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Claudia Martinez Sierra

We specialize in creating tailor trips to Japan whether you already have in mind what you want to do or if you need help we are more than happy to discover Japan with you!

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Food experiences, honeymoon itineraries, and tailor-made trips!

Our mission is to create your ideal trip to Japan, experience everything you could imagine from a hike to the sacred pilgrimages in Shikoku, training as a real Samurai in Tokyo to enjoying a tea ceremony with tea masters in a traditional house in Kyoto. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"I was lucky enough to travel for the first time to Japan in 2016 as a student and I can not describe enough how much in love I fell with Japan! Since the first day, I knew I had to live here somehow, the city of Tokyo has a special atmosphere like nowhere else, the food, people, places, and sights from the city-life to more remote places like the Onsens (natural hot springs) in Hakone, Japan has everything to surprise you.

One of the things I enjoyed the most is the feeling of discovering something absolutely new, getting to know a whole different perspective of things, learning when you thought you knew everything.. is one of the best feelings in the world (Visiting Japan you will be 100% of the time discovering amazing this amazing country)

Wanting to help others to fall in love with Japan as much as I am and showing them all the amazing things they will discover I set myself the goal of returning to Japan.. and amazingly I did it! I am lucky enough to work in Japan Travel with a huge amazing group of experts and regional partners all over Japan who share the same love and passion in what they do like me!"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Everything you will experience here is out of the ordinary, the people kindness, warmth and let's not forget the views and the food!

When I first visited Japan I remember not even knowing how to use chopsticks (can you imagine that?!) I struggled a lot the first days, couldn’t speak the language, didn’t have many friends and was scared of everything, after a while I stopped being hard on myself I realized that these experiences are the ones that change you that traveling opens your mind to new things and that you discover a lot of yourself!

Being in Japan and traveling around the country made me live things that under other circumstances I would’ve been able to know. I discovered that my favorite food is Okonomiyaki (Osaka’s traditional dish, 100% recommend it) and drink (Milk tea) if you are a foodie Japan is the right place to visit, Japanese cuisine goes far beyond only sushi!

As a solo traveler, one of the things that made more impact on me while traveling in Japan is the safety you live here every day, the willingness of people to always help you out and the freedom that gives you to immerse in the culture of Japan"

Claudia is part of the following groups: Japan Travel Agents
One of the "hells" (hot springs) of Beppu
Explore Nature on the Island of Kyushu - 10 Days

Steaming hot springs, a smoking volcano, quiet canals, a ghostly island — on this 10-day adventure, you'll focus on outdoor attractions on the Japanese island of Kyushu. Start in the capital city of Fukuoka, day-tripping to peaceful Yanagawa, a Venice-like town laced with canals. Then spend several days exploring Beppu, famous for its natural hot springs, before continuing to the grasslands and mountains of Aso. Climb Mount Aso, Japan's largest active volcano, before wrapping up the trip in Nagasaki with a boat ride to a deserted island and a cable car journey to one of the world's best night views.

A quiet street in Kyoto
2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itineraries

With two weeks to spend in Japan, you can go on a classic tour around the country's highlights—including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima—or opt for an itinerary that focuses specifically on culture and history. Travelers with children love a family-oriented tour featuring hands-on activities, like sushi-making classes and a samurai sword-fighting course, plus visits to two major theme parks. Adventurous visitors opt for an off-the-beaten-path journey around Japan's hidden gems or an active trip around the country's wintry landscapes.

Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms
Japan Cherry Blossom Tour - 7 Days

The sakura, or cherry blossom, is the national flower of Japan and a symbol of renewal. If you're lucky enough to travel to Japan during the brief blooming season (spring), you'll be treated to the sight of pale pink flowers almost everywhere you look. This seven-day tour takes you to top sakura-spotting destinations in Osaka, Kyoto, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, with breaks for cultural sightseeing. You'll end the itinerary with a dedicated cherry blossom tour around Tokyo, including classic photo ops of Mount Fuji in the distance.

