Tailor-Made Trips to Japan

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Japan Travel Insights

Walk amid giant bamboo trees in Kyoto's enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Map of 5 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With five days to spend in Japan, you can focus your energy on the ultra-modern city of Tokyo. Or divide time between Tokyo and the more traditional Kyoto, visiting the country's most famous shrine. A more ambitious itinerary takes you to several cities, including Hiroshima and Osaka, while a simpler one centers on the culture and history of Kyoto. Alternatively, hike along the historic Nakasendo Trail, following the footsteps of feudal lords and samurai on the mountain path connecting Kyoto and Tokyo.

Blossoming sakura (cherry) trees and iconic Mount Fuji
Map of 1 Week in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Japan's efficient trains make it possible to see three regions in one week. First-time visitors will enjoy highlights that include futuristic museums in Odaiba, the temples and teahouses of Kyoto, and Hiroshima's memorials. Foodies and aspiring chefs will be delighted to craft noodles at a ramen factory, make (and eat!) sushi at the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, and sample street eats in Osaka, while outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Hokkaido's volcanic landscapes or a trek along the Nakasendo Trail.

Take to Tokyo's iconic streets and walk Shibuya's busiest pedestrian crossing
Map of 10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Thanks to Japan's efficient transportation, you can visit at least four regions in 10 days. First-timers will enjoy touring iconic sites in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Foodies can feast on sushi, sample Osaka's street eats, and try their hand at making gyoza. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto and an art tour of Naoshima island, while those eager to immerse in Japan's natural beauty can trek along the Nakesendo Trail, soak in natural hot springs, and bike Mount Aso.

Wander the streets of Kyoto on a classic two week trip covering the highlights
Map of 2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In a two-week Japan trip, divide your days among Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa for a highlights tour, or indulge in culinary delights with street food, tea ceremonies, and Michelin-starred dining. Those seeking traditional Japan should not miss Honshu's historical treasures, while off-the-beaten-path explorers will find solace in Izumo and the Goto Islands. Meanwhile, active travelers can challenge themselves with a trek to Mount Fuji's peak.

Discover Japan's Golden Pavillion or Kinkaku-ji temple in Kyoto
How Many Days to Spend in Japan

Japan is made up of hundreds of islands that extend for nearly 2,000 miles (3,210 km). How many days should you spend exploring, and where should you focus your time? From an action-packed four days in Japan to a leisurely three-week itinerary, here are some suggestions for making the most of your time in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Brilliant momiji maple at Nanzenji, Kyoto in late November
Best Time of Year to Visit Japan

Japan is famous for its Spring cherry blossoms and its changing colors in Autumn, but there are beautiful places to see in every season. Japan stretches from subtropical southern extremes to the northern reaches just across from Siberia, so with a little planning, you can find the right place to explore any time of year.

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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Japan
Travel specialist Angel Tang
active 5 mins 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...

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Travel specialist Sandy Ren
active 3 mins ago

Sandy Ren

I have been working as a travel specialist since graduating from college twenty years ago. Travel is my lifelong passion. It was such a thrilling thing to venture into a new world full of unknown...

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Travel specialist Shona Zhang
active 1 min ago

Shona Zhang

With strong passion for traveling,I worked as an English-speaking guide for 10 years with travel agent.I love to travel and communicate with different tourists from all corners of the...

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Travel specialist Eleanor Chen
active 21 mins ago

Eleanor Chen

Hello from Japan! I'm Eleanor, your local specialist with over a decade of experience in creating memorable travel experiences. With my passion for food, culture, and nature, I thrive on...

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Trip Reviews for Japan

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Japan during peak cherry blossom season
Japan | Apr 5 - Apr 14, 2025

Matt
Matt P.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Apr 23, 2025
We had a great time in Japan during peak cherry blossom season. Really enjoyed our tours in Kyoto and Osaka. Hotels were all well located. Read more

We had a great time in Japan during peak cherry blossom season. Really enjoyed our tours in Kyoto and Osaka. Hotels were all well located.

Hotel Reviews
RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bed was uncomfortable
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
Osaka
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza gochome
Tokyo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park Tour with a Boat Ride
Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park Tour with a Boat Ride
Kyoto
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi & Oishi Park
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi & Oishi Park
Tokyo

Not sure if it is worth the 2 hour drive from Tokyo since you may not be able to see the mountain due to cloud cover.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was great but driver almost fell asleep and it was a scary moment.
Transport
Driver almost fell asleep on the way back.
Kyoto Highlights: Kinkaku-ji Temple, Nijo Castle and Fushimi-Inari Taisha
Kyoto Highlights: Kinkaku-ji Temple, Nijo Castle and Fushimi-Inari Taisha
Kyoto

The guide was great, saw so much in one day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Japan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Sandy Ren
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Sandy and team were great. Highly recommended.
Japan | Apr 6 - Apr 21, 2025

Nikki
Nikki H.
Australia | Reviewed on Apr 22, 2025
Sandy and team were great. Some teething issues with being able to contact someone on the ground when we arrived due to connection problems and a late hour of night but all worked out and mostly smooth sailing from then on in. Our local guides: Kaiko, Kahori and a special mention to Masaaki san, were amazing. Masaaki was especially great and very understanding on our last full day in Japan when our kids (9 and 11) were tired after clocking over 20,000 steps everyday for two weeks. We... Read more

Sandy and team were great. Some teething issues with being able to contact someone on the ground when we arrived due to connection problems and a late hour of night but all worked out and mostly smooth sailing from then on in. Our local guides: Kaiko, Kahori and a special mention to Masaaki san, were amazing. Masaaki was especially great and very understanding on our last full day in Japan when our kids (9 and 11) were tired after clocking over 20,000 steps everyday for two weeks.

