Kimkim Trip Reviews for Japan

I found kimkim after a frustrating and disappointing experience with a local "luxury" travel agent. From the first trip survey and timely assignment to a local expert, I knew immediately I had found a fit.

I feel so fortunate that Ben was responsible for planning our trip because he clearly wanted to create a truly customized trip for my family - not regurgitate or cobble together other itineraries he'd already planned.

In our initial planning stage, Ben made sure to keep a momentum in our communication to ensure that we could secure any necessary activities or experiences in plenty of time. He also asked detailed questions and always took feedback to heart so that we could fine tune our overall plan and the activities for each day.

The kimkim itinerary system lists each part of the trip (transportation, hotel stay, experience, etc.) separately so it's very easy to do your own research of whether or not it's a fit for your needs and then provide your feedback and thoughts.

There were some very specific things that I wanted to include in the trip for our family that weren't typical and Ben found structured classes or local neighborhoods to explore for each one.

As the departure date for our trip approached, Ben made sure to provide all the necessary details and confirmation numbers we would need and the kimkim app made information easy to find whenever we wanted to check on specific details.

The guides that Ben assigned to us for each activity seemed hand-picked for the timing of the trip and specific goal.

Peter-san was calm and collected in the chaos of someone's first day in Tokyo as we moved through the city using public transportation.

Hitoshi-san took great care in mapping out a half-day bike tour through Takayama that allowed us to visit landmarks that would have otherwise taken a couple of days to see.

Amanda-san clearly loves sharing her vast knowledge of Kyoto along with accommodating some quick shopping requests since we had some extra time in our day.

At the end of our trip, Miki-san helped us navigate parts of Tokyo we hadn’t seen and shared daily trips and tricks that helped us enjoy the area like locals.

Akiko-san, our translator for the tofu making class, ensured we had clear instructions along with some added humor along the way. She also took the extra time we had after finishing class early to provide a quick walking tour of the area since she is an expert in that neighborhood.

Each person we interacted with was helpful, kind, and clearly enjoyed their role in the process.

Throughout the trip, Ben was in touch so even a minor hiccup could be addressed in a timely manner.

I highly recommend both kimkim and Ben!

Hotel Reviews

The TOURIST HOTEL AND CAFE AKIHABARA

Tokyo

This hotel was a great fit for us because we could enjoy the high energy of the Akihabara area then return to a quiet street and neighborhood to decompress after a long day. The rooms were designed to use space efficiently and had all the necessary amenities. The breakfast options provided something for everyone and since they were freshly prepared for each person, they provided a great start to our day.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Takayama Ouan Hotel

This was the only hotel that didn't seem in the same class as the others. Not only was the room an awkward layout, but it was well-worn and even a little dusty. It may be that we just got a room that needed a little TLC compared to the others,

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo

kyoto

This room was well appointed, had comfortable beds, and even had a bathtub!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Karaksa Hotel Tokyo Station

Tokyo

This hotel is the perfect final destination in Tokyo because of its location and wonderful staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Onyado Nono Kanazawa Natural Hot Spring

Kanazawa

Not only was the location just what we needed to explore the sights of Kanazawa, but the room was a great size for a family of four. Our room even had a little sitting area which allowed us to organize and coordinate our plans and our packing. This hotel had a breakfast buffet instead of a standard meal so we were able to try a variety of freshly prepared dishes. After the hustle and bustle of Tokyo - both Kanazawa and this hotel provided a wonderful opportunity to slow down a little bit.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Onyado Yuinoshou

At first, I wasn't sure that we needed to spend the night in Shirakawa-go, but once we arrived at the hotel, we knew it was worth it. Since we stayed here at the midpoint of our trip, it slowed things down in a way that we didn't feel we had to be moving all the time. The property is gorgeous and the views of the valley, soothing. Everything you need to enjoy the baths is provided and they even have a variety of special pillows you can take to get a great night's sleep.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

🏯🍜 Kyoto Culture & Culinary Day: Kinkaku-ji, Nanzen-ji & Ramen Workshop

Kyoto

It was a great day in Kyoto with typical sightseeing and a quick food focus . Amanda-san is a highly knowledgeable guide who helped us navigate the Kyoto bus system while seeing the sights. We also got to make ramen noodles with Momo who clearly loves sharing the craft with anyone hoping to learn more. The ramen workshop also included lunch, so make sure to arrive hungry!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The public transportation from Shirakawa-go to Takayama

