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active 9 hours ago

Leny Vergara

Hello! I'm Leny. Travel is my passion, and if you're anything like me, you believe the best adventures happen off the beaten path. Japan is the first country I lived in, and I fell in love with it. It's rich in culture, a paradise for foodies with consistently high-quality cuisine, and I adore speaking the language and even singing Japanese songs. There are countless places to explore.

My goal is to guide you through the Land of the Rising Sun, creating journeys that ignite your sense of wonder. Planning your travels with me means more than just booking flights and hotels—it's about crafting unforgettable moments. I pay attention to every detail, ensuring every part of your journey is as special as you are. I'm excited to start our adventure together!

How did you get involved in travel?

"My wanderlust began with living abroad, and the first country I called home was Japan. I spent four enriching years there before returning to Manila, then moving to Vietnam, and Bangkok, and eventually finding my way back to Japan.

Driven by a dream to see as much of the world as possible, I've visited 30 countries and counting. These travels have been a blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and exploration, seeking out the finest in landscapes, cities, restaurants, and island-hopping destinations. Beyond my personal travels, my passion for culture, food, and exploration has blossomed. It's fueled my love for travel and inspired me to create dream itineraries for clients, sharing my enthusiasm for unforgettable experiences."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"It isn't easy to name just one unique travel experience, as my travels have taken me to so many incredible places. Here are a couple that stand out:

Safari in South Africa was unlike anything I've ever done. Seeing wild animals up close was so exciting. And I'm happy to say I've already spotted three of the Big 5.

Then, waking up early for a sunrise adventure at Mount Batur in Indonesia was totally worth it. Riding up the mountain in a bumpy Jeep got my heart racing, but the view at the top was unbelievable. Watching the sunrise above the clouds was just incredible.

Rio de Janeiro is such an amazing city! Its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer truly amazed me. The friendly and helpful people made my experience even more special. One highlight was taking a Harley Davidson tour, including an interesting ride through the Favela during the day. Experiencing real Churrasco while watching Sugar Loaf Mountain was unforgettable. Exploring the lively streets and relaxing on the beautiful beaches at Barra and Ipanema created memories that will stay with me forever. Rio is absolutely unforgettable!
"

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

Recent trip reviews for Leny

Great experience!
Japan | Jun 17 - Jun 30, 2025

M
Mike R.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 01, 2025

Great experience! Leny was fantastic to work with and created an amazing family trip that we'll never forget!

Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Jul 02, 2025

Welcome back home, Mike! Thank you so much for sharing your kind feedback — I’m so happy to hear you had such a wonderful family trip. It was a pleasure to help plan it, and I’m sharing in your joy! I hope we’ll have the chance to work together again on future adventures.

Warm regards,
Leny

Extraordinary Japan
Japan | Jun 9 - Jun 20, 2025

Anette
Anette U.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025
We are so grateful to Leny for planning an absolutely extraordinary journey through Japan. Every moment—from the vibrant cities to the peaceful countryside—was filled with wonder, discovery, and joy. The itinerary was beautifully paced and thoughtfully curated, allowing us to experience both iconic highlights and more intimate, local treasures. What truly made the trip exceptional were the incredible guides and experiences Leny arranged for us. Each guide brought Japan to life in their own... Read more

We are so grateful to Leny for planning an absolutely extraordinary journey through Japan. Every moment—from the vibrant cities to the peaceful countryside—was filled with wonder, discovery, and joy. The itinerary was beautifully paced and thoughtfully curated, allowing us to experience both iconic highlights and more intimate, local treasures.

What truly made the trip exceptional were the incredible guides and experiences Leny arranged for us. Each guide brought Japan to life in their own unique way, sharing not only knowledge but heart. We felt connected, engaged, and constantly inspired.

There were a couple of small details around room types that could have used a bit more attention, but they were far outweighed by the richness and depth of the overall experience.

Thank you, Leny, for giving us a trip we will remember forever—with full hearts and deep gratitude.

Hotel Reviews
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi
Tokyo

Outstanding service from the moment you get out of your drive from the airport until you return home. Extraordinary location Pls me mindful the hotel is next to Tokyo transport station, some rooms hear the city noise.

