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active 1 min ago

Angel Tang

I love exploring and have been traveling in Asian countries for more than fifteen years. As a Japan specialist, I have a deep affection for this country and I will use my knowledge and expertise to make your Japan trip an experience of a lifetime! Japan is a place where you can slow down your pace and heal your soul. It’s time for me to introduce this dream-like country to you.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in crafting immersive cultural tours tailored for culturally-minded travelers who have a passion for exploring Japan. My goal is to help them create an experience that aligns with their interests and desires, allowing them to absorb the rich history and culture of each carefully selected destination. Some highlights include UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Shirakawago Village and Nara 8.

For those seeking adventure, I offer walking excursions along the ancient Nakasendo Trail and the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route nestled in picturesque mountains.

Families looking to introduce their children to the wonders of Japan can anticipate a blend of exciting activities. From engaging with samurai and ninjas to the rhythmic beats of Taiko drumming, and from scenic hikes and bike rides to hands-on sushi classes, there's a diverse range of experiences to cater to every member of the family.
"

How did you get involved in travel?

"I graduated from university in the late 90’s, a tourism booming time. Cultural exchanges were very frequent. My sister married a Japanese man who also helped me with a lot of easy visits to Japan, and I made lots of friends there. That was when I started to have true feelings for the nice people there. Then I learned they also needed someone to guide them around, so I started to work as a tour guide and have been in travel since."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"For me, the trip to a remote village in the Vietnamese countryside is the most unforgettable. I visited a local family there and lived with them for several days. By the end of the visit, I was literally a member of that family! Today, the little girl of that family whose tuition I used to finance has already graduated from university. Travel is not only for experiencing the culture and seeing the breathtaking landscape but also for giving back to the local community!"

Angel is part of the following groups: Japan Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Angel

A wonderful holiday!
Japan | Oct 15 - Nov 3, 2024

Trevor
Trevor J.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Nov 07, 2024
We wanted to visit Japan, but not as part of a large group. We chose Kimkim to help us plan our trip and provide support if we needed it. The whole experience from planning, through to the trip itself, was excellent. We chose our own schedule based on the existing Kimkim packages. Our contact, Angel, arranged travel and hotels for us and advised on how sensible our chosen schedule was, suggesting changes where necessary. The hotels chosen were all lovely and the travel arrangements ran... Read more

We wanted to visit Japan, but not as part of a large group. We chose Kimkim to help us plan our trip and provide support if we needed it. The whole experience from planning, through to the trip itself, was excellent. We chose our own schedule based on the existing Kimkim packages. Our contact, Angel, arranged travel and hotels for us and advised on how sensible our chosen schedule was, suggesting changes where necessary. The hotels chosen were all lovely and the travel arrangements ran very smoothly.
Angel was always very responsive and quick to answer our questions and offer help during our trip. Nothing was too much trouble. Our four guides Kumi, Yumi, Junko and Yoshi were all great – informative, friendly and really good company.
We had hopes of what the holiday would be like before we went and it was every bit as good as we dreamt it would be. Thank you, Angel, for a memorable trip and for all your help!

Hotel Reviews
Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel
Tokyo

A comfortable hotel in an excellent location in Shibuya

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu
matsumoto

A lovely hotel. We had a Japanese style room which was was very nice. Staff were very attentive. The onsen was very pleasant and not at all busy.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Very friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
Kanazawa
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama
Matsuyama
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
kyoto
Authenticity & Character
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hakone Kowakien hotel
Hakone

A lovely hotel. The dinner was included and was excellent.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Within easy reach of the cablecar and ropeway with a free shuttle bus to the start
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shimanami PRIMEHOTEL IMABARI
Imabari
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Angel Tang
Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Nov 17, 2024

Dear Trevor,

Hope you are doing great.Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We're thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic experience planning your trip to Japan with Kimkim. It’s great to know that I was able to assist you every step of the way and that the accommodations and travel arrangements met your expectations. We're also glad to hear that our guides made your journey even more enjoyable. We look forward to helping you plan your next adventure.