Japan

A beautiful ride through the hills.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Cycling in Takayama

Takayama

Our guide, Hitoshi-san, took the time to hand-draw a map of our route and clearly explained it to us before we left. After all the walking we had done on the first part of the trip, it was nice to cover more ground on a bike and to experience Takayama in a different way.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

🌿 Traditions in Tokyo: A Day of Tofu & Indigo Dyeing Experience

Tokyo

It's always fun to learn from experts. Kai-san's tofu workshop gave us the skills to make tofu at home. Akiko-san was the interpreter and the two worked so well together that it was seamless communication. Miki-san was our guide and she made sure to provide details about the area/neighborhood while helping us get to these smaller workshops located in places we may not have visited otherwise.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

⚾️ Afternoon Baseball Game at Meiji Jingu Stadium

Tokyo

If you are a baseball fan, a game in Japan is a must! It's easy to take public transportation, but make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. You can bring food into the game so feel free to purchase some snacks while walking to the stadium. Or, there are plenty of food options once you arrive if you prefer.

Quality of Experience

Really enjoyed planning this amazing first trip to Japan. Marii listened to all of my requirements and helped me put together a trip that was memorable for all. We did encounter some glitches, but she rectified them and in the end everything worked out well
Tokyo stay at the Indigo Shibuya was amazing. The meiji shrine shinto ritual tour is highly recommended. We toured Tokyo on the east side with Molly and Yuri and had a great time exploring all the food choices and getting their recs for shopping and dining places in Asakusa and Akihabara. The sumo wrestling is just a fun family event so would rec.
Hakone Ryokan was superb and relaxing as an in between city stay
Kyoto was a favorite and we enjoyed our Tea Ceremony the most. The Gion tour was not necessary as we could have done on our own. The Thousands Tokyo is very well situated near the station allowing us quick in and out for exploration.
Hiroshima/Miyajima tour was well executed by our personal tour guide yuko who kept us on track but never made us feel rushed.
All of our train tickets were purchased ahead of time and we used our suica card for metro and short travel distances which worked great. Our guides were a big help in helping us navigate all this when asked.
I highly rec Kim Kim for those travelers that need some help with coordinating hotels, transfers and ideas for tours. I was fully involved in all the decision making with Marii guiding me along the way.
I really enjoyed our 2 main chats to put together all the days and tours which helped personalize our trip.
We were exhausted at the end of the day but really enjoyed the whole trip and will be back to Japan to enjoy at a bit of leisure. Awesome country with amazing people who were very welcoming.
We returned back to Tokyo for another day and loved the Wagyu beef and sake tasting tour. Probably should have done earlier in our tour so we could enjoy the correct sake for the rest of the trip!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya

Shibuya

Decent size room for 3 people. Well situated near Shibuya station but quiet. Breakfast was amazing and service excellent

Authenticity & Character

the decor

Location

Staff

everyone was very kind

Cleanliness & Comfort

HAKONE GORA BYAKUDAN

Hakone-machi

A must for a first time traveler. But one night is enough.

Authenticity & Character

the decor in the room was amazing

Location

one with nature

Staff

treated us like royalty with great attention to detail

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Thousand Kyoto

Kyoto

Great location and the staff is very helpful with navigating the area and trains. Make sure to come out the central hall at the station to get to the hotel. We went out the wrong way. They were very helpful in transferring our bags back to Tokyo and it only took a few minutes on our end.

Authenticity & Character

beautiful lobby

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

room was big enough for the 3 of us

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza PREMIER

Tokyo

After our other two hotels, this one is mediocre. But pricing of hotels in ginza are astronomical so this was more of a budget hotel, with a comfortable room. Breakfast was okay but not as nice as the other stays in Shibuya and Kyoto

Authenticity & Character

very basic

Location

Staff

helpful when needed but didn't go out of the way

Cleanliness & Comfort

clean but no real ambience

Activity Reviews

Dinner & Live Sumo Show with Former Professional Wrestlers

Tokyo

No trip would be complete without a live sumo show. Had a good time with our daughter and the crowd really fed in to the whole experience