Authenticity & Character
Every detail is thought off
Location
Staff
From restaurant, concierge front desk bell capitán all wonderfully helpful Thank you
Cleanliness & Comfort
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa

One of the most beautiful places I have been. The room was extraordinary

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful propery
Location
It is ok a bit far from a lot of the sights and at the same time very centric.
Staff
Very hard to communicate and connect to
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable extraordinary room
Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Jun 30, 2025

Hi Anette,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. I really appreciate your feedback, including your note about the room type. From the beginning, my goal was for you to enjoy this trip, and I truly hope it was a wonderful experience overall.

It means a lot to me that you and your son were able to share this time together. Thank you once, again!

Warm regards,
Leny

Great service for an amazing trip to Japan
Japan | Jun 14 - Jun 22, 2025

R
Raffaella S.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025
I was a little nervous initially booking through the platform, but I could not be happier. Leny made the process so easy suggesting best itinerary for our family trip to Japan. I was given options with an easy feedback process to finalise our trip. Once the trip started Leny ensured daily updates and reminders through WhatsApp which was extremely helpful. Each tour guide we had also reached out two days prior to meeting to double check I had the meeting information and go over the plan. We... Read more

I was a little nervous initially booking through the platform, but I could not be happier. Leny made the process so easy suggesting best itinerary for our family trip to Japan. I was given options with an easy feedback process to finalise our trip. Once the trip started Leny ensured daily updates and reminders through WhatsApp which was extremely helpful. Each tour guide we had also reached out two days prior to meeting to double check I had the meeting information and go over the plan. We had great tour guides, amazing experiences and a truly unforgettable trip! Thank you for making it all so easy!

Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Jun 25, 2025

Hello Raffaella and family,

Welcome back home! Your message truly made me smile. Thank you for that. I’m so happy to hear you had such a great time in Japan and that everything went smoothly. It was a real pleasure putting the trip together for you, and I’m glad it all came together just right. I’ll also be sure to pass along your kind feedback to our partner guides. They’ll be so happy to know how satisfied you were.

Whenever you're ready for your next trip, I’d be more than happy to help. Wishing you all the very best!

Warm regards,
Leny

Our experience with KimKim was fantastic!
Japan | Jun 4 - Jun 14, 2025

C
Carey R.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025
Our experience with KimKim was fantastic. From planning to guidance while traveling, we felt very supported. Leny was very helpful and made some last minute changes to accommodate us without hesitation. The local guides and hotels were great. The peace of mind that came with having Leny help plan and keep us on track enabled me to relax and enjoy my vacation! If you are on the fence about using KimKim, I would highly recommend. Read more

Our experience with KimKim was fantastic. From planning to guidance while traveling, we felt very supported. Leny was very helpful and made some last minute changes to accommodate us without hesitation. The local guides and hotels were great. The peace of mind that came with having Leny help plan and keep us on track enabled me to relax and enjoy my vacation! If you are on the fence about using KimKim, I would highly recommend.

Activity Review
Best of Shibuya Food Tour
Best of Shibuya Food Tour
Tokyo

My daughter and I loved this experience! Clara was such a great guide. We were able to experience a wide variety of foods from wonderful locations that would have been impossible for us to explore on our own in one evening! Her knowledge of the food and area was excellent and she shared so much that added to the experience. Would highly recommend!

Quality of Experience
Clara was fantastic!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
She was so friendly and knowledgeable!
Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Jun 23, 2025

Hi Carey,

I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed your trip to Japan! Thank you for letting me be part of this special mother-and-daughter trip! It was a pleasure working with you on the planning. My goal was really to give you peace of mind so you could fully relax and enjoy the vacation, and I’m so happy to hear that you did!

Warm regards,
Leny

Amazing Experience
Japan | Jun 3 - Jun 13, 2025

Eric
Eric m.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

There was not a negative aspect in any part of my travel experience. Leny gave a first class treatment and was there any time we needed anything along our trip. She made our 10 day trip to Japan as hassle free as one could make it. I will never plan a trip unless I have the help of Leny or the kimkim team. If looking to book a trip, rest in peace knowing you can make that journey and have everything you’ll need from start to finish. The knowledge Leny possessed and the tour guides she planned out for us were all 5 star experiences. Thank you for making our trip a true trip of a lifetime!

Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Jun 19, 2025

Hi Eric and Jaxon,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so happy to hear your and your son's trip to Japan was smooth and memorable. I’m truly grateful for your trust and thrilled that it felt like a trip of a lifetime. I'm here anytime you’re ready for your next adventure :)

Warmest regards,
Leny

You can count on Leny
Japan | Mar 10 - Mar 21, 2025

A
Andrea B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 01, 2025

Leny and her team were extremely responsive and always available for anything that came up during our trip. They made sure that we had everything we needed and followed up on any last minute changes that had to be made to the arrangements. Overall, they did a great job and we had a wonderful experience in Japan.

Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Jun 02, 2025

Hi Andrea,

Thank you so much! I'm grateful for your kind words. It means a lot to know you had such a wonderful time in Japan. I enjoyed being part of your trip and was glad to help with anything along the way. I hope we get to plan another adventure together soon!

Warm regards,
Leny

Japan 2025
Japan | May 15 - May 25, 2025

D
David S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 26, 2025
Leny did a great job planning and the whole team provided excellent support while we were in Japan. Read more

Leny did a great job planning and the whole team provided excellent support while we were in Japan.

Hotel Reviews
Dusit Thani Kyoto

Great hotel but the location is not ideal. Perhaps something in Gion would have been better.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Okura Tokyo
Tokyo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fufu Hakone
Hakone

Cool and interesting authentic Japan experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Aoyama Grand Hotel
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Mt. Fuji and Hakone Full Day Tour with English Speaking driver (Private)
Mt. Fuji and Hakone Full Day Tour with English Speaking driver (Private)
Japan

Harry was great and Hakone beautiful. But lots of car time -- maybe a bit too much.

Half-Day Tokyo Tour with English-Speaking Guide
Half-Day Tokyo Tour with English-Speaking Guide
Tokyo

Probably the weakest link in the itinerary. Guide's English was not great. We spent a lot of the day on the subway going from location to location, which could have been better curated.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Best Of Shibuya Food Private Tour - Evening
Best Of Shibuya Food Private Tour - Evening
Tokyo
Half-Day Kyoto Tour with English-Speaking Guide (Private)
Half-Day Kyoto Tour with English-Speaking Guide (Private)
Kyoto

Good, well-informed guide. But we really only saw the Nijo-jo castle,

Hidden Arashiyama Nature Half-Day Tour
Hidden Arashiyama Nature Half-Day Tour
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kyoto Nishiki Market Food Tour - Daytime (Private)
Kyoto Nishiki Market Food Tour - Daytime (Private)
Kyoto
Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on May 27, 2025
Hi David, Welcome back home! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback—I appreciate it. I’m happy to hear you enjoyed most of the experiences and felt well supported both in the planning and on the ground. I’ve taken note of your comments about the Tokyo city tour, especially regarding the guide’s English proficiency, and I’ll pass that along to our local team. We want every part of your trip to feel smooth and enjoyable. I also understand your thoughts on the Hakone... Read more

Hi David,

Welcome back home! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback—I appreciate it. I’m happy to hear you enjoyed most of the experiences and felt well supported both in the planning and on the ground.

I’ve taken note of your comments about the Tokyo city tour, especially regarding the guide’s English proficiency, and I’ll pass that along to our local team. We want every part of your trip to feel smooth and enjoyable.

I also understand your thoughts on the Hakone tour and the amount of time spent in the vehicle. Finding the right balance between sightseeing and avoiding busy tourist spots—as Harry preferred—is something we’re always working on, so your input is very helpful.

Thanks, too, for sharing that staying in the Gion area in Kyoto would have suited you better. While it can be quite busy, I had picked a quieter yet convenient spot—but it’s good to know your preference for next time.

We’ll keep all your feedback in mind as I continue to improve our trip planning. Thanks again for your insights, and I hope I get to help you plan another amazing Japan adventure in the future!

