Amazing Japan Trip with Sumo Tourney & Geiko Expereince
Japan | May 21 - Jun 3, 2026

M
MIKAL H.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Jun 04, 2026

Thanks for the amazing trip plan by kimkim and our local travel specialist Cannon. We had truly unique experiences including a grand sumo tournament in Tokyo and a private dinner with a Geiko in Kyoto with a translator. The trip details were very well thought out and the train tickets and transfers were seamless. Cannon was always available to help with questions and trip adjustments that we requested. I will definitely use kimkim again in the future.

Hotel Reviews
FAV LUX HIDATAKAYAMA

Hotel location was excellent, hotel was heavily used and room was not very clean.

Authenticity & Character
Just OK
Location
Easy walking access to train station and old town
Staff
Check in was difficult and confusing with breakfast inclusion issues
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was not well kept and showed details of not being cleaned well
Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku
Nagano

Excellent hotel, meals very well done, hot baths amazing.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful authentic Japanese garden and onsen.
Location
Location within easy walking distance to the Snow Monkey Park.
Staff
Good service and very friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very authentic, sleeping mattresses are prepared on the floor each night
Activity Reviews
Private Dinner with a Geisha - Maiko Ozashiki Experience
Private Dinner with a Geisha - Maiko Ozashiki Experience
Kyoto

Top activity of the trip. Didn't realize how unique this experience would be. Having the translator made this an amazing expereince.

Quality of Experience
The Geiko was so graceful and welcoming. Truly a unique experience learning about the Geiko and Mayko culture.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
we had trouble finding this place but it was our fault as we went on our own versus having the driver wait and drop us off.
Tokyo Day Tour with Tsukiji Outer Market & Senso-ji - East & Central
Tokyo Day Tour with Tsukiji Outer Market & Senso-ji - East & Central
Tokyo

We didn't realize how touristy this market is. Would have preferred to go to the inner fish market where they auction the tuna.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was good. No complaints.
Transport
Discover Timeless Takayama: Market, Tradition & Sukiyaki Delight
Discover Timeless Takayama: Market, Tradition & Sukiyaki Delight
Takayama

Excellent day and our guide was really good. What a beautiful small town away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Yuko was excellent. We highly recommend her. She was excellent and being flexible with helping us stop and shop for a few specialty items.
Transport
Private Sushi Making Experience with a Master Sushi Chef Trained at an Eminent Sushi Restaurant
Private Sushi Making Experience with a Master Sushi Chef Trained at an Eminent Sushi Restaurant
Tokyo

We loved the private sushi making experience. The chef was excellent.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Yasaka Shrine & Gion Walk with Nishiki Market
Yasaka Shrine & Gion Walk with Nishiki Market
Kyoto

As noted below, all of our Kyoto experiences with the guide were below average. He didn't have much personality or seem to be an expert on anything. He asked us each day what the plan was and what we wanted to do. He didn't take a leadership role or seem to be excited about showing off his city.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide for Kyoto was nice but not super knowledgeable or much personality. He essentially asked us each day what we wanted to do. We aren't the experts, we don't live here. I don't recommend this guide.
Transport
Full Day Shirakawa-go Tour
Full Day Shirakawa-go Tour
Japan

Very unique place and worth the trip, especially the house showing how they replace the original thatch roof. The guide helped make this a good experience.

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

Was raining the day we went and overrun with tourists. Also the guide was disappointing and didn't provide much detail or commentary.

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

Very fun experience learning about the tea ceremony and dressing in kimonos.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Cannon Xiao