My daughter and I had an amazing time traveli...
Japan | Feb 15 - Feb 24, 2026

Penny
Penny N.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026

My daughter and I had an amazing time traveling from Osaka to Kyoto to Hakone and Tokyo. Marii was incredibly thoughtful in suggesting activities based on our interests and worked with the tour operators to accommodate her food allergy. The kimkim team was so helpful in sending daily reminders for activities, answering our questions while traveling and preparing tickets ahead of time. It made the trip much more relaxing while allowing us to fit in several cities over 8 days.

The time of year was lovely- pre cherry blossoms so fewer crowds- but we did see plum trees in bloom! The group tours were small and very personalized. It was nice to have time to ask questions. Our favorite activity was traveling from the Hakone hot spring (lovely!) to Tokyo with such a friendly driver who took us to several spots to view Mount Fugi, including by cable car and boat. We were fortunate with a clear, sunny day. It is a special site to see! Also highly recommended any tours to see the temples and Gion district in Kyoto and Osaka dotonbori district at night for the lights and food!

Activity Reviews
Day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima by bullet train from Osaka
Day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima by bullet train from Osaka
Osaka

Efficient way to see Hiroshima and Miyajima in one day but it did not felt rush. Incredible tour guide!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
O
Transport
Kyoto Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour
Kyoto Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour
Kyoto

Talk was an incredible guide a delightful to spend an evening with trying loc as l food and sake. He was particularly helpful quite navigating a food allergy. Highly recommend.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hakone to Tokyo Private Transfer: Mt. Fuji and Hakone Full-Day Tour with English-Speaking Driver
Hakone to Tokyo Private Transfer: Mt. Fuji and Hakone Full-Day Tour with English-Speaking Driver
Japan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
No
Transport
Transfer from Odawara Train Station to Hakone Hotel
Transfer from Odawara Train Station to Hakone Hotel
Hakone
Quality of Experience
M
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Marii McDonald
Marii
Marii McDonald
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Jun 12, 2026
Dear Penny&Natalie, I am absolutely delighted to hear that you and your daughter had such a wonderful time in Japan. Knowing that the trip met your expectations and created special memories for both of you makes me incredibly happy. Cherry blossoms are certainly beautiful, but I have a special fondness for plum blossoms as well. They are so charming and always make me feel that spring is just around the corner. You were very fortunate to have clear weather for your scenic drive from Hakone... Read more

Dear Penny&Natalie,

I am absolutely delighted to hear that you and your daughter had such a wonderful time in Japan. Knowing that the trip met your expectations and created special memories for both of you makes me incredibly happy.

Cherry blossoms are certainly beautiful, but I have a special fondness for plum blossoms as well. They are so charming and always make me feel that spring is just around the corner.

You were very fortunate to have clear weather for your scenic drive from Hakone to Tokyo and to enjoy such wonderful views of Mt. Fuji!

Thank you again for your kind words. It was a pleasure helping you plan this trip, and I hope you and Natalie will return to Japan someday for another adventure together.

Warm regards,
Marii