Leny Vergara

Really such a fantastic location to get anywhere you need in Kyoto and beyond. In the center of it all!

The public baths are a huge win! What a great hotel and location. But beware, there are a LOT of tours that stay here too, so there tend to be long wait times to the elevators or breakfast in the mornings.

As a huge Studio Ghibli fan, visiting the museum was an absolute dream come true. My tour guide, Michico, was incredible—so knowledgeable and passionate, and it made the experience even more special knowing she was a fellow Ghibli fan. She was truly a highlight of the trip! The museum itself is something beyond words—magical, whimsical, and full of surprises. It’s a must-visit for any Ghibli lover. I spent hours exploring, letting my inner child lead the way, and loved every minute of it.

Hakone is a beautiful and fun destination, but I realized that traditional ryokans aren’t for me. While the experience is unique and deeply rooted in Japanese culture—complete with traditional clothing and footwear—I personally found it a bit uncomfortable. For travelers who want an authentic cultural stay, I highly recommend trying a ryokan at least once. However, if you prefer familiar comforts, this experience might push you out of your comfort zone and could feel a little stressful. The site itself was amazing and the staff incredibly attentive.

I can’t rave enough about this Tea Ceremony experience! The women running the tea house were incredibly kind and generous with their time. What was supposed to be a 30-minute visit turned into an hour and a half of conversation, laughter, and exchanging stories with the staff. This was truly the highlight of my entire trip—an authentic, heartfelt experience that I’ll never forget. If you’re considering it, don’t hesitate. I recommend it 100%!

My tour guide, Ayuri, was absolutely amazing! I loved this entire tour—it gave me the chance to see areas that most travelers overlook because of the usual “tourism blinders.” Ayuri’s knowledge and passion made the experience unforgettable.

Wow, wow, wow—this experience was absolutely amazing! Learning about sumo wrestling directly from retired sumos was unforgettable, and then having them cook a delicious lunch for us? How cool is that! The sumos were hilarious, passionate, and so eager to share the history and culture of the sport. After the meal, we even practiced and had a match in the ring with them—which was hysterical fun and such a unique memory. 10/10 recommend, especially because our tour guide, Mayu, was so personable and an excellent translator, making the whole experience seamless and enjoyable.

Absolutely amazing! Brand new, right on Osaka Castle... A little walk to the metro but not bad. Breakfast was incredible. We will definately stay here again!

Incredible. the guide Akira Itoh was knowledgable and very friendly. An incredible visit!

Very neat learning about this neighborhood. The guide Michiko Aoyama was incredible - she was tireless and took us all over, to all the alleys of the neighborhood finding millinium old shrines. Great tour! And wonderful tour guide!

Very authentic--you are asked to wear your Kimono everywhere, including meals in the dining room. We had a private hot spring right in our backyard off the room. Sleeping on a mattress on the floor, the wonderful smell of incense everywhere, and a private garden are all part of the experience. The food is genuine Japan, fixed menu (at least it was for us). So make sure you are good with that.

Charming and original. A great boutique hotel located in a quiet neighborhood yet close to the riverbed and major restos and shopping. The staff is extremely friendly and attentive. Good, simple breakfast included, and very well appointed rooms. The Nintendo-history lounge is a must visit!

This is a SIX star hotel, really. Located in the heart of Tokyo, across from the US Embassy. Walking distance to the Metro as well. It's uber luxe to the max.

This is also a five star hotel located in the city of Osaka. Right on the subway line, connected to lots of shopping and restaurants so you don't even need to go outside.

Great foodie tour, centralized in one main area so not a ton of walking if that is a concern. Our guide was terrific and knowledgeable. Great foods as well, especially okonomiyaki.

Authentic, and fresh! This market is so much fun...lots of people, animation, and food to try!

A smooth bullet train from Osaka gets you here, to witness the history of the A-bomb. It's a must see, if only to understand the scale and impact that this had. Our guide was knowledgeable, and spoke great English.

