gym and the pool were closed. Service basic. Would have prefered the other Adina location in Melbourne

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury
Adelaide

Very good service, good location, nice apt

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Colhurst House Bed and Breakfast
Mount Gambier

Very nice. Service poor. Very cold in the house

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Captain's at the Bay
Apollo Bay

OK for on the road

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Great Ocean Road Studios
Port Campbell

OK for on the road

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland
Auckland

Very nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Quest Cathedral Junction
Christchurch

Wonderfull location, comfort very good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane
Brisbane

Very good location, comfort, clean

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
On The Beach Noosa
Noosa Heads

Absolutly wonderfull ! Service, comfort, view and access on beach/ocean, breakfast every morning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Fabulous
Staff
Everyday attention to our needs
Cleanliness & Comfort
Aloha Byron Bay
Byron Bay

Old, located far from center. Would not recommed

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rydges Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie

Excellent service, very good location, comfort

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi
Bondi Beach

Good location, and service. Our apt would need a little refreshment. The pool was nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney

Very interesting, lots of history, very good guide

Uluru Sunrise (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta Half Day Trip
Uluru Sunrise (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta Half Day Trip
Uluru

Very good guide. Wonderfull to visit Uluru.

Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Jan 09, 2026

Thank you for your feedback Andree, much appreciated. wishing you and Jean a wonderful 2026
Take Care and All the Best
Vicky

Our hotel (Hotel Santhiya) was amazing….. y...
Thailand | Dec 29 - Jan 1, 2026

Jennifer
Jennifer T.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jan 02, 2026
Our hotel (Hotel Santhiya) was amazing….. yoga teacher was amazing and the staff was so friendly. Jean did a wonderful job listening to our wish list and then implementing a schedule. We were away over New Years and did not see another American family while on this portion of our stay in Thailand. Our resort had wonderful amenities but was relatively small in comparison and not touristy in feel. It was incredible. Our day excursions with Mr Ya were also fabulous and off the beaten path.... Read more

Our hotel (Hotel Santhiya) was amazing….. yoga teacher was amazing and the staff was so friendly. Jean did a wonderful job listening to our wish list and then implementing a schedule. We were away over New Years and did not see another American family while on this portion of our stay in Thailand. Our resort had wonderful amenities but was relatively small in comparison and not touristy in feel. It was incredible. Our day excursions with Mr Ya were also fabulous and off the beaten path. We got a special look into Thai island life and all the residents were so kind and welcoming. Jeab planned a perfect 4 night end to our time in Thailand. Thank you!

Hotel Review
Santhiya Phuket Natai Beach Resort
Natai

Super kind staff. Beautiful resort. Gorgeous beach and pool. Delicious food. Amazing yoga and massages

Authenticity & Character
Architecture and decor and staff that treated you as fsmily
Location
Not crowded and very peaceful. The staff put on an incredible NY’s eve crlebratiom
Staff
Smiley and wanting to go the extra mile. Housekeeping also did a wonderful job and was discreet .
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
 The Charm of Coastal Communities and Nature
The Charm of Coastal Communities and Nature
Thailand

Mr Ya was an awesome guide. Everyone in the small village worked so hard to make our when looking at the schedule initially I didn’t realize we’d be starting our days at the same launching point. A suggestion would have been to limit day one to an afternoon of mangrove kayaking followed by the sunset and dinner. The next day we could have had an early start, visited the James Bond island, swum off a small island beach then had lunch at the village (rather than two lunches there). After spending time on the small non touristy island we would have preferred to skip the touristy island (with the floating soccer field) altogether. Just food for thought.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunset by Local Boat & Dinner
Sunset by Local Boat & Dinner
Thailand

See above

Quality of Experience
We didn’t see another boat out there!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The Beauty of Phang Nga Bay
The Beauty of Phang Nga Bay
Thailand

As stated— could have skipped the town with the floating soccer field. It was touristy and unnecessary after all the wonderful time we spent on Mr Ya’s island

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jeab Kwanchanok
Jeab
Jeab Kwanchanok
Local specialist in Thailand | Replied on Jan 02, 2026

Hi Jennifer,

Thank you so much for your review!

I’m so happy to hear that you and your family had a great time in Phang Nga and that the trip was planned just as you needed. This was a fully customized tour based on your preferences, and I’m glad it turned out exactly as you hoped. Safe travels, and please come back to visit Thailand again soon — we still have so much for you to explore! Khob Khun Ka!🙏

Solo Trip to Japan with Support
Japan | Dec 8 - Dec 16, 2025

Rodney
Rodney K.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Dec 23, 2025
Instead of booking a large, generic group tour with fixed dates, rushed schedules, and little flexibility, I wanted something more personal for my first solo trip to Japan—and Kimkim delivered exactly that. Being able to choose my own dates and have a completely customized itinerary was exactly what I was looking for. My local specialist, Leny, really took the time to understand who I am and what I wanted out of this trip. Over several weeks, we worked together to create a thoughtful,... Read more

Instead of booking a large, generic group tour with fixed dates, rushed schedules, and little flexibility, I wanted something more personal for my first solo trip to Japan—and Kimkim delivered exactly that. Being able to choose my own dates and have a completely customized itinerary was exactly what I was looking for.