Quality of Experience

Food

Hot Pot and Champo were okay

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour

Kyoto

Our guide was very kind but could not speak fluent English. He walked us around Gion, but we could have done that on our own and read from tour books. Took us to a traditional Kyoto Kaiseki dinner and conversation with him at that time was good.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

very kind guide, but his English was not very good and he was not able to engage with information during our stroll. He did take very nice pictures of our family

Special Access: Join a Traditional Shinto Ritual at Meiji Shrine

Tokyo

Highly recommend to immerse yourself in to the shinto culture and get an inside peak at the shrine

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tokyo to Hakone Transfer: Mt. Fuji and Hakone Full-Day Tour with English-Speaking Driver

Japan

Our driver Gary was committed on getting us a view of Fuji which we somehow did for 15 min before the cloud cover came back. Took us to some amazing view points and never rushed us. Was a great resource on culture in Japan and ways to navigate the other cities. Spoke excellent English

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bring your music and enjoy on the drive!

Kimono Tea Ceremony Gion Kiyomizu (Private)

Japan

One of our favorite experiences. Very authentic and full of detail and beauty. She was so knowledgeable of the customs and rituals. They use excellent matcha so enjoy

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Full Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour from Kyoto with a Multilingual Guide by Public Transportation (Private)

Kyoto

Yuki was a wonderful guide and helped navigate the trains, boats and admission to the sites.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

You use high speed trains and local transport that is included in the cost of the tour. Tickets were prepurchased

Wagyu Beef & Sake Paring Foodie Tour in Ginza

Tokyo

Really fun experience with a knowledgeable guide. Encompasses understanding sake and then a very nice teppanaki style wagyu experience

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Master Tokyo's Must-Sees: 5-hour Tsukiji, Akihabara & Asakusa Highlights Tour

Tokyo

Great way to get an understanding of the fish market and the offerings. It is overwhelming with instagram influencers swaying you to go to certain vendors. Our guides knew where to go for the best offerings and introduced us to so many dishes which helped with our choices later in the trip

Quality of Experience

Food

so many varieties to sample.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

navigating the metro/subway for the first time so it was helpful

Relaxing Evening: Private Onsen and Kaiseki Dinner

Hakone

This is a 5 star experience you should not miss. We stayed at Gora Byakudan which provides an amazing experience at the Onsen, dinner and breakfast. They explain the tradition of the onsen and there are many instructions to follow prior to stepping in to the open onsen. We had a private one on our balcony as well which was nice. The dinner is like nothing I have experienced. You have to keep your mind open as it is very traditional kaisaki.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We had 4 guides Dolly, Hiroshi, Taka and Pete. All of them excellent guides and we had a great time with them.
Japan is a amazing place and the experience during this trip exceeds our expectations starting with the planning by Bella , the sightseeing and the hotels.
We loved all but we enjoy the most Kyoto and Hiroshima.

Hotel Reviews

THE KNOT HIROSHIMA

Hiroshima

Great location and very comfortable room

Authenticity & Character

The variety of food in the breakfast

Location

Central place very near to the locations we visited

Staff

The staff was nice and the restaurant food and service were excellent

Cleanliness & Comfort

All

Onyado Nono Kanazawa Natural Hot Spring

Kanazawa

Good tradition Japanese Hotel but also adapted to western clients

Authenticity & Character

Walking without shoes and quimono made our stay special. Also the public bath was vrry well equiped

Location

Near to a lot of restaurants

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Public bath

Activity Reviews

Hiroshima's Legacy: Peace Memorial & Okonomiyaki（public transport）

Hiroshima

Very emotional and must to see the Peace Memorial Museum and Park

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Family-Friendly Day Trip Itinerary: Hakone – Lake Ashi – Kawaguchiko – Tokyo (Guide, Private Transfer)

Japan

Fantastic. Beautiful sightseeing.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Public transport very well planned

My favorite activities were the knife making and the gold leaf chopsticks. I really liked all the wood I saw in Japan. Tons of the signage is just a large slab with their name on it. I did bonk my head fairly hard by looking down at the floor construction while walking through a samurai house, the wood working was fascinating. The ceiling height not so much. 4 out of the 5 places we stayed were absolutely incredible, top notch. The hyatt in kanizawa, was not bad by any means. It's just the other 4 were much better.

