We had an unforgettable custom journey throug...
Japan | Jul 25 - Aug 16, 2025

D
D L.
Tacoma, WA | Reviewed on Sep 01, 2025

We had an unforgettable custom journey through Japan and South Korea, organized by KimKim. It included memorable Hiroshima, dazzling Tokyo, historical Osaka and Kyoto, spiritual journey at Mount Koya and a more intimate taste of Central Japan hiking the historical Nakasendo Trail. South Korea was no less stunning. Guides, properties and transfers were all first rate. Sandy provided an amazing local support. Highly recommended!

Hotel Reviews
Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku
Tokyo

Excellent service and clean, comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
THE KNOT HIROSHIMA
Hiroshima
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Jokiin
Koyasan
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA
Kyoto
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Taoya Kisoji
Tsumago
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Excellent dining experience.
Kisoji Inn Iwaya
Kiso-Fukushima
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Though it was clean , the room was not so inviting and my daughter thought it smelled like smoke.
Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The breakfast though authentic and healthy was a little stark
Karuizawa Tsuruya Ryokan

it is too bad breakfast was not included here.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Truly special. It is too bad we did not have breakfast nor dinner reservations.
Shima Onsen Sekizenkan
Gunma

Breakfast and dinner though authentic were a little exotic and stark.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Haeundae
Busan
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
NINE TREE BY PARNAS SEOUL MYEONDONG 2
Seoul
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi & Oishi Park
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi & Oishi Park
Japan

Long drive - poor weather.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Tokyo City Tour with Akihabara district
Full Day Tokyo City Tour with Akihabara district
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Miyajima Island and Memorial Park Tour
Full Day Miyajima Island and Memorial Park Tour
Hiroshima
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
World Heritage Himeji Castle & Kobe Tour
World Heritage Himeji Castle & Kobe Tour
Osaka
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Osaka Castle and Umeda Sky Building
Osaka Castle and Umeda Sky Building
Osaka
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Fushimi Inari Taisha and  Kinkakuji Temple
Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkakuji Temple
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to Nara: Temples, Deer, and Historic Streets
Day Trip to Nara: Temples, Deer, and Historic Streets
Kyoto
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park Tour
Half Day Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park Tour
Kyoto

bamboo grove overcrowded; should have arranged for private pousse-pousse tour which uses uncrowded paths.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike from Nagiso to Nojiri
Hike from Nagiso to Nojiri
Kiso-Fukushima
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walk from Tsumago to Magome
Walk from Tsumago to Magome
Tsumago
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Traverse the Torii Pass to Narai
Traverse the Torii Pass to Narai
Narai
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Narai to Kiso-Hirasawa
Narai to Kiso-Hirasawa
Narai
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Gamcheon Village, BIFF Square and Jagalchi Market
Gamcheon Village, BIFF Square and Jagalchi Market
Busan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Busan City Tour with Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Busan

It was raining which spoiled some of the effects.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village
Half Day Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village
Seoul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Korean DMZ and Seoul Tower Tour
Full Day Korean DMZ and Seoul Tower Tour
Seoul

Limited interest and long drive.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Karuizawa with Shiraito Falls, Kumoba Pond, Old Karuizawa Ginza Street & Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
Karuizawa with Shiraito Falls, Kumoba Pond, Old Karuizawa Ginza Street & Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
Karuizawa
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Seoraksan Tour From Seoul
Full Day Seoraksan Tour From Seoul
Seoul

Traffic jam caused long delays and limited some of the scope. Would have like to hike in the park but did not have time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Sandy Ren
Sandy
Sandy Ren
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Sep 02, 2025
Hi Donald,
Thank you for sharing your incredible experience! It sounds like your journey through Japan and South Korea was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. From the rich history of Hiroshima and Kyoto to the vibrant energy of Tokyo and the serene beauty of Mount Koya, it seems like you had a perfect blend of culture, nature, and history. Thanks so much for your feedback about the Ryokan along the hiking trail, we will double check in the future. We're glad to hear that we provided...
Read more

Hi Donald,
Thank you for sharing your incredible experience! It sounds like your journey through Japan and South Korea was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. From the rich history of Hiroshima and Kyoto to the vibrant energy of Tokyo and the serene beauty of Mount Koya, it seems like you had a perfect blend of culture, nature, and history. Thanks so much for your feedback about the Ryokan along the hiking trail, we will double check in the future. We're glad to hear that we provided outstanding support throughout your trip. Your recommendation means a lot, and we're sure it will help others in planning their own unforgettable travels. Looking forward to help your next adventure!
All best
Sandy