Wish you happy all the time.

Best regards from Asia,
Angel

We had the unfortunate experience of having o...
Japan | Oct 29 - Nov 2, 2024

K
kim C.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Nov 05, 2024
We had the unfortunate experience of having our tour canceled the day we were leaving for our trip. In the end, in "forced" us to discover on our own. We ended up loving our time in Yamaguchi (less touristy, less populated) All train tickets were as promised. We oved our hotel in Yamaguchi. Read more

We had the unfortunate experience of having our tour canceled the day we were leaving for our trip. In the end, in "forced" us to discover on our own. We ended up loving our time in Yamaguchi (less touristy, less populated)

All train tickets were as promised.

We oved our hotel in Yamaguchi.

Hotel Reviews
Shinagawa Prince Hotel
Tokyo

Older hotel - a bit hard to find due to the tower comples

Authenticity & Character
Location
convenient to travel
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
bed uncomfortable
Oyado Onn Yuda Onsen

lovely place, enjoyed to public bath (after we gathered a little courage)

Authenticity & Character
We were the only Americans I think -
Location
Staff
very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Angel Tang
Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Nov 17, 2024

Dear kim,

Thank you so much for your kindl review.We're glad to hear that all train tickets were as promised and that you loved your hotel accommodations at the Oyado Onn Yuda Onsen. Enjoying the public bath is a delightful experience, and we're happy you gathered the courage to try it.

We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you on another trip in the future.

All the best,
Angel

Mizuho, our guide in Kyoto and Osaka was fabu...
Japan | Oct 20 - Oct 29, 2024

K
kim C.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Nov 05, 2024
Mizuho, our guide in Kyoto and Osaka was fabulous. She was so caring, and a true ambassador for Japan. Read more

Mizuho, our guide in Kyoto and Osaka was fabulous. She was so caring, and a true ambassador for Japan.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Groove Shinjuku
Tokyo

Room a bit small but the location was perfect. Great view of the Scramble. The Breakfast Buffet was fabulous!

Authenticity & Character
professional staff
Location
views - walkablilty
Staff
very attentive at check in
Cleanliness & Comfort
room a little small.
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto

Great location

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rengejo-in
koya

A real treat

Authenticity & Character
a peak into a Budhist community
Location
loved the town
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was beautiful and serene
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
Osaka

A very convenient location

Authenticity & Character
seems a bit old (I think we were in an older tower, multiple tower location was confusing.
Location
good for transportation
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
clean, but bed wasn't very comfortable, room quite small.
Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori
Hakone

Loved the personal hot bath.

Authenticity & Character
A true onsen.
Location
The view in the morning was breathtaking
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Experience the Sumo and Sushi-making Culture of Japan
Experience the Sumo and Sushi-making Culture of Japan
Tokyo

Sumo demonstration was fun. Sumo wrestlers were great with the crowd. The sushi leaders were charming, but not sure I would recommend. l

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Tokyo City Tour
Full Day Tokyo City Tour
Tokyo

nice to have guide... we would have been lost otherwise.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
good and knowledgeable - kept us on track!
Transport
Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Tour with Whisky Tasting
Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Tour with Whisky Tasting
Tokyo

One of my favorite moments

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We had to take a very crowded bus with a lot of baggage on the way down.
 Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya with  Nishiki market
Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya with Nishiki market
Kyoto

Well done, something I would never do at home. They were crowded.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The hostess of the tea was so charming.
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Osaka

It was nice to go to areas that we would not have ventured on our own.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide - Duncan did a great job.
Full Day Kobe Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum and Himeji Castle Tour
Full Day Kobe Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum and Himeji Castle Tour
Osaka

great guide

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
our guide lead us through very crowded subway rides. Added to our experience!
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Kyoto

A lot of walking, but saw a lot!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
knowledgable
Local specialist: Angel Tang
Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Nov 17, 2024
Dear kim, Greetings from Angel,Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback. We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with Mizuho in Kyoto and Osaka—she truly embodies the spirit and hospitality of Japan. We appreciate your comments about Hotel Groove Shinjuku and are glad you enjoyed the fantastic location and breakfast buffet, despite the room size. It's great to know that Cross Hotel Kyoto and Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu met your expectations for convenience and... Read more

Dear kim,

Greetings from Angel,Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback. We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with Mizuho in Kyoto and Osaka—she truly embodies the spirit and hospitality of Japan.

