Amazing Trip Thanks to KimKim
Japan | Nov 10 - Nov 20, 2024

Joseph
Joseph F.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 21, 2024

We had a fantastic time in Japan and owe it all to Shona and the KimKim team. KimKim found the perfect balance for us. The hotels, guides, transportation, and sights were exactly what we wanted. We didn't have a good idea of how to tackle this ourselves since it was our first trip to Japan, and Shona guided us through the options of sights and activities, hotel service levels, guides and time on our own, and everything else. We were able to select options and hotels based on our budget, and the choices she helped us make turned out to be exactly what we were looking for. Everything ran perfectly, and we felt completely covered in every respect. We literally would not change a thing about the trip, and came away loving Japan.

Hotel Reviews
UNO HOTEL
Okayama, Tamano

Great alternative for those unable to stay on Naoshima island. Excellent facilities, and across the street from the ferry. Wonderful, friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
It is a great modern hotel, with all the amenities.
Location
across the street from the ferry
Staff
super helpful and friendly. Everyone spoke English
Cleanliness & Comfort
great modern rooms, super clean and well equipped.
Hotel New Otani Osaka
Osaka

Beautiful larger hotel. Very convenient for the Osaka Castle, and easy access for the city.

Authenticity & Character
nice and well appointed. Room got hot at night though.
Location
very close to the castle
Staff
very friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mikasa Ryokan
nara

Great hotel if you want the true Ryokan experience with public bath, futon sleeping and full Japanese meals.

Authenticity & Character
totally authentic in every way.
Location
easy access from Nara city
Staff
very friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
very clean. you have to be ready to sleep on futons
THE SCREEN - Boutique & Luxury Design Collection -
Kyoto

Super cool designer hotel.

Authenticity & Character
unique designs, large rooms, well appointed.
Location
across from the castle, but off the busy street so it is quiet.
Staff
very friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
very clean and comfortable, though seating in the room was very close to the floor, so not great for older people.
Shiba Park Hotel
Tokyo

great location, very attractive hotel, great service, great all around.

Authenticity & Character
Cool vibe, modern amenities, great mix of design and comfort.
Location
convenient, close to temples and activity, but super quiet on a side street.
Staff
unbelievably kind and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
the rooms are smaller, but are very comfortable and well appointed. very clean and cool feel to it.
Activity Reviews
 Gion District and Nishiki Market
Gion District and Nishiki Market
Kyoto

this was our favorite day in Japan. The Market is awesome to experience, and the Gion district has the most authentic Japanese feel of anywhere we went.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Miyama Village Tour From Kyoto
Full Day Miyama Village Tour From Kyoto
Japan

Very interesting area to visit, but not worth the driving time unless you have time to spare. Just not enough to it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Enjoy a Full Day Tour in Nara
Enjoy a Full Day Tour in Nara
Nara

Nara is an exceptionally unique place. The Buddhist temple is enormous and amazing, and the Shinto shrine is incredibly beautiful. All the while you are sharing the space with deer who roam about town.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Osaka

You have to do this if you are in the Osaka area. It is an amazing experience of sights, sounds, people and food.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ika was a fantastic guide.
Transport
Full day Tokyo city tour with Rikugien Garden
Full day Tokyo city tour with Rikugien Garden
Tokyo

Our itinerary of the Rikugien Garden, the Ginza district and the sky tower was perfect. Great launch into the Tokyo experience and fascinating to see.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day City Tour with  Osaka Castle
Full Day City Tour with Osaka Castle
Japan

Wonderful last day in Japan. The Castle is a fascinating history lesson and magnificent to see. The Peace memorial is moving and interesting. Walking the streets and shops was wonderful.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Shona Zhang