My local specialist, Leny, really took the time to understand who I am and what I wanted out of this trip. Over several weeks, we worked together to create a thoughtful, well-paced daily itinerary. I could choose from hotels that matched my style and budget, a mix of private and small-group tours in areas I wanted to explore, the foods I was excited to eat, and the sights I didn’t want to miss. Everything was well organized, including realistic travel time between locations, which made the trip feel smooth and stress-free.

Leny’s expertise, planning, recommendations, and patience made this trip truly exceptional and memorable. Every tour she arranged was fantastic—none were canceled, and all of the guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely enthusiastic. Some personal highlights included the 5-hour Tsukiji, Akihabara & Asakusa Highlights Tour, Best of Shibuya Food Tour, Dinner with a Maiko in Kyoto (which unexpectedly turned into a private dinner with a Geisha!), the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Garden walking tour, Kyoto’s Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace tour, and the All-Star Food Tour in Ginza.

One of the most valuable parts of the experience was knowing that Leny or someone on her team was always available if I needed help. I received daily reminders of the next day’s plans along with any tickets or vouchers, which was reassuring. Her real-time communication and spot-on recommendations for restaurants, shops, souvenirs, and museums were invaluable. Even when something didn’t go as planned, Leny and her team jumped into action, kept me informed, and resolved the issue with a solution that ended up being even better than the original plan. And when I got lost in Japan’s train stations many times, her team’s patience and guidance made all the difference.

Even though this was a solo trip, I felt like I had a supportive team behind me. Next time, I plan to bring my two teenage daughters to Japan, and I will absolutely be using Kimkim again to plan that trip.

Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Dec 24, 2025

Welcome back home, Rodney. I hope you’re settling in nicely.

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with my team and me. I’m delighted to hear that the trip turned out perfectly, as you mentioned, and that you enjoyed all of the experiences. It was also a pleasure working with you during the trip-planning process.

I look forward to helping you plan your next Japan adventure—perhaps with your teenagers this time. I will be sharing your feedback with my team and our partner teams as well.

Thank you again, and wishing you a Merry Christmas.

Warm regards,
Leny

This was an amazing trip especially for only ...
Thailand | Nov 30 - Dec 7, 2025

Matthew
Matthew P.
Phoenix, AZ | Reviewed on Dec 12, 2025
This was an amazing trip especially for only being there one week. All of the guides were great! Wish I had more time. Read more

This was an amazing trip especially for only being there one week. All of the guides were great! Wish I had more time.

Hotel Reviews
Night Hotel Bangkok - Sukhumvit 15
Bangkok
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
De Lanna Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Ayutthaya Day Tour with Lunch
Ayutthaya Day Tour with Lunch
Bangkok
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chiang Mai Sunset Point, Wat Pha Lat, Wat Doi Suthep, Wat Umong
Chiang Mai Sunset Point, Wat Pha Lat, Wat Doi Suthep, Wat Umong
Chiang Mai
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Tuk Tuk Tour (Private)
Half Day Tuk Tuk Tour (Private)
Bangkok
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Doi Inthanon National Park Trekking
Doi Inthanon National Park Trekking
Chiang Mai
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Elephant Day Care at Patara Elephant Farm
Elephant Day Care at Patara Elephant Farm
Chiang Mai
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jeab Kwanchanok
Jeab
Jeab Kwanchanok
Local specialist in Thailand | Replied on Dec 12, 2025

Thank you so much for your review, Matthew! I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed your short break with us. We hope to welcome you back to Thailand again soon - there are still so many beautiful places waiting for you to explore!

Leny was fantastic prepping for the trip. Aft...
Japan | Oct 25 - Nov 10, 2025

Kevin
Kevin M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Dec 11, 2025

Leny was fantastic prepping for the trip. After numerous live calls we adjusted our itinerary to our needs and timing. Leny was patient and made all the necessary adjustments. The trip was fantastic and every day we had a text outlining our day and travel. Just an awesome experience and Leny was the best

Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Dec 11, 2025

Hi Kevin,

I hope you’re settling in nicely. Thank you so much for your kind words. It was a pleasure helping you shape the trip and fine-tune the itinerary, and it was great working with you throughout the planning process. I’m really glad the daily updates and arrangements made everything smooth and enjoyable. I appreciate your trust, and I’m happy to hear you had such a wonderful experience. I look forward to helping you with your future Japan trip.