We appreciate your comments about Hotel Groove Shinjuku and are glad you enjoyed the fantastic location and breakfast buffet, despite the room size. It's great to know that Cross Hotel Kyoto and Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu met your expectations for convenience and location.

Thank you for sharing your experiences, and we hope to welcome you back in the future.

Best regards as always,
Angel

Angel was great!She was very patient w/ us d...
Japan | Oct 16 - Oct 29, 2024

A
Anat G.
Cupertino, CA | Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Angel was great!
She was very patient w/ us during phase, since we made multiple changes. During the trip she kept checking in and providing assistance + changes (as a result of weather).
This is our second trip w/ KimKim and we highly recommend the service.

Local specialist: Angel Tang
Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Oct 30, 2024

Dear Anat,

Greetings from Angel.

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I am so happy to hear that I provided you with exceptional support during your trip and was able to accommodate all your changes. It's fantastic to know you had a great experience with us for the second time! We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to helping you plan your next adventure.

Safe travels.

Best regards,
Angel

Wonderful trip to Japan
Japan | Oct 7 - Oct 24, 2024

C
Colleen M.
Granite Bay, CA | Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024
We just returned from a wonderful trip to Japan. Our local specialist, Angel, was amazing. The tour guides and activities she selected were perfect. We were also very appreciative of Angel's communication, both before and during our trip. She was always available for our questions with a quick response. When we decided on short notice to modify one of our last nights, she quickly helped us arrange a new hotel and transportation. I would highly recommend! Read more

We just returned from a wonderful trip to Japan. Our local specialist, Angel, was amazing. The tour guides and activities she selected were perfect. We were also very appreciative of Angel's communication, both before and during our trip. She was always available for our questions with a quick response. When we decided on short notice to modify one of our last nights, she quickly helped us arrange a new hotel and transportation. I would highly recommend!

Hotel Reviews
Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu
Tokyo

Great breakfast. Staff was very friendly. Would definitely come here again!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cross Hotel Osaka
Osaka

Great breakfast. Staff was very friendly. Would definitely come here again!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Wood Takayama
Takayama
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto

Great breakfast. Staff was very friendly. Would definitely come here again!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
福智院(Koyasan Onsen Fukuchi-in)
Wakayama
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls & Lake Chuzenji Tour
Full Day Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls & Lake Chuzenji Tour
Tokyo

We loved getting out of the City and into the mountains! Beautiful scenery.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day tour Shirakawa-go Village
Day tour Shirakawa-go Village
Takayama
 Samurai and Ninja Museum with Experience
Samurai and Ninja Museum with Experience
Kyoto
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Full Day Tokyo City Tour
Full Day Tokyo City Tour
Tokyo
A Fun-Filled Cooking Class in Tokyo - Wagyu Beef and More
A Fun-Filled Cooking Class in Tokyo - Wagyu Beef and More
Tokyo

This was one of our favorite activities!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi with Oishi Park
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi with Oishi Park
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Rural Bike Tour
Half Day Rural Bike Tour
Takayama

Enjoyed seeing a town that was a little less touristy. Nice area for bike riding.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Full Day Tour of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Sagano Scenic Railway
Full Day Tour of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Sagano Scenic Railway
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Traditional Tea Ceremony KYOTO
Traditional Tea Ceremony KYOTO
Kyoto
Local specialist: Angel Tang
Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Oct 30, 2024

Dear Colleen,

Hope you a great day.