Everything tour wise went great, each guide met us in our lobby and had local/native knowledge of the areas we toured. I asked each day if the driver would eat lunch with us, and was told no, and that I should not get him a lunch from the restaurant. That felt strange to me.

So much of the history has burned down and been rebuilt, but it was neat to see things that had survived

I cannot recommend Leny enough! From the very beginning, she took the time to get to know both me and my daughter and what we hoped to experience on our mother-daughter trip to Japan. She truly listened to our interests and created a personalized itinerary that was perfect for us. She arranged our train tickets, coordinated activities, and handled so many details that made the entire trip stress-free.

What really set her apart was the support her and her team provided while we were actually in Japan. Whenever we had questions or needed guidance, we could reach out through WhatsApp and receive quick, helpful assistance. It truly felt like we had someone looking out for us every step of the way.

Leny is incredibly kind, friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about creating meaningful travel experiences. Thanks to her, my daughter and I were able to enjoy an unforgettable trip together and make memories that will last a lifetime. Her attention to detail, responsiveness, and personal touch made all the difference. I would absolutely use her services again and highly recommend her to anyone planning a trip to Japan or any other destination.

We had an amazing two week trip with our 18 year-old son to visit the highlights of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka/Nara and the Kumano Kodo trail. Our local specialist Winnie did a great job coordinating the complexities of transportation so that everything went smoothly, and her choice of guides, hotels, and activities were excellent. She checked in with us regularly, and I found the kimkim app to be very helpful with regards to communication and itinerary review. I was especially impressed with our local tour guides- all were outstanding/highly recommended (Yumi in Tokyo, Yoshiko in Kyoto/Nara, and Wada from the Wakayama local guide association for our hike of the Kumano Kodo trail). Can't wait to get back to Japan!

Activity Review

Full Day Tokyo City Tour

Tokyo

We had an exceptional guide (Yumi). Since this was our first visit to Japan, we really appreciated her expert knowledge and review of Japan's important history and culture as we visited all of the main historical/cultural sites in Tokyo. She also gave us additional very helpful suggestions for places to see later on our own in Tokyo.

Quality of Experience

the quality of the guide was outstanding

Guides, Drivers and Staff

highly knowledgeable, went above and beyond to explain things and offer additional suggestions for things to see and do

Transport

driver and guide were always punctual and notified/confirmed everything in advance (via whats app, which was easy)

The entire Kkmkim Team exceeded our expectations . Bella took care of us with planning and scheduling , Both , Ryuji and Yuya, our Japan guides did an excellent job . Each had a unique style and went out of their way to accommodate last minute additions to the schedule . They were a lot of fun to spend some of our vacation with .

Hotel Reviews

Shiba Park Hotel

Tokyo

Very nice hotel and excellent service

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to restaurants and sightseeing

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cross Hotel Kyoto

Kyoto

Clean and comfortable .

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Onyado Nono Namba Natural Hot Spring

Osaka

Very unique hotel. Clean and comfortable Best breakfast if you like authentic Japanese food

Authenticity & Character

No shoes past the lobby, grass type mats for flooring . Unique and cool

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi / Tokyo Station

Clean and comfortable. Center of tyoko so that was cool

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Tokyo City Highlights & Cocktail Experience（Private Guide & Public Transportation）

Tokyo

It was an activity rich day ! 4 temples, quick stop for a haircut and shave , public transportation, etc .

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Take taxi’s

Tokyo Market & Sushi Experience with Flexible Afternoon Exploration（Morning Guided Tour By Public Transportation and Afternoon Self-Guided）

Tokyo

Tokyo market was a visually exciting and interesting. Sushi class was a lot of fun and delicious

Quality of Experience

Food

Fresh sushi is always great

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Take taxi’s

Kyoto Highlights before taking a Train to Osaka (Private Guided Day Tour)

Japan

We did a saki brewery tour that was informational and the tasting was helpful for future saki experiences

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Osaka Highlights, Kuromon Market Experience & Dotonbori Cruise (Private Guide& Public Transportation)

Osaka

The market was interesting and a must do . It’s touristy but a must see . The boat tour was simple but entertaining

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Mt. Fuji Scenic Ropeway & Gotemba Whisky Experience (Private Guide & Vehicle)

Tokyo

Sadly Mt. Fuji was clouded up and the tram was closed for some reason - having said that the drive gave us a different perspective from city hustle and bustle. The udon noodlelunch was and experience as well as tasty .

