A trip of a lifetime, thanks to Kim Kim!
Japan | Jun 29 - Jul 6, 2025

Nikki
Nikki B.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

I used Kim Kim travel to help me create my much anticipated family trip to Japan this summer. Because my husband and I were traveling with our children, ages 13 and 10, I wanted to be sure that everything went smoothly. After doing my own research online, I had a list of the places and activities that I wanted to visit and experience in the cities of Tokyo and Kyoto. It was easy to schedule the initial 15 minutes phone call to discuss my basic preferences for travel accommodations and the things that were most important to me. I wanted a smaller, more intimate experience with just my family instead of a larger group because I was traveling with young children and needed flexibility if we wanted to end one of our days short to return to our hotel. (Sometimes kids get tired). After relaying my wants on the initial call, I was connected with Ben via email. Ben was wonderful! Over the next few months, he and I emailed back and forth on the Kim Kim site about every minor detail of my trip. He was able to take my list and organize which activities were near each other so that our time was efficiently spent. We were able to visit every place that I requested, including a few random restaurants that my kids and I found online that we wanted to experience. He booked 2 fantastic hotels for us in Tokyo and Kyoto, as well as our train tickets to travel to and from both cities. He reserved the times and tickets for the majority of our activities. The best part of all were the 2 wonderful and knowledgeable local guides that accompanied my family around each city. Ms Yoko was our guide in Tokyo and she was amazing! She was an expert at navigating the Tokyo subway and train system. Every restaurant and store that I inquired about, she was able to write down directions for us on how to get there on our free day. Ms. Yoshida was our guide in Kyoto and she was also outstanding! Not only was she extremely knowledgeable about our activities there, she was also helpful in making suggestions to make our time as efficient as possible. Having our personal guides really put that special touch on our trip. With all that said, this travel service is a MUST! I HIGHLY recommend using Kim Kim for your trip to Japan. It is a great way to experience the country and the culture.

Hotel Reviews
KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection by Best Western
Kyoto

The beds were comfortable and the shower was great. The breakfast was also very good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PROSTYLE RYOKAN TOKYO ASAKUSA
Tokyo

Great location close to many attractions as well as the subway.

Authenticity & Character
The food at the restaurant was a good cultural experience
Location
Close to subway and many attractions
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Tokyo Fusion: Odaiba, TeamLab, Harajuku and Shibuya food tour(Day tour with public transport)
Tokyo Fusion: Odaiba, TeamLab, Harajuku and Shibuya food tour(Day tour with public transport)
Tokyo

Team lab was my kids’ favorite activity! A very unique experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Explore Tokyo's Rich Heritage : Tsukiji Outer Market,Imperial Palace,Sushi Making Class, Senso-ji Temple,Nakamise-dori by public transportation
Explore Tokyo's Rich Heritage : Tsukiji Outer Market,Imperial Palace,Sushi Making Class, Senso-ji Temple,Nakamise-dori by public transportation
Tokyo

We loved the sushi making experience with Chef Tuki and his assistant Ms. Yoki! We highly recommend.

Quality of Experience
Food
Great sushi
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Samurai Ninja Museum and Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya in Public Transportation
Half Day Samurai Ninja Museum and Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya in Public Transportation
Kyoto

Both the kimono tea and Samurai experiences were fantastic!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience the Magic of Kyoto with a guide : Monkey Park, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest,  Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market (By public transport)
Experience the Magic of Kyoto with a guide : Monkey Park, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market (By public transport)
Kyoto

We enjoyed hiking up the mountain to see the monkeys. My daughter enjoyed feeding them. Great exercise experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 A Day Trip to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo (by private transfer)
A Day Trip to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo (by private transfer)
Japan

Beautiful scenery. We enjoyed this a lot.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mr. Q was our private driver and he was great.
Transport
Local specialist: Ben Tanaka