Thank you for your fantastic review.I am so delighted to hear that your trip to Japan was wonderful and it's my great pleasure to play such a crucial role in making it special. It's wonderful to know that the tour guides and activities were to your liking, and that my prompt communication and support met your needs, especially with last-minute changes. Your recommendation is deeply appreciated, and we can't wait to help you plan your next adventure. Wishing you safe and exciting travels ahead.

Best regards as always,
Angel

KimKim did an amazing job arranging our trip ...
Japan | Sep 26 - Oct 9, 2024

J
Jane D.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Oct 16, 2024
KimKim did an amazing job arranging our trip to Japan. From train tickets to guides to someone meeting us at the airport with a friendly face, everything was great. We had a last minute change to make, and Angel was able to re-book our Shinkensen tickets and get them to us in a timely way. All around, an excellent service. Read more

KimKim did an amazing job arranging our trip to Japan. From train tickets to guides to someone meeting us at the airport with a friendly face, everything was great. We had a last minute change to make, and Angel was able to re-book our Shinkensen tickets and get them to us in a timely way. All around, an excellent service.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Intergate Hiroshima
Hiroshima

There was really nothing I liked about this hotel. The staff at the reception weren't welcoming at all, nor helpful during checkout. The room had a tiny window with shades drawn so you felt a little like being in a cell- very claustrophobic. We spent as little time as possible in the room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
Tokyo

Hotel was very nice- nice sized rooms, great breakfast, great service. The rooftop bar is a must.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Helpful, friendly, enough english for us to get by with our limited Japanese
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Green Plaza Hakone
Hakone

We picked this hotel for the views- well, not their fault that it was overcast and we couldn't see anything. However, this place is dated and a little tacky. The store and cafe were never open. The place was overrun with children who screamed throughout dinner. The restuarant was lit up like hospital cafeteria, and while the food was ok, it was so noisy and bright that we couldn't wait to leave. I can imagine the onsen would be amazing if you could see Mt. Fuji. It's also not located near anything.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
kyoto

Room was pretty spacious so that was nice. It's gotten some fancy updates but seems like it might have been a Courtyard by Mariott at some point and got a face lift. The staff were great especially the congierge who gave us great sushi restaurant tips and directions. It seemed to be geared towards large tour groups. The restuarants were always empty (Except at free breakfast), probably because they were very overpriced. It was a good location, fairly close to the train station.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Ritz-Carlton
Osaka

This place was beautiful and the staff was, without exception, outstanding. Would love to stay here again someday.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day Tokyo City Tour
Full Day Tokyo City Tour
Tokyo

Yumi did a great job of putting together a tour catering to our preferences. We were a little jet lagged so probably didn't get all out of it that we could have. The fish market was super fun.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Tour with Whisky Tasting
Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Tour with Whisky Tasting
Tokyo

Yoshi was a great guide. We just didn't have great weather for viewing Fuji (never did see it). However, he did his best to keep us interested and entertained, including taking us to a flower garden that wasn't originally planned. The Whicky tour and tasting was really interesting.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Kyoto

Yoshi was a great guide- turns out she spent a year not too far from where we live in Oregon. Totally not her issue, but the sites in Kyoto are just overrun with tourists, which I realize we are also, It was really hard to enjoy the temples, tori gates, Gion district becuse there are just too many people at the same spots.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to Nara and Uji
Day Trip to Nara and Uji
Kyoto

We didn't do this trip

One Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Island Tour
One Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Island Tour
Hiroshima

Yoko was an excellent guide. We went to Miyajima first, via ferry- it was lovely. Very limited crowds, although it was raining so that could be why. Had some yummy roasted oysters, some great little maple leaf cookies, and got some great views of the gate and temple. Then headed back and toured the Peace Memorial and the museum. Both were very moving and emotional. Highly recommend.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Nishiki Market Food Experience
Nishiki Market Food Experience
Kyoto

