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Claudia Martinez Sierra

We specialize in creating tailor trips to Japan whether you already have in mind what you want to do or if you need help we are more than happy to discover Japan with you!

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Food experiences, honeymoon itineraries, and tailor-made trips!

Our mission is to create your ideal trip to Japan, experience everything you could imagine from a hike to the sacred pilgrimages in Shikoku, training as a real Samurai in Tokyo to enjoying a tea ceremony with tea masters in a traditional house in Kyoto. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"I was lucky enough to travel for the first time to Japan in 2016 as a student and I can not describe enough how much in love I fell with Japan! Since the first day, I knew I had to live here somehow, the city of Tokyo has a special atmosphere like nowhere else, the food, people, places, and sights from the city-life to more remote places like the Onsens (natural hot springs) in Hakone, Japan has everything to surprise you.

One of the things I enjoyed the most is the feeling of discovering something absolutely new, getting to know a whole different perspective of things, learning when you thought you knew everything.. is one of the best feelings in the world (Visiting Japan you will be 100% of the time discovering amazing this amazing country)

Wanting to help others to fall in love with Japan as much as I am and showing them all the amazing things they will discover I set myself the goal of returning to Japan.. and amazingly I did it! I am lucky enough to work in Japan Travel with a huge amazing group of experts and regional partners all over Japan who share the same love and passion in what they do like me!"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Everything you will experience here is out of the ordinary, the people kindness, warmth and let's not forget the views and the food!

When I first visited Japan I remember not even knowing how to use chopsticks (can you imagine that?!) I struggled a lot the first days, couldn’t speak the language, didn’t have many friends and was scared of everything, after a while I stopped being hard on myself I realized that these experiences are the ones that change you that traveling opens your mind to new things and that you discover a lot of yourself!

Being in Japan and traveling around the country made me live things that under other circumstances I would’ve been able to know. I discovered that my favorite food is Okonomiyaki (Osaka’s traditional dish, 100% recommend it) and drink (Milk tea) if you are a foodie Japan is the right place to visit, Japanese cuisine goes far beyond only sushi!

As a solo traveler, one of the things that made more impact on me while traveling in Japan is the safety you live here every day, the willingness of people to always help you out and the freedom that gives you to immerse in the culture of Japan"

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

Recent trip reviews for Claudia

Both the guides - Ken in Tokyo and Junko in K...
Japan | Sep 24 - Oct 5, 2024

M
Markos V.
India | Reviewed on Oct 06, 2024
Both the guides - Ken in Tokyo and Junko in Kyoto were very good. Full marks to them. We enjoyed Tokyo and Kyoto, but Kanazawa was, for us, the really outstanding city. Takayama was interesting, but overrun by tourists. Hotels - Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku was adequate, as was Nohga in Kyoto - though the latter was overpriced. Zoushi in Kanazawa , though small, was truly outstanding in every way. In contrast, Oyado Koto no Yume in Takayama was both overpriced and pretentious and was the... Read more

Both the guides - Ken in Tokyo and Junko in Kyoto were very good. Full marks to them. We enjoyed Tokyo and Kyoto, but Kanazawa was, for us, the really outstanding city. Takayama was interesting, but overrun by tourists. Hotels - Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku was adequate, as was Nohga in Kyoto - though the latter was overpriced. Zoushi in Kanazawa , though small, was truly outstanding in every way. In contrast, Oyado Koto no Yume in Takayama was both overpriced and pretentious and was the place we least enjoyed. The day trip to Hakone was a disaster - mainly owing to the crowds - and we didn’t even make it to the final boat ride. Overall we enjoyed Japan and are thankful to Claudia for making all the arrangements in a patient and efficient manner. Thank you.

