First trip to Japan, 16 days, solo and it was AWESOME thanks to Kimkim and Shona my local guide
Japan | Sep 4 - Sep 19, 2024

Blue
Blue B.
Brookhaven, GA | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2024

I did my first trip to Japan, 16 days and all by myself. I found it incredibly challenging planning, navigating and booking the things I wanted to do. I had literally spent weeks researching experiences and reading reviews of tours and trying to figure out which ones to do before I gave up. So did another first - booked the whole thing through Kimkim. SO GLAD I did. Shona my local guide was amazing. She totally heard and understood my wants and needs and every step of the way was right there with answers and advice. The tours and experiences she booked were exactly what I wanted and all were excellent, and it all stayed in my budget. I'm absolutely going to book every trip through Kimkim from now on.

Hotel Reviews
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, A Pan Pacific Partner Hotel

Everything was great but the most wonderful was the concierge service. On my last day, I checked out, checked my luggage and asked for advice on where to get a haircut in the hour and half I had left in Tokyo. The most wonderful lady assisted me, booked my cut at the salon she goes to and got me a car. When I got back I looked fabulous and thanked her, wish I remembered her name but it seemed everyone at that hotel had the same eagerness to help. Two more things; the Japanese breakfast and rolled omelets at the buffet were amazing, and the in room amenities were superb. I'll be back.

Authenticity & Character
Japanese breakfast, kindness of staff
Location
Walking distance from the train station and so many local attractions
Staff
Totally available to help with anything and so kind
Cleanliness & Comfort
Totally clean and really nice, new, crisp cotton pajamas
Kamesei Ryokan

The experience here was so beautiful i'm a bit at a loss for words. Tyler and his wife are such wonderful beautiful people. The food was literally some of the absolute best I've ever had. The baths were clean and incredible. Beds and bedding fabulously comfortable. I'll be back.

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

Absolutely the best hotel buffet EVER. Location is walking distance from the most interesting neighborhoods. I could stay there years and have more to explore.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Sep 24, 2024

Hi Blue,
Thank you for your feedback and for your trust and support in our work. We will work even harder to provide better service for valued guests like you. All the best wishes to you and your family, and I look forward to seeing you on your next trip to Japan.
Best wishes
Shona