We did'nt do this tour

Local specialist: Angel Tang
Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Oct 21, 2024
Dear Jane, Hope you are doing great.Thank you for sharing your experiences for your trip to Japan. I'm so glad to hear that my team and I provided excellent service and took care of your travel needs seamlessly, especially with the last-minute changes to your Shinkansen tickets.
We sincerely regret to hear about your experiences at Hotel Intergate Hiroshima and Hotel Green Plaza Hakone. Your feedback will be forwarded to the hotel management, and we hope they will take it into consideration...
Read more

Dear Jane,

Hope you are doing great.Thank you for sharing your experiences for your trip to Japan. I'm so glad to hear that my team and I provided excellent service and took care of your travel needs seamlessly, especially with the last-minute changes to your Shinkansen tickets.
We sincerely regret to hear about your experiences at Hotel Intergate Hiroshima and Hotel Green Plaza Hakone. Your feedback will be forwarded to the hotel management, and we hope they will take it into consideration for future improvements.
We appreciate your comments regarding the Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Yoshi. While it’s great to know that she connected with you personally, we understand how overwhelming the crowds at popular tourist sites can be. We hope it didn’t overshadow your overall experience in Japan.
Thank you again for your feedback, and I hope your future travels will be even more enjoyable.

Best regards,
Angel

Fantastic trip to Japan
Japan | Sep 29 - Oct 6, 2024

Nelson
Nelson P.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Oct 11, 2024
Our family recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Japan. We were fortunate to have Angel, our host from Kim Kim, who was nothing short of exceptional. Her attention to detail, thoughtful planning, and excellent communication ensured that every part of our trip was seamless. Angels’ involvement played a huge role in making our family trip, a group of 10 people, very smooth. Our local tour guides, Yumi and Hiroko, were friendly, knowledgeable, flexible and they cared about our... Read more

Our family recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Japan. We were fortunate to have Angel, our host from Kim Kim, who was nothing short of exceptional. Her attention to detail, thoughtful planning, and excellent communication ensured that every part of our trip was seamless. Angels’ involvement played a huge role in making our family trip, a group of 10 people, very smooth.

Our local tour guides, Yumi and Hiroko, were friendly, knowledgeable, flexible and they cared about our experience. They were always ready to adjust the itinerary to suit our preferences, which made the experience even more enjoyable for everyone.

The sites we visited in Japan far exceeded our expectations. Mt Fuji, Tokyo at night, Shrines, Temples, traditional Kyoto and modern Osaka; each destination was a perfect blend of modern and traditional Japan.

Overall, we couldn’t recommend Kim Kim and our host Angel enough for anyone considering a trip to Japan. The combination of personalized service, insightful guides and expert planning made our family vacation a truly exceptional experience.

Local specialist: Angel Tang
Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Oct 12, 2024
Dear Nelson, Hope you are doing great. Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We are thrilled to hear that you and your family had an unforgettable experience in Japan. I am so glad to know that my attention to detail and excellent planning helped create such a seamless trip for your group. It’s fantastic to know that Yumi and Hiroko provided flexibility and personalized care, as we strive to ensure our travelers have the best possible experience. The blend of modern and... Read more

Dear Nelson,

Hope you are doing great.

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We are thrilled to hear that you and your family had an unforgettable experience in Japan. I am so glad to know that my attention to detail and excellent planning helped create such a seamless trip for your group.

It’s fantastic to know that Yumi and Hiroko provided flexibility and personalized care, as we strive to ensure our travelers have the best possible experience. The blend of modern and traditional sites sounds absolutely magical, and we’re delighted that your expectations were exceeded.

Thank you for recommending Kim Kim to others considering a trip to Japan. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future.

Safe travels.

