Kimora Lee Simmons Says Kids' Trip To Japan Was For 'Taking In A Culture'

Kimora Lee Simmons is all she can to expose her kids to their culture and heritage!

Beyond the glitz and glamor that often define her life, the renowned personality has taken a refreshingly authentic approach to parenting. Embarking on a distinctive adventure, she opens up about their trip, emphasizing the importance of immersing in a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.

The model and her family proudly carry a heritage that spans both Korean and Japanese roots; a legacy passed down from her mother, a first-generation immigrant to the United States.

In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, the reality TV star shared that their time in Japan was incredible, and she made it clear from the outset that the trip was about embracing their cultural heritage. 

The entrepreneur expressed satisfaction in introducing her children to the country's wonders, especially after having visited the country numerous times for "work and modeling."

"Japan is vibrant, electric, and such a vibe shift! Watching them absorb their surroundings — the art, the food, the language, the fashion — was beyond rewarding. We're so blessed. They're already asking when we can go back!" the "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane" alum excitedly noted. Speaking about how she told her kids about the trip, Kimora stated:

"Before we flew there, I was clear from the jumpstart: 'This is not a vacation! This is a cultural trip! It's educational. We're not lounging and shopping. We're broadening our experiences and taking in a culture."

The 48-year-old also described Japan as captivating and a representation of their roots. The "For Love or Money" actress had previously shared Instagram photos featuring her and her five children exploring the sights of the East Asian country together. 

In the carousel, which began with a solo shot by a sizable lobster decoration, the mother-of-five showcased her impeccable appearance in a gray tank top, blue jeans, a silver necklace, several bangles, and had her hair in a bun. 

In the following picture, her eldest son Kenzo joined, playfully placing his arm around her shoulders. He also featured in a group photo with his sisters, all donning black round-neck shirts.

The fourth slide displayed a chef man holding Japanese cuisine, while the fifth displayed the "Brown Sugar" actress with a fruit. While Gray watched his brothers interact with sugar gliders on their arms in a shop, their mother held what looked like a hedgehog. 

Additional slides featured the "America's Next Top Model" former judge capturing a floral arrangement, a selfie with Ming and friend Ambria Whitlock, and a picture of her eating. Amid the array of images, she wrote in the caption, "Ohayo gozaimasu ???????," a formal Japanese greeting translating to "Good morning."

Responding to the post, one fan humorously remarked, "Look at all these kids - where's the mother - lol!!" Another commented on the first slide, saying, "Oh, that first slide is giving me typical 90s teen go-see modeling picture." Similarly, a third person inquired, "How is she aging backwards?" while a fourth gushed, "OMG Kimora, I grew up watching you, and you are still gorgeous." 

In her beautifully diverse family, Kimora proudly embraces her roles as a mother to daughters Aoki and Ming, born during her marriage to Russell Simmons, and a son Kenzo from her relationship with Djimon Hounsou. 

She also shares Wolfe, a product of her marriage to Tim Leissner, and adding a touch of uniqueness to her journey, the "Waist Deep" star also welcomed Gary into her family through adoption when he was just ten years old.

While her eldest daughters are stepping into the world of fashion, following their mother's path as models, the boys, on the other hand, prefer to maintain a more private presence. 

Besides Ming's modeling career, the 23-year-old showcases her unique style, travel snapshots, and moments captured with loved ones and friends to her Instagram followers. Meanwhile, Aoki made waves in 2019 when she garnered attention for securing her acceptance at Harvard University at 16. 

While showcasing athletic prowess and a basketball passion, Kenzo's notable trait lies in his compassion for others, demonstrating this through volunteer work in his community and for those in need.