Best regards,
Leny

Best Trip Ever Thanks to Leny
Japan | Apr 4 - Apr 13, 2025

Dania
Dania K.
Italy | Reviewed on Apr 14, 2025
My trip to Japan was extraordinary because of Leny.
Hee daily follow up was so useful
Leny knew exactly what I had in mind. The hotels choices were excellent & a few footsteps away from restaurants and services.
Traveling by trains & navigating huge stations with lots & lots of crowds can be pretty intimidating but the detailed maps Leny provided made it very easy to do this.
The guide in Tokyo was excellent giving me detailed historical information about the shrines & shintos we...
Read more

My trip to Japan was extraordinary because of Leny.
Hee daily follow up was so useful
Leny knew exactly what I had in mind. The hotels choices were excellent & a few footsteps away from restaurants and services.
Traveling by trains & navigating huge stations with lots & lots of crowds can be pretty intimidating but the detailed maps Leny provided made it very easy to do this.
The guide in Tokyo was excellent giving me detailed historical information about the shrines & shintos we visited & came prepared with charts to explain the differences between shrines & shintos.
Marco the photographer was amazing choosing all the perfect locations for an excellent photo shoot.
My guide to Nara did a lot of research & came prepared with sheets & charts. I found this very sweet. Shows the real Japanese ethics & dedication to work.
Thank you Leny for creating the best travel plan for me & for making my first trip to Japan unforgettable.
You are the best!

Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 15, 2025

Hi Dania,

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with me—I’m really happy to hear the trip turned out to be everything you hoped for! My goal is not just to book authentic experiences but also to help make Japan easier to navigate and more enjoyable overall.

I truly appreciate you letting me be part of your journey, and I’d love to help again someday :)

Best regards,
Leny

Get Leny of Kim Kim for Japan & Korea. Don't do it yourself...!!!
Japan | Mar 14 - Mar 29, 2025

Tim
Tim C.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Apr 10, 2025
Most all websites and others say it takes about 14 days to really see Japan. Well, when you're working with Leny of Kim Kim and you tell her we only have 7, she put together a most amazing trip we ever took...!!!!
Everything went as plan with no hiccups...!! If you're a little phone savvy, good with GPS and directions then all it takes ...!!
We went from Toyko, Hakone, Kyoto, Hirashima then Osaka with only our backpacks...!!!! With all the walking tours & running around, I even lost 10...
Read more

Most all websites and others say it takes about 14 days to really see Japan. Well, when you're working with Leny of Kim Kim and you tell her we only have 7, she put together a most amazing trip we ever took...!!!!
Everything went as plan with no hiccups...!! If you're a little phone savvy, good with GPS and directions then all it takes ...!!
We went from Toyko, Hakone, Kyoto, Hirashima then Osaka with only our backpacks...!!!! With all the walking tours & running around, I even lost 10 pounds...!!!
The price was also very reasonable because we don't like 5 or even 4 stars hotels. All those we stayed in were clean and had everything we needed including washers and dryers...!!!
She also arranged out stay in South Korea as well, which that was also amazing. I told her i wanted to go see Busan as its use to be called Pusan when i was there in the Navy in 80-83. Our tour guide there show me the area the Sailors hang out, but it has really changed since then.
Don't take a chance on trying to do this yourself like i thought i was going to because you will not have a good experience.
Call the best in the business...!! Leny of Kim Kim...!!!!

Hotel Review
Gora Kansuiro
Hakone

This place was amazing....!!! The staff food private hot spring tub was the bomb...!!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was perfect...!!!
Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 10, 2025
Hi Tim and Ivonne, Thank you so much for the amazing review—it truly means a lot!
I’m so glad to hear you had such a fantastic time in both Japan and South Korea. It sounds like it was a full-on adventure (and wow—losing 10 pounds just from exploring? That’s impressive!). I'm happy I got to be part of a holiday that doubled as a workout. 😄 I enjoyed planning this trip with you, and it was great hearing your stories from your Navy days. I’m so glad we could include Busan in the itinerary. It... Read more

Hi Tim and Ivonne,

Thank you so much for the amazing review—it truly means a lot!
I’m so glad to hear you had such a fantastic time in both Japan and South Korea. It sounds like it was a full-on adventure (and wow—losing 10 pounds just from exploring? That’s impressive!). I'm happy I got to be part of a holiday that doubled as a workout. 😄

I enjoyed planning this trip with you, and it was great hearing your stories from your Navy days. I’m so glad we could include Busan in the itinerary. It was wonderful that it brought back those special memories for you.

