My birthday trip to Japan!
Japan | Nov 6 - Nov 20, 2023

Terri
Terri W.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Nov 24, 2023

Angel did a fantastic job! Our trip had just the right amount of discovery on our own while having day to day details taken care of. We were able to successfully negotiate trains, buses, subways and even a ferry. We stayed at wonderful guest houses and onsens along the Kumano Kodo Trail. Our hosts were gracious and the food was terrific. The driver and guide were delightful and interesting people. Angel checked in with us daily which was nice to remind us of travel details for that day. I would definitely choose kimkim again for a self guided travel experience. And if anyone is considering Japan, I would highly recommend Angel.

Hotel Reviews
Ryokan Yunominesou 湯の峯荘
Yunomine Onsen

Really enjoyed this ryokan with it's outdoor baths and delicious food.

Authenticity & Character
classic tatami rooms
Location
Staff
Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
Tokyo

I was worried the hotel was to big and impersonal but it turned out to be nicely located for Shibuya, catching trains and walking to the Palace. The views of Tokyo were also amazing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi
Kanazawa

We loved this hotel!!! The staff were friendly and welcoming. The rooms were aesthetically beautiful. They had free drinks and made us udon noodles at night.

Authenticity & Character
Aesthetically beautiful
Location
Staff
very welcoming
Cleanliness & Comfort
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
Osaka

We spent only one night. The staff seemed a little harried but was able to answer our questiosns.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
GUEST HOUSE Kumano Yasai
Takahara

What a find! Definitely worth the extra walk down from the trail to experience this delightful guesthouse.

Authenticity & Character
This is an 180 year old Japanese house that was redone beautifully in the inside with the original beams and glass. We had the whole place to ourselves
Location
Staff
Shino did the cooking for our dinner and breakfast. She runs a coffee shop and restaurant. Everything was delicious and the coffee was excellent.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hitotoki
Chikatsuyu

What makes this place exceptional is the two 75 year old hosts who coddled us with home cooking and amusing conversation.

Authenticity & Character
Typical Japanese home.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
A little cramped with bathroom space but all doable
Sansaro Cafe & Guesthouse
Koguchi

We were grateful this guesthouse was available. However, the owner wasn't aware that the onsen wasn't open so had to clean her own bathroom before we could get showers.

Authenticity & Character
Location
We would have chosen a place closer to the trail but again we were grateful for someplace to stay.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Urashima
Katsuura

What a quirky resort. The absulte BEST onsen with the hot springs in caves overlooking the ocean. It was a great place to relax after five days of treking.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto ekimae PREMIER
Kyoto

Small rooms. If I were staying longer in Kyoto I would have chosen another place. However very close to the train station.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
The Kurobe Gorge Railway
The Kurobe Gorge Railway
Toyama

Delightful trip. Lovely hike. Beautiful gorge.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver turned out to be a music conductor. We had lots to talk about.
Transport
Full Day Tour of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Sagano Scenic Railway
Full Day Tour of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Sagano Scenic Railway
Kyoto

Yoshi planned a beautiful day experiencing Arashiyama.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Yoshi was a great guide who answered all our questions the area and life as a Japanese woman.
Transport
Yoshi had everything planned so it all happened with little waiting.
Local specialist: Angel Tang
Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Nov 27, 2023
Hi Terri,
Hope you have a great day.
Thank you so much for sharing your enjoyable and memorable experience and thoughtful,detailed and overall feedback. We are so grateful for it, which will bring us to understand more about the travelers’ idea and impression on the culture and nature in Japan. You are so kind and considerate, I have learned a lot from you. Thank you for choosing our services, and we are grateful to have played a part in making your vacation enjoyable. It’s so delightful... Read more

Hi Terri,
Hope you have a great day.

Thank you so much for sharing your enjoyable and memorable experience and thoughtful,detailed and overall feedback. We are so grateful for it, which will bring us to understand more about the travelers’ idea and impression on the culture and nature in Japan.

You are so kind and considerate, I have learned a lot from you. Thank you for choosing our services, and we are grateful to have played a part in making your vacation enjoyable. It’s so delightful to know that you enjoyed the local guest house along the Kumano Kodo Trail even though some of them didn’t meet your expectation. The availability of the local lodging along the Kumano Kodo Trail is limited and thanks a lot for your understanding. There are multiple and colorful Asian culture and natural beauty in Japan. Welcome you and your family back again in the future.

Take care and keep traveling!

Wish you and your family happy life now and future.

Yours sincere,
Angel