We especially loved the local and less touristy recommendations and Masaaki's ability to pivot at short notice due to bad weather. The kids absolutely loved the Toeii Film Studio!!

Hotel Reviews
Park Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto

This was our favourite hotel during the trip. Clean, quiet and well equipped rooms. The breakfast has a decent offering and the staff were friendly and helpful.

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

Superb location for Osaka sightseeing and shopping. Close to the metro and shopping streets. Hotel is clean and well appointed. Breakfast was the best on our trip. Only criticism is if you stay in a room on the street side rooms are noisy at night.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hiroshima
Hiroshima

Hotel is clean and comfortable enough. Breakfast is decent. Location is good for transport. Hotel is very busy though (Special mention to the staff running the breakfast room though, Japanese efficiency đź‘Ť).

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Rose Garden Shinjuku

Hotel is in a good location, close to central transport. Clean and comfortable. Sometimes a bit loud at night from street noise. Beds are comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park Tour with a Boat Ride
Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park Tour with a Boat Ride
Kyoto

We didn't get to the boat ride or the monkey park due to weather but the alternative was just as good if not better.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tokyo Day Tour with Tsukiji Outer Market & Senso-ji - East & Central
Tokyo Day Tour with Tsukiji Outer Market & Senso-ji - East & Central
Tokyo

A really good tour of the city, the personal explanation of the temple and shrine. Authentic Japanese paper making and traditional Nori making. We had a really great day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi & Oishi Park
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi & Oishi Park
Tokyo

Such a great day, we were lucky that the weather let us see Fuji all morning before the clouds came in. We loved our local Hotou lunch.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Sandy Ren
Photo taken by Nikki H
Photo taken by Nikki H
Photo taken by Nikki H
Photo taken by Nikki H
Photo taken by Nikki H
Photo taken by Nikki H
Photo taken by Nikki H
Photo taken by Nikki H
Photo taken by Nikki H
Photo taken by Nikki H
Photo taken by Nikki H
Photo taken by Nikki H
Photo taken by Nikki H
Photo taken by Nikki H
Photo taken by Nikki H
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Sandy
Sandy Ren
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 22, 2025
Hi Nikki and family, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that me and our team were able to provide a mostly smooth experience for you. It’s great to know that your local guides, especially Masaaki, made such a positive impact on your trip, accommodating your family's needs and offering flexible solutions to make the most of your time in Japan. We’re glad the kids enjoyed the Toeii Film Studio and the off-the-beaten-path recommendations! Thanks so much for your... Read more

Hi Nikki and family,

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that me and our team were able to provide a mostly smooth experience for you. It’s great to know that your local guides, especially Masaaki, made such a positive impact on your trip, accommodating your family's needs and offering flexible solutions to make the most of your time in Japan.

We’re glad the kids enjoyed the Toeii Film Studio and the off-the-beaten-path recommendations! Thanks so much for your feedback about hotels. Your insights are truly valuable to us, and we hope to welcome you back for next adventure in the future.

Best regards
Sandy

Read all Japan reviews

Amazing family trip to Japan 🇯🇵
Japan | Apr 9 - Apr 20, 2025

Elizabeth
Elizabeth H.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025
Ben did a phenomenal job planning my family trip to Japan! Our guides, Peter and Ursula, were very helpful as well! We can’t wait to book our next adventure with KimKim! Read more

Ben did a phenomenal job planning my family trip to Japan! Our guides, Peter and Ursula, were very helpful as well! We can’t wait to book our next adventure with KimKim!

Hotel Review
Lavista Tokyo Bay
Tokyo

Wonderful hotel for exploring Tokyo! Family friendly with great amenities!

Authenticity & Character
Location
I
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ben Tanaka
Ben
Ben Tanaka
Local specialist in Japan, China | Replied on Apr 22, 2025
Hi Elizabeth, Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm absolutely thrilled to hear that you and your family had such a wonderful time in Japan. It was truly a pleasure helping you plan this special trip, and I’m so happy to know that Peter and Ursula helped make your journey even more memorable. We’d be delighted to assist with your next adventure! If you—or any of your family or friends—are considering a trip to Japan or China, please don’t hesitate to reach out. These are our areas of... Read more

Hi Elizabeth,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm absolutely thrilled to hear that you and your family had such a wonderful time in Japan. It was truly a pleasure helping you plan this special trip, and I’m so happy to know that Peter and Ursula helped make your journey even more memorable.

We’d be delighted to assist with your next adventure! If you—or any of your family or friends—are considering a trip to Japan or China, please don’t hesitate to reach out. These are our areas of expertise, and we’d love the opportunity to help create another unforgettable journey.

Thank you again for your support, and we truly appreciate any referrals you send our way!

Warm regards,
Ben

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You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.