All the best,
Angel

An organized, personalized tour with complete freedom
Japan | Sep 17 - Sep 30, 2024

Adrian
Adrian H.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 04, 2024
We don't like organized tours but do enjoy someone doing the planning for us -- and kimkim was the perfect choice. The process of putting together a travel itinerary via emails was easy, and the kimkim people did a great job incorporating our own desires and aims with ideas of their own, which we listened to because, of course, they had matched us up with guides who actually live in Japan and know the country well. It was odd never speaking to a human -- and for awhile we wondered if we were... Read more

We don't like organized tours but do enjoy someone doing the planning for us -- and kimkim was the perfect choice. The process of putting together a travel itinerary via emails was easy, and the kimkim people did a great job incorporating our own desires and aims with ideas of their own, which we listened to because, of course, they had matched us up with guides who actually live in Japan and know the country well. It was odd never speaking to a human -- and for awhile we wondered if we were dealing with chatbots -- but, magically, every single driver showed up, every single guide showed up when they were supposed to. There was one glitch in a train station (and Japanese train stations are CRAZY-CHAOTIC), but they worked with us in real time to get things fixed and even summoned a taxi for us, telling us the plate number so we'd recognize it. They were responsive and helpful at every turn and twist of the journey.....and they were willing to tweak our itinerary on the fly, which was very helpful. We loved having independence but didn't feel alone at any time. We definitely will use them again!

Hotel Review
Rengejo-in
koya

Our stay at Rengejo-in monastery in Mount Koya was a highlight of the trip. We were given an incredibly spacious and luxurious room dubbed the 'Silent Forest,' with fantastic amenities like a private garden view. The experience was spiritual and beautiful, including a morning chant with monks. It was unlike anything we expected and absolutely memorable.

Activity Reviews
Half day Experience Traditional Japanese Gardens With Japanese garden designer
Half day Experience Traditional Japanese Gardens With Japanese garden designer
Kyoto

The half-day experience with a traditional Japanese garden designer in Kyoto was absolutely amazing. Our guide, an expat landscape architect, shared incredible insights about Zen gardening, its aesthetics, and cultural nuances. It was a truly enriching experience, learning the history and philosophy behind Japanese gardens. I highly recommend this tour!

Tea Ceremony in Kyoto FLOWER TEAHOUSE
Tea Ceremony in Kyoto FLOWER TEAHOUSE
Kyoto

The tea ceremony at the Flower Teahouse in Kyoto was a fascinating and unique experience. We were unexpectedly upgraded to a private ceremony, which added a special touch. The hosts dressed me in a traditional outfit and my wife loved the entire experience. It was educational, and the location in the Geisha district enriched the cultural immersion.

Local specialist: Angel Tang
Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Oct 07, 2024
Dear Adrian, Hope you are doing fantastic.Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience with kimkim. It’s great to know that our planning process and the incorporation of your personal preferences made your trip to Japan so memorable. We pride ourselves on connecting our travelers with knowledgeable local guides, so we’re glad to hear that this enhanced your journey. We're glad we could assist you during the minor glitch at the train... Read more

Dear Adrian,

Hope you are doing fantastic.Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience with kimkim. It’s great to know that our planning process and the incorporation of your personal preferences made your trip to Japan so memorable. We pride ourselves on connecting our travelers with knowledgeable local guides, so we’re glad to hear that this enhanced your journey.

We're glad we could assist you during the minor glitch at the train station and ensure everything went smoothly. Your feedback means a lot to us, and we look forward to helping you plan your next adventure.

Wishing you and your family happiness and joy always.

Best regards,
Angel

We were a group of 21 people from US and Sout...
Japan | Sep 11 - Sep 21, 2024

M
MAHENDRA P.
Singapore | Reviewed on Oct 03, 2024
We were a group of 21 people from US and South America, and enjoyed the tour to the fullest. It was a difficult tour (Nakasendo Trail) especially with such a large group, and the planning & operation was quite challenging. However, our first contact with Fei during the initial planning and operation was superb. Fei listened to requests patiently and skillfully understood our requirement to curate a perfectly suited tour itinerary. She worked real hard to get the suitable accommodation for the... Read more

We were a group of 21 people from US and South America, and enjoyed the tour to the fullest. It was a difficult tour (Nakasendo Trail) especially with such a large group, and the planning & operation was quite challenging. However, our first contact with Fei during the initial planning and operation was superb. Fei listened to requests patiently and skillfully understood our requirement to curate a perfectly suited tour itinerary. She worked real hard to get the suitable accommodation for the group's stay matching our expectations. As we moved closer to finalising the tour, Fei handed over the responsibility of looking after our travel arrangements to Angel. She too did a great job in delivering the tour services as planned and proposed initially by Fei. The tour went flawless, with only a few minor hiccups. Everything else was great. The selected guides, hotels, restaurants, vehicles and drivers were all nice and ensured the comfort level of the group during the tour.