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kyoto Arrival & Fushimi Culinary Experience（Private Guide & Public Transportation）

Kyoto

The bullet train was a nice way to see some country side and take a rest . The ramen making class was fun and the staff was great . The ramen was excellent as well

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A wonderfully coordinated trip from KimKim, our advisor Winnie, and our various local guides and drivers from the in-country agency. The trip was fast-paced in order to see as much of our selected cities as possible - Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. We found the Pirate Ship Boat Ride on Lake Ashi in Hakone to be a bit gimmicky, but other than that everything was wonderful.

Leny did an amazing job from start to finish. She helped us find activities catered to our children's interests and everything on our itinerary was truly a wonderful time. We were frankly nervous as we do not speak the language of our destination and we had never ventured out on a trip this far from home. But Leny made the planning process way less stressful and opened our eyes to a few adventures we hadn't even considered.

Activity Reviews

Kyoto Ramen & Gyoza Cooking Class with Professional Chefs

Kyoto

We all had a really wonderful time and would happily come back to this experience again if we are back in Kyoto.

Quality of Experience

The staff truly made the experience a fun and engaging time

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The staff truly made the experience a fun and engaging time

Transport

we met at a clearly designated meeting point and our guide brought is to the nearby kitchen. very easy to find and very clearly marked.

Afternoon Bamboo Forest & Monkey Bike Tour

Kyoto

Very exciting experience. We had a wonderful time and really enjoyed getting to see a side of Kyoto we couldn't have otherwise. It was so helpful to have a guide lead the way from the money park and the bamboo forest so we could simply enjoy the experience and not worry about navigating.

Quality of Experience

really cool to see the city by bike and from the monkey park

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Don was fantastic - very knowledgeable and committed to safety

Transport

easy to find - we met outside of the train station to it was very convenient

The trip planning and recommendations by Ben were superb. The local guides (Yo, Roy and Ricky) were very friendly and went out of their way to ensure we say everything. 10/10.

Hotel Reviews

Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku

Tokyo

Unbeatable location. The breakfast, while good, was not at the same level as the other hotels we stayed at and there are no public baths.

Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika

Hakone

Mercure Hida Takayama

Takayama

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA

Kyoto

Candeo Hotels Osaka The Tower

Osaka

Incredible views from the Onsen.

Activity Reviews

Tokyo Skytree, Sumo Experience & Michelin Tempura Tour with Public Transportation

Tokyo

Tokyo One-Day Public Transport Tour: Tokyo City Exploration: Tsukiji, Shibuya & Afternoon Independent Leisure

Tokyo

Private transfer from Tokyo to Hakone via Mt. Fuji

Japan

Day Trip Itinerary to Shirakawa-go from Takayama with Public Transportation

Takayama

Shirakawa-go is incredibly beautiful and it was a nice change from the big cities.

Day in Arashiyama: Rickshaw Rides, Bamboo Strolls, Serenity at Three Temples, & Delightful Encounters at the Monkey Park with Tea Ceremony with Public Transportation

Kyoto

Osaka Exploration: Castle, Cuisine (Ramen Included), and Sky-high Views (Private Guide & Public Transportation

Osaka

Using KimKim was one of the best decisions I made when planning a trip to Japan for my son and I. It was so nice to not have to agonize over which hotel to stay at, which train to take, which sites I should go see, and many other very important/stressful things I didn’t have to worry about since Bella ( my trip planner at KimKim) had already taken care of it. She was wonderful to work with the entire way through my trip. She was super flexible when I realized my 15 year old son and I needed more flexibility than having an actual guide with us everyday midway through our trip, she pivoted and was able to give us all the reservations for us to explore alone, rather than with a guide. They booked so many cool experiences for us that I wouldn’t even know existed ( kimono wearing tea ceremony, monkey park, romantic train, water front shrine in Hakone). We loved our guides we did have- big thank you’s to Yo and Frank for making our trip stress free, informative, and lots of fun. Bella, Yo, and Frank made my son’s and my trip to Japan so much fun and not at all stressful, and for that I cannot thank them enough! I would use kimkim again in a heartbeat!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro

