Japan trip- memories to last a lifetime
Japan
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Dec 27 - Jan 11, 2025
This was the second time we have used Kim Kim for traveling, and yet again the company they linked us with was excellent. Alan, our guide in Tokyo was extremely personable and his enthusiasm and love of sharing his knowledge made our time truly unforgettable. Slash was our guide for Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. While we appreciated his knowledge about the places we were visiting, his knowledge about what food areas to avoid as they were more for tourist experiences, and where to go for the best “real” Japanese food was always spot on. We could not have been happier with his suggestions. Our family left Japan with a better understanding of the culture, religion, and of course food! Visiting a variety of shrines, temples, and palaces along with a hands on bento box cooking class, private geisha tea ceremony where we had an opportunity to talk with the geisha and ask questions, and learning how to forge our own knives- literally we had so many wonderful experiences it is impossible to name a favorite one. Our family will 100% be using kim kim for our next trip!
Hotel Reviews
The Shiba Park Hotel in Tokyo was a nice place to stay. Initially, I thought we would have to take transportation everywhere, but it turned out most places were within walking distance, about a mile to a mile and a half away. The hotel was not located right in the heart of the action, but it was easy to figure things out. The staff was great, and overall, I was happy with the accommodation.
Tennen Onsen Renka no Yu Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo in Kyoto offered a phenomenal experience. The ryokan was very traditional Japanese, which made it quite memorable. We enjoyed the experience of dining on the floor and having the meal served in traditional style. Everything about this stay was wonderful.
Cross Hotel Osaka's location is unbeatable, nestled just a block from all the action and shops in Osaka. The convenience of being close to everything was fantastic. The unique vibe of this hotel compared to others in the trip really stood out. All in all, a great place to be and enjoy the city center of Osaka.
Activity Reviews
Our family loved learning about the history as well as the rituals. Knowing why shrines and temples vary on if one walks on the side versus down the middle of a path, how to properly make an offering and make ones wish, explaining amulets, fortunes, and the importance they have in religion.
Our family loved learning about the history as well as the rituals. Knowing why shrines and temples vary on if one walks on the side versus down the middle of a path, how to properly make an offering and make ones wish, explaining amulets, fortunes, and the importance they have in religion.
What an incredible view!!
Our family loved this experience! So unique, loved exploring our own path through the beautiful exhibit.
We enjoyed exploring all our options. The food was fantastic. We loved the sushi as well as the mochi, candied fruit, and wagyu!
Loved walking around the streets, seeing the shops, people, and of course the food. Getting to play with otters was unforgettable! At end of the day we went to Shibuya crossing.
Long day of traveling. Car, train, cable car, then ropeway. We were lucky and experienced the parting of clouds to reveal Mt Fuji in all its glory. A sight we will not soon forget.
This was actually our free day in Tokyo, we did not do these activities. We loved the free day and having time to explore Tokyo on our own. We also had a free day in Kyoto a d one in Osaka. Pictures are from those three free days
A very powerful day, the Hiroshima museum and peace park is something one should not miss. Miyajima Island, seeing the floating Torii gate and learning about the island was interesting and beautiful.
Really enjoyed learning the history and seeing the artifacts
The museum was small but interesting. After we had opportunity to explore streets and get some great food.
Family cooking class to make our own Bento boxes was lots of fun. We really appreciated that a vegetarian option was available for one of our family members.
Loved the opportunity to ask the geisha questions. Watching the tea ceremony was mesmerizing.
Our guide did not show us this shrine
Our guide told us this was not a good place to go for food, as it is often left out for hours. Our family explored this place on our own during free time, not eating, but shopping and exploring. We really enjoyed ourselves.
Loved getting to do this process from beginning to end. What a unique souvenir to bring home.
The gardens were closed. Our guide took us instead to another area of Tokyo, to the Kokyo Gsien National Garden
Deer park was great! Our guide skipped the sake brewery but took us to a restaurant for two flights of sake (15 in each flight)to share. The temple and shrine were breathtaking.
Our drivers throughout the trip were AMAZING. Photos are from New Years Day when we moved from Kyoto via the bullet train.
This was pointed out to us from the distance by our guide.
