1. Japan
  2. Japan Trip Reviews
  3. Japan trip

Trip to Japan
Japan | Oct 16 - Oct 26, 2026

Katrin
Katrin E.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Oct 27, 2026

It’s been a great experience booking our trip through KimKim.
The guides were exceptional, fun and made our travel an amazing experience.
Rob did a fabulous job putting our trip together.
He checked in with us on a daily bases, gave us a heads up with what was happening on a daily bases. He made sure we got everything we need.
The drivers did a great job getting us where we needed to be.
The transportation from the airport to the hotel was flawless.
This was our first time in Japan. What a great country.
We highly recommend KimKim.
It’s worth spending the money.

Hotel Reviews
Imperial Hotel
Tokyo

This hotel is located in a wonderful spot next to little local alleys and restaurants. Old world and modern, right next to Ginza. The service is amazing, the staff is super friendly. This hotel is very luxurious with art deco design. We loved the breakfast in the 17th floor with amazing views. Best breakfast buffet we have ever seen. Again the service is amazing! It has several different restaurants. The champagne bar is fabulous.

Authenticity & Character
Art Decco design - Frank Loyd Right
Location
In the heart of everything Old world with little alleys and restaurants. Located right next to Ginza - short walk
Staff
Best service ever
Cleanliness & Comfort
Couldn’t be better
Hakone Hotel Kajikaso
Hakone

If you are looking for authentic Japanese charm this is the hotel for you! What an amazing experience. We had our own hot spring in our room. The breakfast was authentic Japanese. Located in the heart of Hakone. Very charming little town. We had Mountain View’s with a large window. Waking up in the morning having tea and a great view of the mountains.

Authenticity & Character
Old charm Japanese
Location
Authentic Japanese experience
Staff
Great service very friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Yes
The Thousand Kyoto
Kyoto

This hotel is very modern. Great service! It’s located right next to the train station. We loved the hotel caffe/ bar. Breakfast was good. There are so many restaurant located around this hotel that made it very convenient. This hotel is hosting a lot of travel groups mainly from the US. We loved our room very modern Japanese style. It’s in the heart of everything either walking distance or just a few train stops away.

Authenticity & Character
Very modern Japanese
Location
Very convenient location
Staff
Super friendly service
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very minimalistic Japanese design
Activity Reviews
Guided Tokyo City Highlights, Imperial Palace, Sushi Making & TeamLab Planets（Guided Tour；Public Transport）
Guided Tokyo City Highlights, Imperial Palace, Sushi Making & TeamLab Planets（Guided Tour；Public Transport）
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Food
Everything
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great overall Tokyo experience
Transport
Our guide
Tokyo’s Historic Temple and Glittering Skyline Moments（Guided Tour；Public Transportation）
Tokyo’s Historic Temple and Glittering Skyline Moments（Guided Tour；Public Transportation）
Tokyo

Amazing experience Our tour guide Roy was amazing

Quality of Experience
Our tour guide
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Super friendly and knowledgeable
Transport
On time and great drivers
Private transfer from Tokyo to Hakone via Mt. Fuji
Private transfer from Tokyo to Hakone via Mt. Fuji
Japan

Great experience! Guide and driver

Quality of Experience
Driver and guide - Views - Hotel
Food
Everything
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very knowledgeable
Transport
On time very efficient
Guided tour to Nara by private transfer: Temples, Shrines, and Tame Deer Adventure; Return to Kyoto
Guided tour to Nara by private transfer: Temples, Shrines, and Tame Deer Adventure; Return to Kyoto
Kyoto

This was an amazing experience - One the it’s kind

Quality of Experience
Best guide - with local experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide shared local favorites that I didn’t want to miss - we had the best sushi lunch as well as home made mochis - vintage finds at local places
Transport
Great driver
Day tour by public transport in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nishiki Market , Samurai and Ninja Museum; Authentic Tea Ceremony（Guided Tour；Public Transportation）
Day tour by public transport in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nishiki Market , Samurai and Ninja Museum; Authentic Tea Ceremony（Guided Tour；Public Transportation）
Kyoto

Great experience - our guide Yvonne was amazing

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Yvonne customized our experience by adding personal favorites
Transport
Our guide
Hozugawa River Boat Ride and Arashiyama Exploration. (Private Guide &Public Transportation)
Hozugawa River Boat Ride and Arashiyama Exploration. (Private Guide &Public Transportation)
Kyoto

Great place! Go early Very crowded place

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Our guide
Local specialist: Rob Pratt
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Photo taken by Katrin E
Show 40 more photos
Rob
Rob Pratt
Local specialist in Tokyo, Japan | Replied on Oct 27, 2026
Dear Katrin and Jeff, Thank you so much for this wonderful review! Louise and I are thrilled you both had such an amazing time on your very first trip to Japan. It was a real joy to plan this journey for you, especially with your wedding anniversary falling right in the middle of it. Celebrating with mountain views, your own hot spring at Kajikaso and then a new chapter in Kyoto sounds just perfect. Happy anniversary again to you both! We’re so glad Roy and Yvonne made Tokyo and Kyoto feel... Read more

Dear Katrin and Jeff,

Thank you so much for this wonderful review! Louise and I are thrilled you both had such an amazing time on your very first trip to Japan.

It was a real joy to plan this journey for you, especially with your wedding anniversary falling right in the middle of it. Celebrating with mountain views, your own hot spring at Kajikaso and then a new chapter in Kyoto sounds just perfect. Happy anniversary again to you both!

We’re so glad Roy and Yvonne made Tokyo and Kyoto feel so personal, and that your Nara guide shared all those local favourites, from the sushi lunch to the homemade mochi. I’ll pass your kind words on to all of them and to our drivers.

Thank you also for the lovely hotel reviews. That Imperial Hotel breakfast on the 17th floor sounds unforgettable!

Checking in with you every day was a pleasure, and it meant a lot to share your trip with you as it unfolded.

Whenever you’re ready to come back to Japan, we’d love to plan your next adventure together.

Warm regards,
Rob and Louise

Read all Japan reviews