Activity Reviews
Explore Asakusa and Hamarikyu Gardens
Explore Asakusa and Hamarikyu Gardens
Tokyo

Asakusa was a fun area and very interesting. Hamarikyu Garden - it was unfortunately raining

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Helpful and courteous
Transport
Taxis were efficient and the drivers were always polite and helpful
Beautiful Hakone!
Beautiful Hakone!
Japan

Complete disaster due to over tourism.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ken, the guide was outstanding
Transport
Contro the nymbers
Tranquil Walks and Cultural Treasures: Kyoto's Outdoor Wonders
Tranquil Walks and Cultural Treasures: Kyoto's Outdoor Wonders
Kyoto

Junko the guide was extremely helpful and understanding and made an enjoyable day for us.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Claudia Martinez Sierra
Claudia
Claudia Martinez Sierra
Local specialist in Tokyo | Replied on Oct 07, 2024

Thank you Markos for your thorough feedback! It is great to hear that the experience of our guided tour elevated your trip to Japan - and we take in high consideration you personal visit to Hakone for improving our services.

It was a pleasure planning your dream trip to and we hope to see you back soon!

All our guides were great!
Japan | Apr 6 - Apr 14, 2024

C
carolyn w.
Lancaster, CA | Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024
All our guides were great! Read more

All our guides were great!

Hotel Reviews
Genji Kyoto
Kyoto
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Aoyama Grand Hotel
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Claudia Martinez Sierra
Claudia
Claudia Martinez Sierra
Local specialist in Tokyo | Replied on May 01, 2024

Planning Carolyn's dream trip to Japan was a nice experience, we are delighted to hear you had a great time in each location as well as enjoyed the private tours, accommodations and restaurant selection planning. Hope we see you again in Japan anytime soon!

Birthday trip to Japan (Tokyo and Kyoto)
Japan | Dec 26 - Jan 2, 2023

Maria
Maria O.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023
This was an amazing trip thanks to Claudia and then Kristy, who made it all possible. My husband turned 50 on 12/31 and to make it a memorable birthday, we spent a week in Japan. We were off to a rough start due to the airline delay of 1 whole day! That made us miss a couple of planned events in Tokyo, but we still tried to make up for it. We are foodies, so we tried absolutely everything - from Japanese street food, to a local Ramen dive, to a preplanned multi course Teppanyaki place at a 5... Read more

This was an amazing trip thanks to Claudia and then Kristy, who made it all possible. My husband turned 50 on 12/31 and to make it a memorable birthday, we spent a week in Japan. We were off to a rough start due to the airline delay of 1 whole day! That made us miss a couple of planned events in Tokyo, but we still tried to make up for it. We are foodies, so we tried absolutely everything - from Japanese street food, to a local Ramen dive, to a preplanned multi course Teppanyaki place at a 5 star hotel in Kyoto. We visited a number of shrines and walked through the busiest shopping areas of Tokyo and Kyoto. Bamboo forest in Kyoto and a couple of parks (like Nara that has deer roaming around) were amazing. We also got the JR and metro systems figured out in both cities and were very comfortable getting around. Cat and mini pig cafes - fun! We will be bringing our sons with us next time and experience a different season in Japan. A day hike at Mount Fuji is in our plans for next time!

Hotel Reviews
Nishitetsu Inn Shinjuku
Tokyo

Very clean, friendly service. Breakfast was provided.

Authenticity & Character
We loved staying at authentic boutique hotels and this felt like one
Location
Close to everything we needed
Staff
Friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Small (which is to be expected in Japan) but cozy and very clean
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto Shijokarasuma
Kyoto

Great location, clean, very helpful staff. Breakfast is provided

Authenticity & Character
Small boutique hotel, very authentic
Location
Close to transportation and local dining and shopping
Staff
Helpful and friendly staff. Very accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and cozy
Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Eastside
Tokyo

Very nice clean place

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful design
Location
Design and character were unique. Larger of the few hotels we previously experienced in Japan
Staff
Helpful and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and cozy
Activity Reviews
Traditional Tea Ceremony
Traditional Tea Ceremony
Kyoto

This was one of our favorite experiences. We dressed up into authentic kimonos with the assistance of very nice staff who helped us expertly and expeditiously to look amazing. Then we walked through Kyoto’s cozy winding streets for a bit taking pictures. Then we experienced a very informative and fun tea ceremony with a lovely instructor. She was very friendly and explained all the details of what was involved in the making of a perfect cup of Matcha tea. We would love to bring our sons here next time.

