10 days of absolute perfection in Japan
Japan | May 19 - May 28, 2026

Sharon
Sharon M.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on May 31, 2026

This has to be one of the best organized trips I've ever been on. KimKim organized everything from beginning to the end and it was seamless! The itinerary matched exactly what I wanted within my budget and Ellen's suggestions for some other experiences were perfect! From letting us know the times and locations of where to meet our guides to the exact platform to be on for the trains, we never found ourselves lost, confused or stressed. The drivers picking us up were bilingual and very helpful and our guides were off the charts! Lily, Jun, Meri, Satoko and Kiko showed us so many wonderful places in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and incorporated my desire to visit Ueno and Kappabashi (so I could get some Japanese Knives!) and to visit some smaller neighborhoods as well. We also asked for visits to the Inari gates and the bamboo forest but without the crowds and our guide came up with solutions. Overall our whole trip was 100% perfections and I have absolutely no complaints about anything. I plan on using KimKim again for future trips to other countries!

Activity Reviews
*Private Guided Tour in Tokyo:  Highlights and Hidden Gems
*Private Guided Tour in Tokyo: Highlights and Hidden Gems
Tokyo

I loved that we were able to also include exploring Ueno and Kappabashi as I requested. There’s sooo much to see in Tokyo but I love these two areas!

Quality of Experience
Small streets of great food and experiences!
Quality of Experience
Small streets of great food and experiences!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
My guide found my favorite gyoza restaurant from an old photo I had!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
My guide found my favorite gyoza restaurant from an old photo I had!
Transport
Clean, professional and bilingual drivers were extra special!
Transport
Clean, professional and bilingual drivers were extra special!
*Private Guided tour in Osaka:  Castle, Street Eats and Local Energy
*Private Guided tour in Osaka: Castle, Street Eats and Local Energy
Osaka

Osaka is for food lovers and it did not disappoint! As well as the shrines, Tori gates and the Bamboo forest, all were beautiful!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
*Private Guided Tour in Kyoto:  Heritage and Timeless Paths
*Private Guided Tour in Kyoto: Heritage and Timeless Paths
Kyoto

Kyoto is beautiful and special in its own way. Staying at a Ryokan and having Kaiseki dinners were such a great experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ellen Yokoyama
Ellen
Ellen Yokoyama
Local specialist in Tokyo | Replied on Jun 02, 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Sharon!
It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your journey through Japan.
Thank you again for trusting us with your trip and I hope you visit us again in the future!

Wishing you all the best! 😊
Ellen

Ellen