Overall, the group had an amazing and fulfilling experience of the unique temple trail. We highly recommend traveling with Fei and Angel for travel to Japan to ensure peace of mind especially as language can be a great challenge. In fact, we are already planning to return back to this wonderful country with them for another experience next year.

Activity Reviews
Half Day Fushimi Inari Taisha to Tofuku-ji Temple Hiking Experience
Half Day Fushimi Inari Taisha to Tofuku-ji Temple Hiking Experience
Kyoto

The guide was excellent, and we all had a great time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Nara Tour
Half Day Nara Tour
Nara
Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Angel Tang
Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Oct 07, 2024
Dear MAHENDRA, Greetings from Angel.Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you and your group had such an amazing experience on the Nakasendo Trail. It’s fantastic to know that my team and I were able to meet your expectations and create a memorable itinerary that suited your group’s needs. We understand that organizing travel for a large group can be challenging, and we are delighted that our team's efforts made the planning and execution as smooth as... Read more

Dear MAHENDRA,

Greetings from Angel.Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you and your group had such an amazing experience on the Nakasendo Trail. It’s fantastic to know that my team and I were able to meet your expectations and create a memorable itinerary that suited your group’s needs.

We understand that organizing travel for a large group can be challenging, and we are delighted that our team's efforts made the planning and execution as smooth as possible. Your kind words about the guides, accommodations, and overall travel services mean a lot to us.

We're excited to hear that you're already planning another trip to Japan with us next year. We can't wait to help you create more unforgettable memories.

Thank you once again for your high recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you back.

Best regards,
Angel

There was good and bad.
Japan | Sep 1 - Sep 15, 2024

Diane
Diane E.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Oct 03, 2024
There was good and bad. We were happy with each of our guides, who were all very good and personable and had different strengths. Overall, we were very satisfied and pleased with their knowledge, affability, and ability to pivot a bit based on our personal preferences. KimKim was recommended by friends who'd worked with them previously and had a good experience. We liked their process of filling out a questionnaire to understand better our personal preferences, backgrounds, and vision for... Read more

There was good and bad. We were happy with each of our guides, who were all very good and personable and had different strengths. Overall, we were very satisfied and pleased with their knowledge, affability, and ability to pivot a bit based on our personal preferences.

KimKim was recommended by friends who'd worked with them previously and had a good experience. We liked their process of filling out a questionnaire to understand better our personal preferences, backgrounds, and vision for our holiday. However, we found the back-and-forth on the website with our first travel agent a bit challenging and cumbersome as she created an itinerary based on our responses. The first several proposals did not match our interests or requests. It took about four versions to arrive at an acceptable itinerary.

Unfortunately, just a few months before our trip, that agent left, and we were assigned a new one.

About a week before traveling, we noticed that one of our hotels had been changed without notification for one of lesser quality. (It was corrected after we asked.) We also found it difficult to understand some of the itinerary's processes, such as when we were responsible for our transportation and when we had a driver.

Lastly, the agency never notified us about an impending typhoon in Okinawa, which was our penultimate stop. We learned about it on the flight to the island from a random stranger. After landing in Okinawa, it took hours to reach the travel agency after numerous calls and messages, including calls to their emergency contact line. (We never did get our agent on the phone.)

Rather than four days in Okinawa, we got less than 48 hours and had to pay an additional $2,000 to return to Tokyo before the typhoon. Had we known about the typhoon, we wouldn't have traveled to Okinawa. The last issue in Okinawa was our hotel, which was the worst of our trip. Luckily, we were only there for two nights.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main
Tokyo

Lovely, older hotel that's popular with business people and small travel groups. The staff was extremely polite and friendly. It feels a bit out of the way, but it's actually close to many sites.