Tokyo

Breakfast was so good! Hotel was a little out of the tourist area, which we found to be nice and relaxing.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hakone Hotel Kowakien Tenyu

Hakone

The VIEW! And the baths. Wish I stayed here a couple more nights. Absolutely beautiful.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA

Kyoto

Great location, next to train stations, but no amenities and a little far from the sights.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Walking distance to Kyoto train station, but farther from sites.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

No ameneties ( qtips, razors, etc)

Citadines Namba Osaka

Osaka

Great location and had bigger rooms. Only downside is you could hear trains when they were rubbubg ( like 5am on) nice bright room with all the amenities.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Half-Day Tokyo Tour by Public Transport：Tsukiji Outer Market, Sushi-making class and Free Afternoon

Tokyo

So fun. Sushi making was hands on and so tasty?

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Fuji Five Lakes Tour, Transfer to Hakone

Japan

The sites are beautiful.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Yo and driver were wonderful

Transport

Day tour by public transport in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nikishi Market, Converyor belt Sushi , Samurai and Ninja Museum and Tea Ceremony

Kyoto

The shrine is beautiful- go early for less crowds. The tea ceremony was amazing. You get to dress up in beautiful kimono and learn about why they have tea ceremony then make your own matcha tea. So fun, so worth it!

Quality of Experience

C

Guides, Drivers and Staff

R

Transport

Hidden Paths of Arashiyama: River Journey, Moss Temples & Bamboo Whispers（Private Guide, Public Transportation）

Kyoto

The boat was shut down due to high/ rough water, so we did monkey park and romantic train instead. So much fin and absolutely beautiful.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Osaka Exploration: Castle, Cuisine & Sumo Culture(Private Guide&Public Transportation)

Osaka

The sumo show was great fun for my teenage son and I. The castle was magnificent. We ate conveyor belt sushi for lunch ( something we really wanted to try-so fun!)

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We went to Japan for 11 days. I will not lie to you and tell you that I was not nervous. However, been with kimkim made this so easy. We had amazing guides who all spoke English justice fluently as I do. We had drivers Medicine train stations and airports. They would not leave until they were ensured that we were checked into the hotel. I have not had a more seamless vacation in the United States and to have this kind of experience in a foreign country was nothing more than a miracle. I cannot tell you how skeptical I was about this, but our tour guide, Hal, in Tokyo had spent 12 years in Houston. Our tour guide in Kyoto, Khang, was actually in the United States Navy and grew up in California. Our tour guide in Osaka had spent eight years in United States. Not only do they speak the language, but they also helped us negotiate prices on things we were trying to buy. For example, my wife wanted to buy a fairly pricey purse at one of the resale shops in our tour guide, not only recognized that we were being up charged than negotiated down the price. I wish that I had done this years ago. If this is what traveling the world was like, then I have absolutely no reservation reservations.

I just came back from a wonderful trip to Japan, I was extremely impressed with the service and friendliness of the tour guides.
They were always punctual, arriving on time to pick us up and they treated us exceptionally well.
There's one tour guide I'll always remember for his professionalism: Davin from Hungry Tours Osaka. The day we spent with him was a truly enriching experience.
I loved the visit where We could appreciate Mount Fuji and We have a wonderful lunch ,plus the very beutiful and very peaceful temple.
A hotel I'll always remember is the Riokan Aura Tachibana, it was such a lovely experience having to wear a robe to breakfast and dinner , the food was espectacular, the flavor, the presentation and the amazing service were all outstanding.
The first hotel in Tokio was located in a very good area, but the restaurant wasn't good.
What I remember is that it was a wonderful trip and that's why my friend and I are going in another trip with your company.

It was fine. Leny booked the things we asked her to and, for the most part, they were executed on as planned (there was only one issue, where the driver was 30 minutes late and we were notified 10 minutes before the tour was supposed to start and no one ever explained what happened).
The recommended tours and activities were pretty good, they didn't feel particularly geared for children (like the ramen cooking class started with a 20 minute lecture on ramen, which isn't really what kids want) even though we had specifically requested them for kids.
I would have liked more direction on what we should be doing, there was very little of that, just booking what we asked, maybe that's all they are supposed to do but it would have been nice to have some guidance. For example, I showed the itinerary to a friend who pointed out we didn't have Fushimi Inari in our plans for Kyoto but KimKim never mentioned this at all.
Overall, it was executed fine, communication with the local specialist was good and easy in the app, but for the very high price (they mark up all the tours extravagantly AND charge you a fee which is a percentage of the marked-up tours), I think I was looking for something more.

