Leny is a superstar!
Japan | Mar 24 - Apr 4, 2026

Francine
Francine K.
RIVERDALE NY | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2026

I had no interest in being herded around on a group tour on and off buses and being told where and when to eat and shop yet needed guidance as this trip would have taken hundreds of hours to plan properly. Kim Kim was the perfect compromise. The trip was customized for us after an initial conversation and then a two hour zoom with Leny. We had 5 private guides in different areas each one better than the next. We were reminded each day of our next day’s plans with specific instructions if we wanted to take the train. For full day tours the guides picked us up at our hotel. The cooking class with Bob in Takayama was so great and authentic, as was the tea ceremony and the dinner with Maiko who is like a Geisha in training. We also got amazing deals on vintage designer bags in the Namba area of Okasa which is like a combination of Times Square and the San Genaro feast on steroids. We ran the gamut with a visit to Mt Koya to be in touch with our spiritual side. This was a trip of a lifetime and we could have never done it without Leny and her team who were on call and immediately responsive throughout the entire trip when we had questions or needed clarity. Absolute kudos to them. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 08, 2026
Hi Fran, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m so glad the trip felt personalized and that you enjoyed the mix of guides, self-guided days, and special experiences like the Takayama cooking class, tea ceremony, and dinner with the Maiko. And the vintage shopping in Osaka was also a hit :) It was such a pleasure helping plan your journey, and I’m thrilled everything ran smoothly from the daily reminders to being on hand whenever you had questions. Your kind words truly mean a... Read more

Hi Fran,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m so glad the trip felt personalized and that you enjoyed the mix of guides, self-guided days, and special experiences like the Takayama cooking class, tea ceremony, and dinner with the Maiko. And the vintage shopping in Osaka was also a hit :)

It was such a pleasure helping plan your journey, and I’m thrilled everything ran smoothly from the daily reminders to being on hand whenever you had questions. Your kind words truly mean a lot to my team and me.

I hope Japan left you with amazing memories, and we’d love to help plan your next adventure whenever that time comes! I really miss our chats!

Warm regards,
Leny