Authenticity & Character
Breakfast restaurant overlooks beautiful gardens and koi ponds.
Location
Easy access to subway and easy to get taxis.
Staff
Wonderful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable
Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU
Hakone

Phenomenal! Stunning! I wish we'd had another night at this beautiful, modern hotel with wonderful hot springs tucked into a mountainside. The dinner we enjoyed was one of the best of our trip. Highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful architecture
Location
Stunning location and views; quiet and lovely
Staff
Very lovely staff; not a lot of English, but it was fine.
Cleanliness & Comfort
flawless
THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Kyoto

Lovely hotel and location and very nice staff. Note that the restaurant for breakfast can get very busy if you don't go early.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Nice area that's not very noisy or touristy.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel
Hiroshima

Great hotel that was the most "American" of all our hotels, so it felt a bit less "Japanese" in ambiance, but we liked it.

Authenticity & Character
More western in ambiance.
Location
Right at the train station, but very quiet
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless
Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort
Okinawa

I wouldn't return here. The hotel felt dated and needed renovation. The staff was very nice but not as friendly as others we experienced in other hotels.

Authenticity & Character
Location
You will need a car or taxi to get around. It's about an hour north of airport with very little around it.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Needs new carpet or flooring and updating
The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
Tokyo

This gorgeous, elegant luxury hotel is in an upscale area of Tokyo and is attached to luxury stores next door. The staff was friendly. The clientele appears to be a mix of tourists and business people. (I would have preferred to have stayed here when we first arrived in Tokyo. It's a good, walkable location.)

Authenticity & Character
Modern architecture
Location
Walkable area
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Flawless, clean, and very well appointed
Activity Reviews
 Hiroshima Walking Tour--Peace Memorial Park & Shukkeien Garden
Hiroshima Walking Tour--Peace Memorial Park & Shukkeien Garden
Hiroshima

Every world leader should visit this museum and park. It offers a vital history and moral lesson. It was very poignant to us as Americans.

Quality of Experience
They should time the ticket entrances for better crowd control. It was extremely busy, making it difficult to view and read some of the exhibits.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We thoroughly appreciated our guide and driver.
Transport
Very comfortable vans used throughout our trip.
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Osaka

We loved our guide and driver, but I'd suggest not spending much time in this part of Osaka (walking around the area with many restaurants and tourists; feels gritty and over-commercial) and asking to see other areas of Osaka. We did, however, appreciate our guide's knowledge of the area.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Excellent, thoughtful, and friendly.
Transport
Comfortable and newer vehicle
Tokyo Discovery with Shibuya & Harajuku - West
Tokyo Discovery with Shibuya & Harajuku - West
Tokyo

We thoroughly enjoyed our first day of touring in Tokyo and appreciated our lovely guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Excellent
Transport
Excellent
Local specialist: Angel Tang
Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Oct 07, 2024
Dear Diane, Greetings from Angel.Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We're pleased to hear that you enjoyed the guides and that their knowledge and adaptability made a positive impact on your trip. We appreciate your kind words about the initial process in helping create your itinerary as well. However, we truly apologize for the challenges you faced during the planning stages, and it's concerning to hear about the miscommunication regarding your hotel changes and... Read more

Dear Diane,

Greetings from Angel.Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We're pleased to hear that you enjoyed the guides and that their knowledge and adaptability made a positive impact on your trip. We appreciate your kind words about the initial process in helping create your itinerary as well.

However, we truly apologize for the challenges you faced during the planning stages, and it's concerning to hear about the miscommunication regarding your hotel changes and itinerary details. Clear communication is crucial, and we regret that we fell short in these areas, especially with the changes to your accommodation and the unexpected typhoon situation.

We are committed to providing our clients with the best possible experience and hope to learn from your feedback to enhance our services in the future.

Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts, and we hope to have the opportunity to assist you better in your future travels.

Warm regards,
Angel