Leny was absolutely amazing. She was patient, listened well, and did the best job planning.

Hotel Reviews

PROSTYLE RYOKAN TOKYO ASAKUSA

Tokyo

Loved this space, the traditional style, and location. Breakfast wasn't my favorite.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi

Kyoto

Very clean, loved the room, a bit far from things though

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Karaksa hotel grande Shin-Osaka Tower

Osaka

Hotel was great. Beautiful space. They were delayed on check in. A bit far from things

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

&Here TOKYO UENO

Tokyo

Loved it. Great location

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Half-Day Walking Tour: EasternTokyo Your Way (by Public Transportation)

Tokyo

Had the best time with Lisa. Got to feel what it was like to be a local. She was super fun. The tour was tailored for us.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome (Yokoso) to Tokyo!

Tokyo

Driver was awesome. He was punctual and it was a smooth drive.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Best of Shibuya Food Tour

Tokyo

We had the best food and the guide was informative.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tea Ceremony in Kyoto (Private)

Japan

It was good. However, it felt like it was lacking and a bit quick.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day Trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji with an English-Speaking Driver

Tokyo

Masa listened and gave us the best experience. He was patient and we enjoyed the day with him

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour

Kyoto

We loved this tour guide. It rained all day, but it didn't affect our day. She pushed through and so did we.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Kyoto and Nara Tour with English Speaking Guide and Vehicle (Private)

Japan

Loved it. However, our guide could have been a bit better.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Osaka

Japan

Sushi Making Experience: Craft Authentic Sushi

Kyoto

What an amazing couple. We felt welcomed and stayed after to chat. They recommended some great places/.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

Japan

We got sent to the wrong location. the guide was rushed. He didn't seem that interested.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guides excellent, most hotels very lovely( would have liked less corporate more ryokan type stays ( I’m thinking about Kyoto and Osaka). Shona is a fantastic, prompt communicator.
We struggled with trains( tickets/QR codes, protocols) which caused unnecessary stress. Some of the activities were overly commercial and crowded but our guides generally were able to adapt and modify the outings.
If I were to plan another trip to Japan I’d spend less time in big cities and more in the countryside.

Hotel Reviews

Onyado Nono Asakusa Bettei

Tokyo

Beautiful, fun neighborhood, authentic Japanese environment -great breakfast and onsen

Authenticity & Character

Location

Tiny quiet street but close to all the action

Staff

Attentive staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu

Hakone

Beautiful setting and onsen. Great breakfast

Authenticity & Character

Quiet elegance

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Blossom Kyoto

Kyoto

The Blossom Kyoto was very elegant, but it had a very corporate and sleek hotel feel which seemed out of place for an authentic Japanese experience. It felt like staying in a modern high-rise that could be in any major city, rather than a location-specific accommodation. I would have preferred a smaller, more intimate place with a genuine local feel.

Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu

Osaka

The Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu was clean and had great amenities, but it felt too corporate, making it feel like any other modern hotel you'd find in a city. It lacked the authentic Japanese experience I was hoping for. I would have preferred a hotel with more local charm and character rather than a generic business-like atmosphere.

Activity Reviews

Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya

Kyoto

The Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya was interesting but felt very commercial and assembly-line like. It was cute and fun, with everyone dressing up in kimonos, but the experience felt contrived, like a huge factory of people just going through the motions. I would have preferred a more authentic, perhaps more intimate or private ceremony, possibly with a home visit. Overall, it wasn't something I would recommend to others.

Naoshima Island: a World of Art - Day 2

Naoshima

The day trip to the Miho Museum was amazing. The architectural masterpiece by I. M. Pei, combined with the stunning natural surroundings in the mountains, made it a truly incredible experience. As avid museum-goers with a deep appreciation for the arts, we found this particular museum stand out during our trip. It was a beautiful and inspiring visit, although I wish we'd had more time to fully absorb it.

Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

Japan

The Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai was enjoyable with a delightful guide, but the food didn’t quite live up to our expectations as foodies. In our California understanding, a foodie tour entails gourmet experiences, but this was akin to indulging in fast food, with items that felt more like carnival fare. While the guide was great, we didn’t feel that the tour provided anything beyond what we could find on our own.

Recently took our family of four to Japan for 10-days. We booked through KimKim travel with Leny and had a great experience. The recommendations were spot on and the family had a fantastic time. Reservations were no hassle and the train travel was pretty intuitive. I especially like the convenience of the mobile app that KimKim provided, it was a convenient and handy way of accessing our itinerary and train reservation QR codes. We were on the app constantly to check where and when we should be. I would definitely use KimKim again for Japan.

Our 15-day trip to Japan was incredible, and Marii made the entire planning process easy and stress-free. She provided great suggestions that we incorporated into our itinerary, and we loved how the trip included a little bit of everything—from traditional cultural experiences to modern attractions.

The tours were fantastic and gave us a well-rounded experience of Japan. Highlights included a tea ceremony, a food tour, and exploring different regions and aspects of Japanese culture. We also appreciated having free time built into the itinerary, along with Marii's excellent recommendations for places to visit, restaurants to try, and activities to enjoy on our own.

I would also like to recognize the wonderful guides we had throughout our trip. Every guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and welcoming. They made us feel comfortable from the start and helped create memorable experiences in each destination.

One of the highlights of our trip was our tour of Hakone and Mt. Fuji with Masashige. He took us to several beautiful viewpoints to see Mt. Fuji and shared fascinating information along the way. Seeing Mt. Fuji from these locations was truly unforgettable and one of the biggest highlights of our trip.

We were also pleasantly surprised by Kanazawa and Hiroshima. These destinations offered a different pace and were less crowded, allowing us to experience another side of Japan. Yoshiko, our guide in Kanazawa, and Lisa, our guide in Hiroshima, made these tours especially meaningful through their knowledge, storytelling, and passion for the local history and culture.

Another guide who left a lasting impression was Moeka during our Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Garden Tour. She had such wonderful energy and thoughtfully took us to quieter locations before visiting the bamboo forest. One of the most memorable parts of the tour was learning traditional calligraphy. She wrote our names in Katakana and guided us as we practiced writing them ourselves. It was a relaxing, unique, and unforgettable experience.

Hakone also deserves a special mention. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, and being surrounded by mountains and nature was the perfect way to slow down, disconnect, and appreciate Japan's natural beauty. It quickly became one of our favorite places on the trip.

All hotel, transportation, and activity information was easy to access. We experienced a couple of minor issues with Shinkansen tickets and a chopstick-making reservation, but Marii and her team responded immediately and resolved everything quickly. Their communication throughout the trip was excellent, including helpful reminders and detailed instructions before each tour, which made navigating Japan much easier.

Everyone we worked with was kind, knowledgeable, and professional. It was clear that a lot of care and attention went into planning our trip. Thanks to Marii and her team, our trip was smooth, well-organized, and truly unforgettable. We enjoyed every minute of it and highly recommend Marii and her team to anyone planning a trip to Japan.

All the guides and drivers in Japan and South Korea were amazing. We saw many incredible sights that we would never been able to negotiate without professional guides and drivers.
All of the guides were very knowledgeable on all the historical and religious sites. All were fluent in English as well as many other languages.
They were able to add local perspectives which was very informative.

Activity Reviews

Best of Shibuya Food Tour

Tokyo

Our tour guide was amazing. All of the food delicious and the restaurants super authentic.

Seoul Adventures: DMZ Tour, Korean Cuisine, And More of the City (Private)

Seoul

The DMZ was fascinating. Well worth touring, excellent guide, super knowledgeable

Full Day Kamakura with English Speaking Guide and Vehicle (Private)

Tokyo

Amazing!

The Alluring Nami Island (Private)

Seoul

Such a beautiful peaceful place. The ferry was fun and fast. Our guide was very knowledgeable and treated to a wonderful Korean donut . Great day

Leny was phenomenal. I’m so gappy we trusted her to plan our honeymoon. This was the best trip my wife and I have ever taken.