Warm regards,

Leny

First-Time Solo Traveler in Japan: Effortless and Unforgettable!
Japan | Oct 22 - Nov 4, 2025

Kristi
Kristi R.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 09, 2025
What an incredible experience! As a first-time female solo traveler in Asia, I couldn’t have asked for a smoother, more enjoyable trip. The Kimkim team was fantastic, and a huge shoutout to Leny, my amazing Kimkim agent, who was always just a message away with helpful insights, restaurant suggestions, and even quick itinerary tweaks while I was in Japan. Truly a godsend!
My journey took me through Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, and back to Tokyo over the span of two weeks. The big...
Read more

What an incredible experience! As a first-time female solo traveler in Asia, I couldn’t have asked for a smoother, more enjoyable trip. The Kimkim team was fantastic, and a huge shoutout to Leny, my amazing Kimkim agent, who was always just a message away with helpful insights, restaurant suggestions, and even quick itinerary tweaks while I was in Japan. Truly a godsend!
My journey took me through Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, and back to Tokyo over the span of two weeks. The big cities were so much fun to explore—especially with the thoughtfully chosen hotels that made each stay comfortable and convenient. The smaller towns gave me a completely different perspective on Japanese culture that I never would have discovered on my own.
Every hotel was excellent, the food was out of this world, and the tours were exactly what I hoped for—most ended up being private, which made everything feel so personal. The tour guides were incredible and really brought each destination to life.
If you’re a female solo traveler wondering if this is doable—it absolutely is! Kimkim made it stress-free and enjoyable from start to finish. 10/10 would recommend, and I’m already planning my next trip to Japan!

Hotel Reviews
Hyatt Regency Tokyo
Tokyo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Matsuzakaya Honten
Kanagawa
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Thousand Kyoto
Kyoto

Really such a fantastic location to get anywhere you need in Kyoto and beyond. In the center of it all!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mercure Hida Takayama
Takayama

The public baths are a huge win! What a great hotel and location. But beware, there are a LOT of tours that stay here too, so there tend to be long wait times to the elevators or breakfast in the mornings.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa
Kanazawa
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Park Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
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
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ken was a great tour guide and made the experience so fun and personal! 10/10 for Magical Trip
Transport
Ghibli Museum & Ghibli Film Appreciation Bus Tour (Round Trip from Shinjuku)
Ghibli Museum & Ghibli Film Appreciation Bus Tour (Round Trip from Shinjuku)
Tokyo

As a huge Studio Ghibli fan, visiting the museum was an absolute dream come true. My tour guide, Michico, was incredible—so knowledgeable and passionate, and it made the experience even more special knowing she was a fellow Ghibli fan. She was truly a highlight of the trip! The museum itself is something beyond words—magical, whimsical, and full of surprises. It’s a must-visit for any Ghibli lover. I spent hours exploring, letting my inner child lead the way, and loved every minute of it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Relaxing Evening: Private Onsen and Kaiseki Dinner
Relaxing Evening: Private Onsen and Kaiseki Dinner
Hakone

Hakone is a beautiful and fun destination, but I realized that traditional ryokans aren’t for me. While the experience is unique and deeply rooted in Japanese culture—complete with traditional clothing and footwear—I personally found it a bit uncomfortable. For travelers who want an authentic cultural stay, I highly recommend trying a ryokan at least once. However, if you prefer familiar comforts, this experience might push you out of your comfort zone and could feel a little stressful. The site itself was amazing and the staff incredibly attentive.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kimono wearing and Tea ceremony (Sado) in Kyoto (Private)
Kimono wearing and Tea ceremony (Sado) in Kyoto (Private)
Japan

I can’t rave enough about this Tea Ceremony experience! The women running the tea house were incredibly kind and generous with their time. What was supposed to be a 30-minute visit turned into an hour and a half of conversation, laughter, and exchanging stories with the staff. This was truly the highlight of my entire trip—an authentic, heartfelt experience that I’ll never forget. If you’re considering it, don’t hesitate. I recommend it 100%!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour
Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour
Kyoto

My tour guide, Ayuri, was absolutely amazing! I loved this entire tour—it gave me the chance to see areas that most travelers overlook because of the usual “tourism blinders.” Ayuri’s knowledge and passion made the experience unforgettable.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo with Chanko-nabe Lunch
Authentic Sumo Experience in Tokyo with Chanko-nabe Lunch
Tokyo

Wow, wow, wow—this experience was absolutely amazing! Learning about sumo wrestling directly from retired sumos was unforgettable, and then having them cook a delicious lunch for us? How cool is that! The sumos were hilarious, passionate, and so eager to share the history and culture of the sport. After the meal, we even practiced and had a match in the ring with them—which was hysterical fun and such a unique memory. 10/10 recommend, especially because our tour guide, Mayu, was so personable and an excellent translator, making the whole experience seamless and enjoyable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Dec 10, 2025

Hi Kristi,

I hope you’ve settled in nicely after your trip. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your feedback — I really appreciate it. It makes me happy to hear that you had such a wonderful experience traveling solo in Japan.

I’ll make sure to pass your kind words on to my team and our partners as well. They’ll be glad to know their efforts helped make your journey special. If there’s ever anything you’d like to explore again in Japan or anywhere else, I’d be more than happy to help.

Warm regards,
Leny

Vicky planned a great time in Cairns for us
Australia | Nov 28 - Dec 3, 2025

T
Theresa C.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Dec 07, 2025

We really enjoyed the vacation Vicky planned for us. Most memorable was the cruise/snorkeling trip - the kids and I had a great time at the reef highlighted by three sea turtles, one that came within inches of my daughter. Thanks for helping us make memories.

Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Dec 07, 2025

Thank you for your feedback Theresa. I am glad you all had a great time
Take care and All the Best
Vicky