A street scene in Tokyo
Discover Japan's Cities - 7 Days

This weeklong journey focuses on Japan's busy cities, including ultra-modern Tokyo and historic Hiroshima. You'll explore the contemporary art scene, dine in a character café, walk around streets lit up with neon at night, and tour temples and historic sites. But the itinerary also features quieter experiences, featuring day trips to the shrines of Nara, a traditional village where you'll learn about the art of kimono design, and a lookout point where you'll get the best photo ops of snow-capped Mount Fuji.

Colorful Japanese Lanterns
Family Adventure in Japan: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto - 10 Days

Traveling together as a family is such a special experience, and this 10-day action-packed adventure is specifically designed with families in mind. From Kanto to Kansai, this trip takes you from Tokyo and its modern, bustling streets to Kyoto with its tight hold on tradition. It's the perfect way to take in all that Japan has to offer while having plenty of family fun.

The Kiyomizu-dera Temple overlooking Kyoto's skyline
Japan's Big Four: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hiroshima - 10 Days

This diverse 10-day itinerary leads you through Japan's four major cities. Start in Tokyo, exploring the city's ultra-modern technology and ancient monuments. Then head to the quiet shrines of traditional Kyoto, the buzzing food scene of trendy Osaka, and the historic landmarks and lively downtown of Hiroshima. Along the way, you'll visit beautiful islands and bamboo forests, sample regional delicacies on a food tour, see sumo wrestlers in action, and try locally produced sake and whiskey.

Recent trip reviews for Claudia

Birthday trip to Japan (Tokyo and Kyoto)
Japan | Dec 26 - Jan 2, 2023

Maria
Maria O.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023

This was an amazing trip thanks to Claudia and then Kristy, who made it all possible. My husband turned 50 on 12/31 and to make it a memorable birthday, we spent a week in Japan. We were off to a rough start due to the airline delay of 1 whole day! That made us miss a couple of planned events in Tokyo, but we still tried to make up for it. We are foodies, so we tried absolutely everything - from Japanese street food, to a local Ramen dive, to a preplanned multi course Teppanyaki place at a 5... read more

This was an amazing trip thanks to Claudia and then Kristy, who made it all possible. My husband turned 50 on 12/31 and to make it a memorable birthday, we spent a week in Japan. We were off to a rough start due to the airline delay of 1 whole day! That made us miss a couple of planned events in Tokyo, but we still tried to make up for it. We are foodies, so we tried absolutely everything - from Japanese street food, to a local Ramen dive, to a preplanned multi course Teppanyaki place at a 5 star hotel in Kyoto. We visited a number of shrines and walked through the busiest shopping areas of Tokyo and Kyoto. Bamboo forest in Kyoto and a couple of parks (like Nara that has deer roaming around) were amazing. We also got the JR and metro systems figured out in both cities and were very comfortable getting around. Cat and mini pig cafes - fun! We will be bringing our sons with us next time and experience a different season in Japan. A day hike at Mount Fuji is in our plans for next time!

Hotel Reviews
Nishitetsu Inn Shinjuku
Tokyo

Very clean, friendly service. Breakfast was provided.

Authenticity & Character
We loved staying at authentic boutique hotels and this felt like one
Location
Close to everything we needed
Staff
Friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Small (which is to be expected in Japan) but cozy and very clean
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto Shijokarasuma
Kyoto

Great location, clean, very helpful staff. Breakfast is provided

Authenticity & Character
Small boutique hotel, very authentic
Location
Close to transportation and local dining and shopping
Staff
Helpful and friendly staff. Very accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and cozy
Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Eastside
Tokyo

Very nice clean place

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful design
Location
Design and character were unique. Larger of the few hotels we previously experienced in Japan
Staff
Helpful and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and cozy
Activity Reviews
Traditional Tea Ceremony
Kyoto

This was one of our favorite experiences. We dressed up into authentic kimonos with the assistance of very nice staff who helped us expertly and expeditiously to look amazing. Then we walked through Kyoto’s cozy winding streets for a bit taking pictures. Then we experienced a very informative and fun tea ceremony with a lovely instructor. She was very friendly and explained all the details of what was involved in the making of a perfect cup of Matcha tea. We would love to bring our sons here next time.