Quality of Experience
Immersive experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very friendly and informative
Explore Arashiyama
Explore Arashiyama
Kyoto

We spent about half day at Arashiyama - walking through the bamboo forest and the adjacent park and shopping area. Very pretty, although I am certain it would be even more beautiful in other seasons (we were there at the end of December).

Quality of Experience
Amazing views, lots of photo opportunities
Local specialist: Claudia Martinez Sierra

Great experience!
Japan | Nov 17 - Nov 24, 2022

Kelsey
Kelsey S.
Lindenwold, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 01, 2022
Max was a great guide and we had a wonderful experience! There is so much history, culture, and delicious food to be had! Our stay on Mount Koya was an indescribable experience and it was something I’m super happy we had the opportunity to do. Read more

Max was a great guide and we had a wonderful experience! There is so much history, culture, and delicious food to be had! Our stay on Mount Koya was an indescribable experience and it was something I’m super happy we had the opportunity to do.

Hotel Reviews
Koyasan Saizenin
Wakayama

Something I never imagined having the experience to do but it was unforgettable. The communal bathrooms and specified shower times were interesting. Was happy to have the experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station
Kyoto

Beautiful, clean, great staff, great breakfast, and great location. The laundry self service was perfect!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shinjuku Washington Hotel - Main Building
Tokyo, Shinjuku

Exactly what we needed in Tokyo. Great location, great staff, delicious breakfast!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Visiting Osaka: The Gourmet Metropolis of Japan
Visiting Osaka: The Gourmet Metropolis of Japan
Japan

So much fun exploring this city and eating all the food! The local fashion and culture was really cool to experience and different than the other cities on our trip.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
7-day Ordinary JR Pass
7-day Ordinary JR Pass
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hakone Full-Day Private Tour By Public Transportation
Hakone Full-Day Private Tour By Public Transportation
Japan

Make sure to take the cable car to the top of the mountain for a view of Mt Fuji and black volcanic ice cream!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Traditional Kyoto
Traditional Kyoto
Kyoto

Max, our tour guide, was super knowledgeable! Beautiful city and we got to so and see so much in our short time there.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Japanese Buddhism, Mount Koyasan
Japanese Buddhism, Mount Koyasan
Mount Koya

Definitely was unaware of what I was walking into, but we got the full immersion experience by staying in a temple. You have to just fully go with it and enjoy the experience!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Claudia Martinez Sierra

Japan Honeymoon
Japan | Nov 17 - Nov 24, 2022

Jon
Jon P.
Cherry Hill, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 25, 2022
Our trip to Japan was perfect for our honeymoon! Our guide Max was knowledgeable, experienced, and help us navigate the complexities of getting around Japan. We especially enjoyed our trip to Koyasan and the hike with Max through the cemetery. Colas from kimkim provided excellent guidance and the preparation allowed for a smooth trip. We want to thank Colas for the honeymoon surprise he coordinated with our friend Whitney on our last night in Tokyo. This is a trip we will never forget... Read more

Our trip to Japan was perfect for our honeymoon! Our guide Max was knowledgeable, experienced, and help us navigate the complexities of getting around Japan. We especially enjoyed our trip to Koyasan and the hike with Max through the cemetery. Colas from kimkim provided excellent guidance and the preparation allowed for a smooth trip. We want to thank Colas for the honeymoon surprise he coordinated with our friend Whitney on our last night in Tokyo. This is a trip we will never forget and look forward to our next adventure with kimkim!

Hotel Review
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station
Kyoto

This is an excellent hotel within walking distance of the Kyoto train station.

Authenticity & Character
Japanese style breakfast
Location
Walkable to Kyoto train station
Staff
Nice and helpful staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean accommodations and ability to quickly do laundry
Activity Review
 Japanese Buddhism, Mount Koyasan
Japanese Buddhism, Mount Koyasan
Mount Koya

This was a very special part of our trip. Staying in the mountains amongst such a sacred place was part of the reason why it was so special. It was helpful to have our guide Max there to put the sights into context of history and importance.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Claudia Martinez Sierra