You'll be tasting best of Japan in off-the beat and path locales. Sushi is at a small place where you stand and the chef makes it right there for you. All the prices for food were included in our tour. Plus--you get a general tour of Shibuya as well. This is a MUST SEE neighborhood. The throngs of young people are amazing, and of course the famous scramble!

Great guide who kept us informed about the history of Sumo, as well as how the practice was evolving during the course of the morning. We got a great seat if you get there early.

Very authentic mountainside hotel. Private garden, hotspring in our garden, sleeping on the floor and they give you a kimono to wear the entire time--even at dinner and breakfast!

The experience at this Inn is fantastic and well worth the out-of-the-way trip. We arrived late in the afternoon and would have enjoyed a few extra hours to enjoy the private insen (hot springs hot tub). They serve a wonderful, colorful, delicious dinner. Relax and enjoy the experience if you have the opportunity.

Great location. In the center of a very busy and active part of central Tokyo. Lots of people out all the time. Not noisy since the hotel starts on the 17th floor and goes up from there. The staff is good but the room is small. As usual for Japan the space is well allocated. Fine place to stay. Good breakfast with large buffet.

Very nice room with excellent staff. Good buffet breakfast. If you order anything from the front desk, it is delivered to your room quickly and efficiently by a robot that rings your room bell, greets you, and leaves with "have a nice day." Worth the stay for the experience of the future.

Very large room. Lots of modern conveniences. Great breakfast buffet. Really nice stay in every way.

Very disappointing. The only staff in Japan that was unfriendly and unhelpful. Hotel restaurant was very expensive and the staff there was not helpful. Would not even allow us to charge our meal to our room. Breakfast buffet was ok but not memorable. Also location is in the middle of a concrete jungle in Osaka--not much around the hotel.

The room was a bit small and the location is not central. The staff was very nice and friendly. Breakfast buffet was okay--not great but not bad.

We were not sure what to expect and we were surprised how great it was. The guide (Ray from Arigato Travel) took us to local restaurants in Tokyo that specialize in foods from other parts of Japan. Best sushi we had the whole trip. It was great fun and definitely recommend it.

Very old part of Tokyo is so different from the center of the city. Many quiet streets and also cemeteries. Very nice contrast and learned a lot. NIce guide.

Spent several hours watching the clouds over Mt. Fuji. Relaxing, fun, and well worth the time.

Definitely a highlight of the entire trip. Beautiful Japanese Inn with private onsen and delicious and colorful private dinner (Kaiseki). Totally not to be missed.

Delightful insight into old Japanese tradition. Loved the experience.

Very special experience with Geisha (Geiko) who answered questions openly and gracefully. Another do not miss moment.

Ride to airport was efficient and uneventful. On time--no problem.

An important visit certainly for Americans who share this historical moment with Japan. Moving and worthwhile. Miyajima is very pretty if a bit touristic.

The group that was supposed to pick us up went to the wrong terminal and we waited over an hour. That was not fun after the long flight from the U.S.

Osaka Castle is nice to see but the Meiji era museum was the best part of the day.

Great time

Magic made with Onsen

Excellent 4 star Centrally located

Mr.Kong and staff over and above accommodating

Loved the location! So convenient for good food in every direction of Asakusa! Close to the subway and so convenient to jump on the Ginza line to go to Shibuya or Ginza. The family suite was spacious. The kids loved the tatami mats room!

This was a bit more traditional than I expected and both the public and private onsets were very small. The outdoor onsen had so many mosquitos that ate me alive. The dinner and breakfast were delicious!

Loved this hotel! Great location close to the subway, Nikishi market, food and shopping. 7-eleven conveniently close too! The family suite was great for my kids and parents. Spacious and had everything we needed and more. The kids loved the tatami room! Having a washer/dryer was convenient. The happy hour was awesome and the coffee/tea machine was a great perk. The kids loved the bingo game for gacha ball prize too. Would definitely stay at Mimaru again!

The restaurants and food choices were great, but there was too much food! We would have enjoyed sampling food more than full meals at each stop. We were so full that by the 3 stop that we could hardly finish!!!

Great location, small room, and we LOVED the breakfast.

Our room was spectacular and service is excellent. Only downside is the breakfast at the hotel is not that good.