Quality of Experience
Immersive experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very friendly and informative
Explore Arashiyama
Kyoto

We spent about half day at Arashiyama - walking through the bamboo forest and the adjacent park and shopping area. Very pretty, although I am certain it would be even more beautiful in other seasons (we were there at the end of December).

Quality of Experience
Amazing views, lots of photo opportunities
Local specialist: Claudia Martinez Sierra

Great experience!
Japan | Nov 17 - Nov 24, 2022

Kelsey
Kelsey S.
Lindenwold, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 01, 2022

Max was a great guide and we had a wonderful experience! There is so much history, culture, and delicious food to be had! Our stay on Mount Koya was an indescribable experience and it was something I’m super happy we had the opportunity to do. read more

Max was a great guide and we had a wonderful experience! There is so much history, culture, and delicious food to be had! Our stay on Mount Koya was an indescribable experience and it was something I’m super happy we had the opportunity to do.

Hotel Reviews
Koyasan Saizenin
Wakayama

Something I never imagined having the experience to do but it was unforgettable. The communal bathrooms and specified shower times were interesting. Was happy to have the experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station
Kyoto

Beautiful, clean, great staff, great breakfast, and great location. The laundry self service was perfect!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Washington Hotel Shinjuku
Tokyo, Shinjuku

Exactly what we needed in Tokyo. Great location, great staff, delicious breakfast!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Visiting Osaka: The Gourmet Metropolis of Japan
Japan

So much fun exploring this city and eating all the food! The local fashion and culture was really cool to experience and different than the other cities on our trip.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
7-day Ordinary JR Pass
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hakone Full-Day Private Tour By Public Transportation
Japan

Make sure to take the cable car to the top of the mountain for a view of Mt Fuji and black volcanic ice cream!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Traditional Kyoto
Kyoto

Max, our tour guide, was super knowledgeable! Beautiful city and we got to so and see so much in our short time there.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Japanese Buddhism, Mount Koyasan
Koyasan

Definitely was unaware of what I was walking into, but we got the full immersion experience by staying in a temple. You have to just fully go with it and enjoy the experience!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Claudia Martinez Sierra

Japan Honeymoon
Japan | Nov 17 - Nov 24, 2022

Jon
Jon P.
Cherry Hill, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 25, 2022

Our trip to Japan was perfect for our honeymoon! Our guide Max was knowledgeable, experienced, and help us navigate the complexities of getting around Japan. We especially enjoyed our trip to Koyasan and the hike with Max through the cemetery. Colas from kimkim provided excellent guidance and the preparation allowed for a smooth trip. We want to thank Colas for the honeymoon surprise he coordinated with our friend Whitney on our last night in Tokyo. This is a trip we will never forget... read more

Our trip to Japan was perfect for our honeymoon! Our guide Max was knowledgeable, experienced, and help us navigate the complexities of getting around Japan. We especially enjoyed our trip to Koyasan and the hike with Max through the cemetery. Colas from kimkim provided excellent guidance and the preparation allowed for a smooth trip. We want to thank Colas for the honeymoon surprise he coordinated with our friend Whitney on our last night in Tokyo. This is a trip we will never forget and look forward to our next adventure with kimkim!

Hotel Review
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station
Kyoto

This is an excellent hotel within walking distance of the Kyoto train station.

Authenticity & Character
Japanese style breakfast
Location
Walkable to Kyoto train station
Staff
Nice and helpful staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean accommodations and ability to quickly do laundry
Activity Review
Japanese Buddhism, Mount Koyasan
Koyasan

This was a very special part of our trip. Staying in the mountains amongst such a sacred place was part of the reason why it was so special. It was helpful to have our guide Max there to put the sights into context of history and importance.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Claudia Martinez Sierra