If you’re ever planning another trip, I’d love to help again!

Warm regards,
Leny

Tokyo, Hakone & Kyoto Family of 3 Spring Break Trip
Japan | Mar 10 - Mar 18, 2025

Meredith
Meredith S.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Mar 19, 2025
March 2025: Just returned from a 8 night trip to Japan with my husband and 20 year old son. It was FABULOUSly well planned by Leny! Her recommendations were spot on with our pre-trip discussions and expectations. Our hotels in Tokyo, Hakone & Kyoto were lovely, in great locations and included a fantastic breakfast. Our private guides all spoke great English and were a delight to spend a few hours each day exploring local sights. Our transfers and daily reminders were flawless. Trip... Read more

March 2025: Just returned from a 8 night trip to Japan with my husband and 20 year old son. It was FABULOUSly well planned by Leny! Her recommendations were spot on with our pre-trip discussions and expectations. Our hotels in Tokyo, Hakone & Kyoto were lovely, in great locations and included a fantastic breakfast. Our private guides all spoke great English and were a delight to spend a few hours each day exploring local sights. Our transfers and daily reminders were flawless.

Trip Highlights:
Tokyo Tsukiji and Asakusa with Michiko
Tokyo Food Tour with Clara
Hakone Tour with Masa
Kyoto Arashiyama with Hiro
Koyto Dinner with a Maiko in Gion district with Josh
Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Shrine & Nishiki Market with Hiro
Nara with Yasuhisa

Plum blossoms were in bloom and beautiful :)

I highly recommend booking with kimkim!

Hotel Reviews
HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel
Tokyo

Great location!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Matsuzakaya Honten
Kanagawa

Destination experience of it's own!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Blossom Kyoto
Kyoto
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mitsui Garden Hotel Roppongi Tokyo Premier
Tokyo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Sushi Making Experience: Craft Authentic Sushi
Private Sushi Making Experience: Craft Authentic Sushi
Kyoto

Unique experience!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Best Of Shibuya Food Private Tour - Evening
Best Of Shibuya Food Private Tour - Evening
Tokyo

Clara is a great guide!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dinner with Maiko in a Traditional Kyoto Style Restaurant Tour (Small Group)
Dinner with Maiko in a Traditional Kyoto Style Restaurant Tour (Small Group)
Kyoto

Josh was great! The dinner with Maiko was an amazing, unique experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Half-Day Tokyo Tour with English-Speaking Guide
Half-Day Tokyo Tour with English-Speaking Guide
Tokyo

Michiko was a great local guide and knows how to get around the city with ease.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tokyo to Hakone Private Transfer: Mt. Fuji and Hakone Full-Day Tour with English-Speaking Driver
Tokyo to Hakone Private Transfer: Mt. Fuji and Hakone Full-Day Tour with English-Speaking Driver
Japan

Masa is a great driver and guide!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tea Ceremony in Kyoto (Private)
Tea Ceremony in Kyoto (Private)
Kyoto

Unique experience!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Relaxing Evening: Private Onsen and Kaiseki Dinner
Relaxing Evening: Private Onsen and Kaiseki Dinner
Hakone
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Nara Tour From Kyoto with English Speaking Guide (Private)
Full Day Nara Tour From Kyoto with English Speaking Guide (Private)
Japan

Yasu was an expert local guide and a pleasure to spend the day with!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hidden charms of Arashiyama
Hidden charms of Arashiyama
Kyoto

Hiro was great!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half-Day Kyoto Tour with English-Speaking Guide (Private)
Half-Day Kyoto Tour with English-Speaking Guide (Private)
Kyoto

Hiro was fantastic!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Mar 19, 2025

Hi Meredith, thank you for your sweet review and for taking the time to share your experience right after arriving back home. I'm so happy that you enjoyed this cherry blossom trip with your family! I’ll make sure to share your kind words with your guides. It’s also great to hear that all your stays met your expectations. I hope this trip was truly memorable, and I look forward to planning your next Japan adventure😊